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CCR Architecture Logo

Project Type: Graphic Design

University of Alabama Capstone Learning Academy

For their faculty, staff, and students, The University of Alabama made it their mission to provide a nationally accredited child care program by partnering with KinderCare Education at Work.

The former Northington Elementary school provided the University of Alabama with a 15,733 SF space for classrooms and support spaces and a 6,358 SF covered outdoor space for a playground.

The renovated facility now provides five nationally accredited child care programs for 250 infants and children aged 6 weeks to 5 years.

Understanding the vitality of using every square foot with intention, our team conducted extensive programming assessments with the university.

 

Inside the front doors, tree-like structures, green sound-dampening panels, and colorful flooring provide a playful reception area and an indoor play area for children.

Our team was tasked with reflecting a neutral, calming environment in paint selections, flooring, and wooden accents.

Each room is catered to fit the children’s interests and needs. Hand-picked finishes make each room unique to its intended age group.

A set of three custom wall graphics were designed to differentiate the rooms.

CCR worked closely with KinderCare and the University of Alabama to ensure the safety of children attending the Capstone Learning Academy. Interior windows were high on the list of priorities to allow optimal transparency of the classrooms.

In the corridor, children are greeted with a custom wall graphic of an elephant family to allude to the native home of the University of Alabama mascot.

Felt sound-paneling elements and elephant wall graphics line the hallways to set the sub-Saharan tone in the remainder of the facility.

Once completed, The University of Alabama Capstone Learning Academy filled an immediate need for the staff, faculty, and students of the UA community. With an emphasis on early academics, physical activity, and emotional learning, the KinderCare partnership is sure to provide excellent child care for years to come.

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Total Dermatology

Total Dermatology is a full-service medical, surgical, and cosmetic clinic with a holistic approach to patient wellness.

The practice’s aesthetic spa, Total on 1st, is located on the first floor of the historic Woodward Building in downtown Birmingham. This project completed the renovation of the first floor and moved the dermatology office to the floors above.

Through elevated aesthetics and the alignment of functions, the design increases providers’ efficiency, enhances patient privacy, and creates an upscale, patient-focused experience.

Organic forms, calming colors, images of nature, and custom graphics create a soothing atmosphere for patients and staff. Acoustic panels divide large waiting rooms into smaller areas for a more comfortable experience.

Custom film featuring the practice’s flower logomark obstructs the view from public and staff spaces into patient spaces.

The design utilizes modular wall systems that allow future aesthetic and maintenance modifications that eliminate in-place construction.

Cabinets, cushioned benches with a storage drawer below, and wardrobes offer places for materials and patient belongings to be secure and tucked away.

Integrated TVs feature promotional advertisements and custom, writeable wall graphics provide a place to document important procedural information.

Corridor touchdown spaces have integrated locking cabinets for supplies and machinery and allow for efficient restocking of the exam rooms.

Staff spaces are tucked away from the patient areas and incorporate organic forms in curved furniture, soffits, lighting, and a custom-built conference table.

We worked closely with the client throughout the design process and provided renderings to communicate our ideas and aid in decision making.

The provider and staff offices have a clean, minimal aesthetic.

Using a combination of wood-look paneling and white panels that tie into the existing perimeter wall minimized expense and eliminated the long lead times and long construction times of traditional millwork.

A divider partition between the CEO and CFO offices provides options for privacy and quick collaboration in an otherwise limited space. Integrated whiteboards and a writeable film on the divider partition offer surfaces to brainstorm ideas and strategize.

A first-floor break room provides a space for Total on 1st and Total Dermatology staff to connect and recharge.

Guided by the philosophy that self-care is about health, not just cosmetics, the design of Total Dermatology’s medical office provides an upscale experience that prioritizes patients’ physical and emotional needs.

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Graphic Design

Branding Cotton Creek Warehouse We developed the logo for Cotton Creek, a mixed-use development in Cullman, Alabama that was designed and built around a creek. The grey color field that represents the creek in the logo was replicated in the paint scheme on the exterior of the building. Birdies Chicken Salad Co. We worked with…
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As a full-service design firm, we are able to provide our clients with a complete design that encompasses a building’s exterior, interior, and graphic opportunities.

