By Cary Estes, Business Alabama
Founded by Tammy Cohen in 1996 as a one-person architecture and design firm, CCR Architecture & Interiors has spent nearly three decades helping shape Birmingham’s growth. Joined early by Richard Carnaggio and Karen Reynolds, Tammy built the firm around a mission of investing in the city through thoughtful redevelopment and community-focused design.
CCR’s first community impact came through historic renovations along Second Avenue North, helping transform a largely vacant corridor into a thriving destination for businesses, restaurants, and housing. Since then, the firm has played key roles in projects including SoHo Square in Homewood, the historic renovation of the City Federal building, 20 Midtown, Lakeview Green, and Lakeview Marina—each helping spark broader economic and community growth.
Today, CCR remains a boutique firm of 20 employees working across diverse sectors. Among its most significant recent projects is the new 16th Street Baptist Church Visitor and Education Center. Designed to honor the church’s pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and accommodate visitors from around the world, the center expands tour capacity and provides spaces for reflection, education, and community gatherings.
CCR’s greatest achievement is seeing how their thoughtful design can transform neighborhoods and create vibrant, people-centered places that strengthen Birmingham for future generations.
It’s so exciting to see the impact of how one little corner can radiate out. It’s slow growth, but very impactful, and it’s rewarding to see that come together.
Tammy Cohen, President
Learn more in the article published by Business Alabama.