AMR Architects

AMR Architects built a reputation for creative and innovative design born out by a portfolio dotted with projects in downtown Little Rock. Over the years, the firm’s walkability-centric work expanded to other cities and college campuses around Arkansas.

“That’s what really draws us to projects,” said Jonathan Opitz, president of AMR Architects. “That’s a niche that we still value and chase: to make the best pedestrian environments possible.”

A sampling of AMR’s roster of award-winning work includes a pair of renovation and expansion projects: the mixed-use ARTSpace on Main in Pine Bluff for the Arts & Science Center for Southeast Arkansas and the Chambers Cafeteria at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, part of its master planning vision for the campus.

Established as an architecture and development firm in 1982, AMR maintains that legacy as well as the initials of its founders: John Allison, Jimmy Moses and Rick Redden.

“Since we wear the development hat, we’re really good about putting ourselves in our clients’ shoes and understanding what they’re going through,” Opitz said. “We do understand the pain of making pro formas work and making design decisions that are financially driven.”

Partners Opitz, Kate Redden East, Adam Day and James Sullivan lead AMR Architects today. The firm’s headquarters in downtown Little Rock and northwest Arkansas office are tied to ownership stakes in its mixed-use developments at 1424 Main St. and the soon-to-be Fayetteville location at 1140 N. College Ave.

Among AMR’s current projects are the $33 million, 62,000-SF student engagement center at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and the 94,000-SF, mixed-use Artspace Windgate Campus, a $36 million development in Little Rock’s East Village neighborhood.

Supported by a staff of nine, the firm relishes its mission to create buildings that enhance the environment and work for owners and occupants while providing joy in their everyday use.