ESTD 1999

We don’t just design great buildings.

We create functional, forward-thinking places where communities gather to live, work and converse.

RBA partners are always up for a challenge. We think of them as a good excuse to rethink the norm and create something unexpected. We deliver in the form of top-notch office, retail and living spaces in diversified designs.

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About Our Team

Photo of Christopher Byers

Christopher Byers

Chris has called Charlotte home since 1989 but if you ask him, he’ll likely say he’s “from the area.” After growing up in a small town in Ohio, he got a ticket out of the North with an opportunity to swim for a college, which also had an exceptional architectural school. After completing his Bachelor of Architecture at Auburn University, Chris settled in Charlotte, the halfway point to his native state. In 1999, he joined RBA where he’s grown the firm strategically and contributed to the various chapters of its history. He’s responsible for the overall direction and management of RBA as it continues to evolve and achieve its long-term vision.

Chris is known to get away from the office to quench his love for the ocean. Whether it be a family beach trip, open water sailing, or a day of kitesurfing, he’s a strong believer that you must nourish your heart’s calling with action. Thankfully, he shares his love of the water with his wife and two children.

Photo of Christopher Allred

Christopher Allred

An NC native, Christopher grew up in the small mountain town of Hendersonville until he attended UNC Charlotte’s College of Architecture. After working as a project manager and lead designer for other local firms, he joined RBA in 2012. He now leads our design efforts and brings immeasurable value, serving as principal of the firm.

His small-town approachability blended with a well-traveled refinement, influenced by time abroad, permeate his work. “A sense of place is important to me, whether working in a small town or along an urban street. While the scale and material palate may differ, the architecture that works within a small town is the same type of architecture that works in more metropolitan areas and each draw from one another.”

When he’s not in the office, Christopher can be found spending time and traveling with his wife, Ellen, playing a round of golf, or cheering on the Carolina Panthers.

Photo of Alicia Husband

Alicia Husband

Practically a native to the area, Alicia has witnessed Charlotte’s immeasurable growth over the last 30 years and still can’t think of a better place to call home. In 2007, shortly after college, Alicia joined RBA as a project designer, gaining experience in hotel, restaurant and commercial architecture as well as interior design. After over a decade working on a variety of projects, she is now one of the firm’s principals focused primarily on interior design. Alicia works directly with the entire firm on almost every project in addition to working alongside her interiors team to ensure that the end user’s experience is never overlooked.

When she’s not working, Alicia and her ‘husband’ are likely to be found spending time with their two young daughters at a local Belmont park or traveling somewhere they’ve never been.

Photo of Rob Richardson

Dave Malushizky

Raised on the North Shore of Long Island, Dave has called the Charlotte area home after receiving his education at UNC Charlotte’s School of Architecture. He has years of experience in a wide range of projects including parks and recreation, mixed use, adaptive re-use and historic renovation, urban infill, town planning and residential projects. Dave is passionate about design and its role in fostering a sense of community. His leadership style respects the collaborative process and he uses consensus building as a metric in achieving success.

Dave and his wife, Stephanie, live in Davidson and enjoy classic cars and music (they even play and perform together in a local band). Both enjoy children from previous marriages with talents ranging from art, design and film to athletics and economics.

Photo of Dave Malushizky

Rob Richardson

Rob was born and raised in High Point, NC and later graduated from UNC Charlotte’s College of Architecture. He oversees operations and serves as a mentor at RBA, working closely with staff to develop new processes for effectively managing work. His primary focus is on the design and construction of large, complex commercial projects in which he enjoys working with clients to manage and deliver projects from conception to execution. With over 30 years of experience and a little gray hair, he’s lovingly referred to as the firm’s “Silver Fox.”

Rob and his wife, Amanda, live in Davidson where they raised their two boys. He loves the outdoors and when he’s not at work or working in his yard, he can be found spending time on Lake Tillery or fly fishing in the nearby mountains.