Founded in 2005 by Kevin Kennedy, AIA, and Chris Scorsone—with a taxidermy rooster gifted by a client on New Year’s Eve as their unofficial mascot—Cluck Design Collaborative has grown into one of the state’s most inventive, people-centered design practices. Their belief that “constraints are creative catalysts” guides a body of work that is both diverse in type and consistent in impact, ranging from adaptive reuse projects to breweries, restaurants, bike shops, mixed-use developments, and community-driven spaces across North Carolina.

Cluck’s design philosophy centers on creating architecture with personality, identity, and narrative. Each project is rooted in its neighborhood, its audience, and its purpose—resulting in spaces that feel alive, grounded, and unmistakably connected to place. Their commitment to thoughtful design has earned the firm design recognition in 11 of the last 12 years, including the 2025 AIA North Carolina Firm Award.

What truly distinguishes Cluck, however, is the way the firm integrates architecture with civic life. Their longstanding partnership with The Spoke Easy has allowed them to use cycling culture as a platform for community engagement—leading architectural bike tours, participating in monthly Critical Mass rides to uplift cyclist safety, and hosting fundraisers for mutual aid efforts. Through this work, Cluck embodies the role of the “Citizen Architect,” extending their impact far beyond the built environment.

This passion for mobility and placemaking is also evident in their architectural portfolio, where pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly design strategies enhance connectivity, safety, and neighborhood vitality. Whether reimagining historic buildings through adaptive reuse or shaping new mixed-use environments, Cluck approaches each project as an opportunity to strengthen the fabric of community.

As they look toward the future, Cluck Design Collaborative remains committed to creating a more sustainable, connected, and people-centered North Carolina. Their projects continue to elevate the everyday, their collaborations amplify local voices, and their belief that design should have a pulse ensures that every space tells a story.

“In a city that often struggles to define itself, Cluck brings spirit and energy to Charlotte not just through their design work, but a commitment to building a culture of place. They consistently take on challenging projects with difficult sites that other architects might not engage and do so with conviction and ingenuity.” Said Marc Manack, AIA.