Born in New York City to Joseph and Eliza (Rollinson) Lamb, Charles Rollinson Lamb trained at his father's firm
J. and R. Lamb Studios, specialists in church interiors and stained glass. He eventually managed the firm, employing the talents of his brother
Frederick S. Lamb as principal designer.
However, aside from the stained glass installations which emanated from his firm, Charles R. Lamb also considered himself an architect. In his 1939 Who's Who entry he listed the Dewey Arch in New York City, and the Court of Honor for the Hudson-Fulton Celebration of 1909 as his projects. Both he and his brother participated in the T-Square Club/Philadelphia Chapter AIA annual exhibitions.
Charles R. Lamb was married to Ella Condie Lamb, a noted muralist and stained glass artist herself.