CAI Commercial Portfolio

Commercial Portfolio

About

Christopher Architecture & Interiors (CAI) is a luxury design firm specializing in Custom Residential, Boutique Commercial, and Estate & Land Planning.

Who we are

We craft meaningful designs, striving for timeless beauty and elegance for our clients who desire an inspiring product and fully customized experience.

With an award-winning, multidisciplined staff, we are uniquely qualified and passionate about creating transformative spaces. Our team members uniquely integrate across disciplines — architecture, interiors, and landscaping — to create a cohesive environment that reflects each client’s specific vision. We believe a seamless blend of responsive architecture and thoughtful interiors beautifies our surroundings and improves our life experience. We find joy in collaborating with clients who are passionate about design and are dedicated to uncompromising excellence.

Collaborative Efficiencies

Typically design firms handle the architecture and interior design components separately or at different phases, but we offer both services concurrently. This specialized ability to provide a unified design approach enables CAI to ensure exceptional congruency in design, extreme efficiency of production, and unsurpassed results. By integrating, our end product is more symbiotic but also our fees on average are 20% less than when offered separately.

How we work

Experience has taught us the strongest design outcomes are achieved by prioritizing our client’s needs and aspirations. We believe every project has unique constraints and opportunities; therefore, we begin our design process by carefully examining the owner’s brief. From here we tailor our design team to best meet the project’s specific needs.

At CAI collaboration is at the heart of everything that we do, and we focus our combined passion and talent on crafting environments that fulfill your goals and objectives.

Reasons to Consider CAI

– Award-winning design team

– A strict commitment to excellence

– Fastidious attention to details

– Impeccable documentation

– Uniquely integrated architecture and interior design methodology

– Commitment to building enduring structures and lasting relationships

– Proven track record of adding value to the built environment

– Efficiency in deliverables and cost savings with integrated services

– Creation of investment-grade legacy projects

– Client liaison throughout the project and beyond

– Customizable contract options

– Iterative Design Process

– Collaborative and inclusive client and design team approach

Interior Furnishings & Decor

To complete the design of your space, we encourage our clients to utilize our interior furnishings and decor services. Every project is customized to meet our clients’ needs. We work with you to establish budgets, timelines, and installations accordingly. By offering these services, we ensure furnishings and decor enhance the space’s overall design aesthetic.

Project Customization

Every project is as unique as your vision and the site it is built on. For this reason, we offer customized options based on the owner’s programmatic needs and requests. Typically, our design services integrate architecture, interior design, decorating and procurement. However, since each project is unique, we will tailor our services to meet your needs.

Services

Due to the distinct nature of every project, we can offer a tailored experience to meet each client’s programmatic needs and requests. The following lists offer insight into our service offerings. Incorporating all services will ultimately create the most unified design, but we can also provide architecture, interior design, decorating and procurement services independently. We are happy to tailor the most appropriate scope of services for your project’s needs.

Architectural Services

Client Briefing

Contractual Agreement

Site Inventory and Analysis

As-Built Drawings

Regulatory Authority Coordination

Code Analysis

Master Planning and Feasibility Studies

Architectural Programming

Project Scheduling

Project Phasing

Concept & Schematic Design

Material Selection

Consultant Engagement, Management and Coordination

Project Budget & Cost Analysis

High-end photo-realistic visualization services (Animations and/or still images)

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

High Quality Design Presentations

Design Development Drawings

Construction Drawings

Architectural Detailing

Material Specification

Construction Administration

Construction Reporting

Shop Drawing and Submittal Review

Professional Photography (In-House or Out-Sourced

Post Occupancy Evaluation

Interior Architecture Services

Client Briefing

Programming

Concept & Schematic Design

Project Budget & Cost Analysis

Project Scheduling

Space Planning

Mood Boards

Design Development Drawings

Electrical Plans and Lighting Layout

Interior Elevations

Cabinetry Design and Detailing

Interior Detailing

Moulding Selections

Plumbing Fixture Specifications

Appliance Specifications

Finish Selection and Scheduling

Decorative Lighting Selections

Door & Cabinet Hardware Selections

Consultant Coordination

Construction Administration

Construction Reporting

Shop Drawing and Submittal Review

Professional Photography (In-House or Out-Sourced

Post Occupancy Evaluation

High-end photo-realistic visualization services

Decor & Procurement Services

Existing Furniture Inventory

Furniture Selection, Specification, and Curation

Custom Furniture Design and Manufacturing

Art and Accessory Packages

Window Treatments

Wall coverings

Rugs

Purchase Order Review

Procurement of Furnishings and Accessories

Installation of Furniture and Accessories

Photography Coordination and Styling

Professional Photography (In-House or Out Sourced)

