26 years ago, this Birmingham business was founded on integrity. Now, they inspire the next generation

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CWA
Inspiring future architects. (Charles Williams and Associates / Instagram)

Charles Williams and Associates (CWA) is a Birmingham-based business that has contributed to numerous projects across our community. Read on for full details on this long-standing, thriving local company.

Charles Williams founded CWA in 1996

CWA
One of CWA’s (many) local projects. (Charles Williams and Associates / Facebook)

A Birmingham native, Charles Williams founded CWA in 1996. Charles brought 20 years of industry experience to the table, and was a graduate of Tuskegee University.

Since its founding, the firm has provided exceptional service across the Birmingham-metro area. This includes projects for multiple school systems, municipalities, colleges and universities, medical practices, religious facilities and much more.

Building Birmingham

CWA
McCalla Elementary’s construction in 2018. (Charles Williams and Associates / Facebook)

I had the opportunity to speak with Charles and learn a bit more about his impressive career in the architecture field. Following years of planning and developments across Birmingham and beyond, I was curious if any projects were especially noteworthy for him.

He shared that the company has done a lot of work with Birmingham school systems over the years, as well as other school systems throughout the state. Places like Huffman High School, various middle schools across the community and Woodlawn High School’s new stadium came to mind.

Integrity is paramount for Charles Williams

Charles Williams
Integrity is the name of the game. (Charles Williams and Associates / Instagram)

So, what’s the secret sauce for running a successful business in Birmingham for nearly 30 years? According to Charles, it’s all about having integrity, reliability and taking pride in what you do.

“If you’re going to be around doing anything for any length of time, you have to have integrity about yourself and your business. People have to believe that you are going to do what you say you’re going to do.”

—Charles Williams, CWA

Inspiring the next generation of architects

CWA
CWA has work across the city. (Charles Williams and Associates / Facebook)

If you like what CWA is about, wait until you hear my favorite part. The company is also a family business, with Charles’ son following in his footsteps. Charles Williams II graduated from Auburn and joined CWA. Now, they work together to support Birmingham’s growing infrastructure.

“To have my son choose to come in and do the same thing as me was an affirmation that I must be doing something right.”

—Charles Williams, CWA

The company shared an adorable photo of Charles II with his child representing CWA proudly. Who knows, we may have another CWA architect on our hands in the next 20 years!

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Madison Croxson
Madison Croxson
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