Our History

CRA has provided superior architectural and engineering services for clients throughout North Carolina for almost 60 years.

Founded in 1965 as Construction Engineers, Inc., and now operating as CRA Associates, Inc., the firm is currently led by Andrew R. Cruickshank, AIA, LEED AP, and Theodore B. Clippinger, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP. Our firm’s work in the early years focused on commercial projects, working with local developers to deliver office buildings, hotels and shopping venues to serve the expanding population at that time. Starting in the mid-1980’s, we began to develop a strong resume of collegiate athletic projects throughout our home state of North Carolina. We take great pride in these athletic and recreation facilities that have improved the quality of student life on campus for decades. In the early 1990’s CRA helped lead the effort toward the design of sustainable facilities.  Our designs for high-performance schools, municipal and county government facilities reflect our sensitivity to sustainable building practices that has been developed over time in each community in which we work. Extensive use of natural day-lighting, rainwater collection and reuse systems, solar thermal and photovoltaic panel systems are integrated into all our public work projects. Our commitment to our client’s satisfaction has enabled us to develop long-lasting partnerships leading to the development of successful, award-winning projects that have improved the lives of many.  We are proud of our accomplishments to this point and are looking forward to assisting you.

Firm Principals

Andrew R. Cruickshank, AIA, LEED AP

Andrew R. Cruickshank, AIA, LEED AP

President

Since joining the firm thirty years ago, Andy’s work has, in large part, focused on projects for collegiate athletics and recreation. He has a wide range of experience designing stadiums, arenas, and practice venues for almost every type of NCAA sports program. His ability to successfully manage complicated projects with many different stakeholders and demanding schedules is one of the reasons his work is valued by our many repeat clients. Andy grew up in the Triangle and graduated with honors from NC State University.
Theodore B. Clippinger, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Theodore B. Clippinger, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Vice President

With more than three-and-a-half decades in the field of architecture, Tedd’s career has been rich in experience. Along with CRA’s work types, he has honed his expertise through a variety of sectors including Clean and Advanced Process Manufacturing, Advanced Technology, Life Sciences, Laboratory, Healthcare, Senior Living, Community and Mixed-Use Development, Multi-Family, Residential, Commercial, Office, Religious, Hospitality, Restaurant and Master Planning.

To further strengthen his understanding of the design and building process and develop his ability to work with people, Tedd has embraced being a lifelong learner; he has a passion for leadership development and enjoys mentoring aspiring professionals. Tedd is a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and holds licenses to practice architecture in ten states.

Kenneth E. Redfoot, AIA, LEED AP

Kenneth E. Redfoot, AIA, LEED AP

RETIRED

Join us as we congratulate Ken for a full and successful career in Architecture! He officially retired from CRA in early January 2026. We appreciate Ken’s years of dedication to CRA and its clients and wish him a relaxing and enjoyable retirement.

100 Europa Drive, #565, Chapel Hill, NC 27517

(919) 401-8586

info@cra-ae.com