Seasonal Decorating

Event Planning & Decorating

Appliance Specifications

Our Team

With an award-winning, multi-disciplined staff of architects and interior designers, we are uniquely qualified and passionate about creating transformative spaces. Our design talent is only as good as our ability to develop a product to complement our client’s vision.

Chris Reebals President & Principal Architect AIA, NCARB, ICAA

Mack Braden Vice President & Studio Operations Director AIA, NCARB

Ria Neill Vice President & Design Director AIA, NCARB

Carleone Posala Director of Commercial Architecture MArch, BAS, NDAT, AIA Associate

Whitney Tingle Director of Interiors RID, IIDA, NCIDQ

Leigh Ann Harris Director of Product & Procurement RID, IIDA, NCIDQ

Brittany Noe Architectural Project Designer

Ashley Carroll Project Designer

Bailey Founds Project Designer

Cristen Cagle Senior Interior Designer

Clara Posala Client Services Director

Liz Hyatt Architectural Project Manager

Caroline Thomas Director of Special Projects

Emily Hurt Sr. Interior Designer RID, NCIDQ

Chelsea Braden Sr. Architectural Project Manager

Corey Flowers Office Manager

Emily Lopez Architectural Project Designer, AIA, NCARB

Madi Gray Project Designer, ASID

Alex Harvill Architectural Project Designer

Josh Adams Architectural Project Manager

Chris Cornett Chief Operating Officer

Blake Snetman Business Development

Kristen Milling, CPA Controller

Isabelle Buettner Project Designer

Mason Cunningham Architectural Project Manager

Lauren Bell Graphic Designer

Katie Hamlin Client Services Director

Landon Sessions Business Development Manager

Lucy Jane Ragsdale Marketing Specialist

Beliefs

It is our mission to inspire, create, nourish, and stimulate a broader appreciation for excellence in design and its importance to individuals and societies. We strive to seamlessly blend responsive architecture and thoughtful interiors to create a cohesive environment that complements each client’s specific needs. There are certain beliefs and ideologies that form the foundation of our approach to achieve this mission.

Contextual

Simply stated, design must address context. It is imperative to understand and incorporate the contextual vernacular in all our designs. For our team, the topography of a site, adjacent structures, sun angles, climate and other contextual nuances are studied before our first concepts are created. This integration is reflected in all aspects of the design; the interiors, landscape responses and building systems, among others, are all blended with the architecture to create complimenting spaces and holistic design compositions. The success of these compositions is realized by a seamless transition from the natural environment to the created space. We rely on the talent of like-minded designers, both internally and externally, to fully execute this integration.

Timelessness

We believe that there is both an objective and subjective component to design. Architecture and design should appeal to subjective sensibilities without compromising objective beauty. Style and trends can evoke different responses in every person. However, within that subjective frame there are objective qualities which transcend individual preferences. We believe that our designs should be beautiful today and for centuries to come. Because of this we try not to associate a definitive style but rather apply classic and objective principles to inspire a truly pleasing design. Materials should weather beautifully. Elements should contain elegant proportions. Designs should respect their natural environment. Great design will speak to subjective preconceptions and thus become objectively beautiful.

Simplicity

It is said that simplicity is the ultimate form of sophistication. In many respects the most sophisticated designs are created when beautiful materials create a subtle transition of space or when the simplicity of an elegant form responds to the natural contours of a site. The beauty of an organic stone face or the varied characteristics of a wood grain should be able to express themselves without the forced pronouncement of an ill-conceived design. A project’s site demonstrates the innate complexity found in nature and should be complimented by a design that is responsive and deferential. The sophistication inherent in stone, wood and nature allow us to create simple forms that will highlight materials, space, sunlight and the personality of the occupants.

