CPL Welcomes Craig Lewis to Bolster National Placemaking Initiatives

CPL Architecture, a prominent firm in the fields of architecture, engineering, and planning, recently announced the appointment of Craig Lewis, AICP, CNU-A, LEED AP, as their Senior Vice President and National Placemaking Practice Leader. With this significant addition, CPL aims to advance its influence in revitalizing downtown areas, mixed-use districts, and public spaces nationwide. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Lewis will guide the firm's Placemaking practice alongside Rebecca Keefer, AICP, who operates from Atlanta. Their collective expertise will enhance CPL's capability to serve a diverse array of clients in both public and private sectors across the country.

A Wealth of Experience

Craig Lewis brings over three decades of extensive experience in planning and urban design. His background covers a wide array of areas including comprehensive planning, downtown revitalization, transit-oriented development, and the creation of urban mixed-use environments. Throughout his illustrious career, Lewis has collaborated with public agencies, real estate developers, and various institutions to forge lasting, vibrant communities.
Lewis currently serves as the master planner for The Point in Draper, Utah. This ambitious project encompasses a 104-acre town center within a grander 600-acre redevelopment plan—the largest of its kind in Utah’s history. His impressive portfolio features downtown master plans for cities such as Memphis, Birmingham, and Albuquerque; transit corridor plans for Charlotte's South End and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Master Plan; as well as the 653-acre Great Pond neighborhood master plan in Windsor, Connecticut.

Shaping a Walkable Future

In his new role, Lewis is tasked with steering the strategic direction of CPL’s national Placemaking practice. His focus will be on broadening opportunities with both municipal and commercial markets, fostering the creation of thriving, sustainable communities. Chris Colby, President and Chief Operating Officer at CPL, emphasized Lewis's unique ability to help clients navigate the complexities of creating more walkable urban landscapes. "What sets Craig apart is his capability to assist clients in envisioning a more connected urban future," said Colby.

The passion Lewis holds for crafting spaces that resonate with people, paired with his proven ability to build and expand planning practices, will be a tremendous asset to CPL's growth trajectory.

"The decisions communities make today will greatly influence how people live, work, and interact for decades to come," Lewis remarked. He highlighted the importance of creating engaging, memorable, and sustainable urban environments, suggesting that a detailed focus on community engagement and human experience is vital.

About CPL

Founded in 1975, CPL has grown to a team of over 500 professionals, offering a multi-disciplinary approach to architecture, engineering, and planning. The firm is dedicated to enhancing communities across 25 cities in eight states, specializing in a myriad of sectors such as Community Culture, Healthcare, Higher Education, and K-12 Education. CPL's comprehensive services range from architectural and interior design to civil engineering, planning, landscape architecture, and 3D/virtual design solutions for a variety of public and private clients.

For more information about CPL and its services, visit CPLteam.com.