Our graphic designers are experienced in developing branding systems, wall graphics, signage, and various marketing materials to enhance a project’s visual interest, cohesiveness, and functionality.

Below are few recent examples of our team’s capabilities.

Branding

Cotton Creek Warehouse

We developed the logo for Cotton Creek, a mixed-use development in Cullman, Alabama that was designed and built around a creek. The grey color field that represents the creek in the logo was replicated in the paint scheme on the exterior of the building.

The Battery

The Battery’s brand system references the building’s history as the Birmingham Electric Battery Company and provides a bold, modern color palette used for wayfinding and highlighting the various tenant spaces.

See the project

Birdies Chicken Salad Co.

We worked with Birdies Chicken Salad Co. in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to design logos for various applications, exterior and interior signage, t-shirts, posters, and a branding guide for the restaurant’s use.

Wall Graphics

Total Dermatology

This dermatology clinic features custom wall graphics in the waiting areas, corridors, and patient rooms. In addition, we created a custom film with the practice’s flower logomark to obstruct the view into patient spaces.

See the project

UAB Early Learning Center

Custom wall graphics in each classroom provide color and imagery catered to each age group. Classrooms for infants and toddlers feature bold, geometric patterns. In the classrooms for older children, the graphics include letterforms and detailed nature illustrations.

See the project

Dunn Construction

Custom wall graphics of machines and process plants stretch down long corridors to illustrate the company’s identity and give visual texture and pattern to the space. The scale of these graphics also reflect the large scale of Dunn Construction’s work.

See the project

Signage & Wayfinding

RMR 4×4

The brand system for RMR 4×4 reflects the luxury truck dealership’s emphasis on outdoor adventure. Branded murals highlight the main entrance and serve as the primary exterior signage for the building.

See the project

The Hollywood

We designed the development’s eye-catching, retro-inspired monument sign that plays a key role in inviting onlookers from the busy Highway 280 traffic.

See the project

BHM Airport Exit Lanes

Using the existing BHM branding and graphic system, we designed the new BHM Exit Lanes with increased visual interest and wayfinding cues for airport visitors.

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UAB Hilton Lobby

Before

The renovation of the UAB Hilton lobby and grand staircase created a clean, luxurious space with a professional and collegiate feel.

The lobby is often a university visitor’s first impression of Birmingham and of UAB, so the material palette uses black iron accents and UAB’s green to establish a strong connection to Birmingham—The Iron City—and to the university.

Before

Previously dark and dated, the renovated lobby features high-contrast textures and materials that create four defined zones of use: reception, café, lounge, and waiting.

High-quality furniture, textile selections, and custom wall graphics give each area a comfortable, friendly character.

Seating at the bottom of the renovated grand staircase creates space for hotel guests, visitors, and event attendees to work or relax.

Before
After

Bright green canopies provide shade on the outdoor deck and reference the UAB brand system.

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UAB Early Learning Center

Operated by the university to offer employees safe, high-quality, and convenient on-campus child care, UAB’s new Early Learning Center was designed to accommodate over 200 children, which doubled the capacity of the previous facility.

The Early Learning Center includes 18,407 square feet of classroom and operational space and a 9,700-square-foot outdoor playground.

Centered around the outdoor playground and indoor play area, the design includes separate spaces for infant, toddler, and preschool age children.

The design of the indoor play area was inspired by a treehouse. A hollow, elevated area representing a tree trunk provides children a place to sit and look out to the activity on the outdoor playground.

Hanging acoustic panels represent the leaves of the tree and clouds. These panels soften the space, add color, and dampen the sound in this area.

Turf hills, ropes, and various hand and foot holds encourage safe climbing.

Nestled between the arms of the building, the outdoor playground is the heart of the facility.

The space is divided into two main play areas to accommodate different age groups and features shade structures throughout.

Surrounded by views from various classrooms and the indoor play area, the playground feels connected to the whole building.

The location of the playground creates a sense of activity throughout the building and allows for constant adult supervision.