Elegance

Articulating elegance is as much a challenge in written word as it is in form and composition. A pen in the hand of an artist can manifest a composition that is beautiful in form and appearance. We believe that the motion of design should create a form that silently proclaims elegance. Not easy to define or create, elegance is easily recognizable. The observer may feel compelled to stop in front of a welldesigned structure and just look. Every time we put our pen to paper and design, we are pouring our heart and passion into creating a space that will transfix the observer. Elegance is born of the subtle details and nuances that differentiate good design from great design.

Approach

Iterative Development

We believe that every idea with merit should be explored and evaluated. Our team is well positioned to explore numerous design solutions in a diligent manner. These studies are constantly evaluated, revised, merged and further developed. This ensures that every idea is scrutinized to the same degree, allowing the best option to rise to the top. Ultimately the solution is often an intricately woven representation of the thoughts of the entire design team.

Professional Collaboration

Collaboration is the foundation of our process. Our architects and interior designers work closely with one another on all aspects of a project. When necessary, our team has built a network of talented and specialized consultants that can be tapped to provide additional layers of detail and design. We consider these consultants extensions of the design team that provide expertise in areas that enhance and compliment the architecture and interior design of each space. The collaborative nature of the process ensures that all systems and elements are intricately integrated to meet any need, no matter how unique or complex.

Client Engagement

We believe the most authentic design outcomes emerge from fostering strong relationships between our clients and design team. Through developing an in-depth understanding, of not just a client’s needs and goals, but how they might live, we can design environments that are responsive to each individual.

Design Excellence

Our team has been nationally recognized for excellence in design and firmly believes that every project offers unique opportunities to explore exceptional creative outcomes. Our collaborative and iterative methodologies allow our team to utilize the talent and experience of a collective in order to elevate the overall design.

Releasing Value Through Design

A space’s value is often evaluated by resale potential and not by how a project might unlock latent potential. Projects designed by a team of architects and interior designers can bring up to a 30% greater return on investment upon resale. However, value can mean different things to each person. Great design can transform, and it can translate value not just into resale, but also into life.

Harnessing Technology

Technology has rapidly evolved in recent years and so have our skills. Our approach has been to utilize technology to eliminate mundane tasks which enable our designers to focus on design. Design often is explored through more analog and traditional means, especially in the early stages. Our use of technology compliments this methodology by allowing us to gather information to inform design and subsequently document that design. Our team is equipped to rapidly execute design documentation as well as produce high quality visualizations and simulations.

Alta Luxury Hotel and Condominiums

Project: Alta

Client Name:

Premium Property Trust

Location: Vestavia Hills, AL

Completion: Ongoing

Size: 124,194 sf

Category: Mixed Use Development

Project Description

In Vestavia Hills, Alabama, the new structure, Alta, is near a major regional hospital and the largest highway intersections in Alabama. This premiere project proposes to feature 37 luxury condominiums, a 125-unit hotel, and 15,000 square feet of retail space. The unique design incorporates both modern and traditional elements and will have a distinct residential character not typically seen in local hotels. The concept is a modern classic design that balances both contemporary and traditional design. The development includes a luxury pool, ballrooms, and courtyard. Both the condominiums and hotel share the same amenities, including a community membership to LifeTime Fitness with direct access to the gym, a spa, golf simulator room, rooftop bar, rooftop event terrace, pop up retail shop, yoga lawn, private pool cabanas, cafe, upscale restaurant, and presidential and executive suites. The organic form of the hotel is one of the main design elements of the mixed-use luxury space.

New York Renaissance Group

Bespoke Condominiums

Project:

Buono

Client Name:

New York Renaissance Group

Location: Dominican Republic

Completion: Ongoing

Size: 192,840 sf

Category: Luxury Accommodation

Project Description

A design concept that brings a new level of luxury condominiums in the local area of the Dominican Republic. The metrics include 64 condo units, with 6 different types of units ranging from 1,600 square foot to 2,500 square foot. The entire project spans to about 192,840 square feet. The concept for this development involves the mix of tightly-knit residences situation around multiple courtyard spaces, completely encompassed by a privacy wall, to create a private community. Boardwalks are placed all throughout the development allowing easy beach access. Inspired by famous coastal architecture such as Alys Beach, FL, Mediterranean cities, and traditional-American, residential design, the building architecture of this concept creates a unique but familiar setting for the new residents along the beach-side development.

Armour & Co.

Luxury Mixed-Use Building

Project:

Christopher Architecture & Interiors

Client Name:

Premium Property Trust

Location: Birmingham, AL

Completion: 2021

Size: 54,000 sf

Category: Luxury Mixed-Use

Project Description

Armour & Co. is a historic building that previously served as a meat-packing facility located in downtown Birmingham. Now, Armour & Co. is a mixed-use structure that includes 20 luxury loft apartments with community spaces and a shared rooftop, all above the 20,000 square foot ground floor of commercial and restaurant space. The building is rehabilitated, with an atrium in the center of the structure flooding the interior with natural light. The innovative design pays homage to the original character of the building with century-old, exposed brick, original timber, and stairs, with added upscale unique attributes to modernize the space. Located in a fast-growing neighborhood in Downtown Birmingham, this luxury building is minutes away from numerous restaurants, bars, coffee shops and provides panoramic views of the skyline from the rooftop.

The Highlands The Future of Senior Living

Project:

The Highlands

Client Name:

Premium Property Trust

Location: Calera, AL

Completion: Ongoing

Size: 207,500 sf

Category: Senior Living

Project Description

A design concept for luxury accommodations for a select 55 and over community nestled in a 790-acre oasis. With a private gate and bridge leading to The Highlands, the development is surrounded by trees, trails, and rivers allowing its patrons to become one with nature, only minutes from Birmingham. The building is a combination of classic and modern architecture. The traditional composition provides a residential atmosphere while the juxtaposition of sleek glass, horizontal windows, crisp lines, methodical use of space and bold abstract forms adds a modern twist to the development. Luxury amenities include movie rooms, beauty salon, gaming rooms, private dining, indoor and outdoor gardening, recreation facilities, library, and spa services.

Caliber High End Sporting Retail

Project:

Caliber

Client Name:

Robbie Pike

Location: Homewood, AL

Completion: 2019

Size: 4,200 sq ft

Category:

Upscale Sporting Goods

Project Description

CAI was engaged by both the developer and City of Homewood to re-imagine the 19th Century Depot. CAI’s commercial approach reflects the aesthetic of their residential work in utilizing natural materials, while elevating simplistic and sophisticated design. The interior was designed to mimic a hunting lodge through warm knotty oak floors and ceilings, custom iron light fixtures, and a central double sided fireplace. The fireplace offers both focal interest and a sense of comfort. The displays are uniform throughout as they are each custom mill-work pieces that integrate lighting to showcase Caliber’s luxury sporting goods. The success of this award-winning project is attributed to their imaginative approach that not only addresses the building but embraces the parking and city traffic challenges.

Highland Ave Design Studio

Project:

Christopher Architecture & Interiors

Client Name:

Christopher Architecture & Interiors

Location:

Highland Park, AL

Completion: 2019

Size: 11,635 sf

Category:

Luxury Office Space

Project Description

Previously a municipal health care facility, this mid-century modern style building was completely renovated. By changing small, dark, enclosed spaces into open work areas filled with natural light, and adding both outdoor casual work and leisure zones, the building has been completely transformed into a new luxury office space. The amphitheater was created by excavating existing terrain to the retaining wall and replacing it with an expansive glass wall and large custom pivot doors. This new area floods the lower level with natural light and provides access from the lower level to a unique private area for employees and their pets. The building interior was gutted and redesigned with large open areas that maximize natural light and contribute to the studio environment for its primary use as an architecture firm.

Auburn University President’s Home & Event Complex

Project:

Auburn University

Conservatory

Client Name:

Auburn University

Location:

Auburn, AL

Completion: 2018

Size: 12, 863 sf

Category:

Luxury Event Space

Project Description

In 2018, the Auburn University President’s Home endured a total renovation to the exterior and interior of the 4,000-square-foot building. The exterior of the building was updated and remodeled to all new brick, roofing, and windows. During the project, the interiors of the home were removed down to the framing for the CAI team to rejuvenate the historical building. All while paying homage to the original home that was built in 1938. On top of renovating the existing building, the CAI team added two wings on opposite ends of the building, one private wing for the president and their family, and one event space. The private wing includes a family room, master bedroom suite and two additional bedroom suites on the upper floor. The event space is a large glass roofed venue that connects to the existing pavilion on-site.