Design decisions in the classrooms, including the custom wall graphics, were catered to each age group.

In the older classrooms, child-size bathroom stalls and hand washing stations give children a sense of independence while remaining in view of the teacher.

Additional amenities such as a car seat storage room, break room, and a wellness room provide spaces catered to support parents and staff.

Investing in this new facility and offering UAB faculty and staff discounted child care reflects the university’s dedication to supporting a positive work-life balance and commitment to the personal and professional success of its employees.

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Total on 1st

This renovation of the first floor of the historic Woodward Building in downtown Birmingham houses a clinical spa that offers the most advanced non-invasive treatments for the body, face, and skin.

Soft, fluid forms and earthy, sophisticated Italianate tile and bronze materials reference the practice’s branding, the Neolithic earth goddess, fertility symbols, and the rivers of life. Flowing water features, scented air, and soothing sounds enhance the visitor experience.

The entrance lobbies and treatment bar are bright and open with views to the busy street outside.

Inside the main entrance, visitors are greeted at a curved desk with water imagery and the spa’s branding projected on the wall above.

The large, curving walls are coated in a shimmering, iridescent plaster and conceal the waiting room and clinical spaces, creating separation to ensure privacy and relaxation.

The lighting and materials in the waiting room, hallway, treatment rooms, and restrooms create a quiet, soothing environment.

Shelves inspired by the shape of a water droplet display skincare product offerings.

Behind the retail area, the oval-shaped waiting room is covered in a custom wallcovering inspired by the spa’s branding, and oval windows allow a limited amount of natural light into the space.

Taking inspiration from water and elements of nature, the space provides a place of relaxation and respite from the busy downtown environment just outside its doors.

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Dunn Construction

The renovation of Dunn Construction’s home office created an energetic space and improved functionality through the use of glass and the reconfiguration of areas such as reception, conference rooms and break rooms.

Painted steel, polished concrete and strong yellow accents give the space an industrial style.

Custom wallcoverings of machines and process plants stretch down long corridors to illustrate the company’s identity and give visual texture and pattern to the space.

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The Battery

The existing buildings and structural frames were rehabilitated to extend their service life well into the future. Replacement storefront windows were designed to maximize daylight while honoring the utilitarian history of the buildings. A bright yellow staircase and coordinating tenant entry doors were provided to contrast with the new exterior building finishes.

The Battery is an adaptive reuse of a collection of attached BEBCO (Birmingham Electric Battery Company) buildings previously used for automotive repairs and servicing located at 2nd Avenue South and 22nd Street.

Taking advantage of the timber-framed structural bones and thick load-bearing masonry walls, this building has been transformed into an energetic entertainment node in the city.

Before
After

The project included transforming the original structure into a newly defined building envelope, the development of multiple tenant spaces within the newly defined shell, and removing less valuable structures for an on-site parking lot.

The existing buildings and structural frames were rehabilitated to extend their service life well into the future. Replacement storefront windows were designed to maximize daylight while honoring the utilitarian history of the buildings.

A bright yellow staircase and coordinating tenant entry doors were provided to contrast with the new exterior building finishes.

The heart and soul of this redevelopment is a sheltered courtyard with timber framed structure and rehabilitated warehouse windows along the alley side of the courtyard.

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RMR 4×4

RMR 4×4 is a renovation of an existing welding and fabrication shop into a luxury, pre-owned Land Rover dealership.

The owners of RMR wanted a place that could house their automotive inventory indoors as well as a space that could accommodate social gatherings for their many repeat customers.

Before
After

The office showroom has an industrial vibe with redwood plank accent walls, custom redwood cabinetry, concrete counter tops and a reclaimed galvanized wash basin sink that add warmth and character to the space.

Murals depicting the company branding and a new entry canopy revive the exterior of the building.

Large glass garage doors were added to provide fantastic day-lighting and the ability to change the showroom display cars easily.

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The Hollywood

Both feature a corten exterior skin with bright aluminum accents for awnings and window framing that helps transform the derelict building into a contemporary and fresh shopping experience.

Together, The Hollywood and Beal Bank tell the story of revitalization to a once neglected corner.

Before
After
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