Scott Gordon, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP is helping colleges and universities cultivate long-lasting connections within and beyond their campus communities.
Drawing from over three decades of practice and community service, he leads project teams as a Principal in CPL’s Woodstock office in Georgia, which he helped establish in 2010. An architect and community leader, he is focused on helping higher education institutions gain deeper insights into the latest trends, blending planning and design with their instructional expertise to drive campus growth and expand programs.
Moreover, as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP), Gordon prioritizes the sustainable design of campus assets, striving to integrate eco-friendly features with good stewardship in the selection of building materials and systems. His desire to connect design excellence with authentic relationships has established him as a respected leader, and allowed him to form strong ties with numerous institutions, as well as the communities they serve.
These include long-standing partnerships with the University System Board of Regents (Dalton State College) and the Technical College System of Georgia (Chattahoochee Technical College), as well as new relationships with entities like the University of North Georgia (UNG). Through these alliances, the CPL team integrates design and engineering solutions with emerging A/E technologies to meet institutional workforce development goals and address a growing demand for skilled professionals.
Gordon oversaw conceptual design development for a new building on UNG’s Blue Ridge campus, which will include a health professions program, student study and activity areas and a multipurpose community room, among other features.
A natural people person and servant leader, Gordon’s colleagues often say his “superpower” is his ability to connect people and provide the support and resources they need to achieve their goals.
“We aren’t a prima donna design firm that imposes ideas on others—rather, we listen and respond to our partners’ needs, goals and dreams, and then tailor our designs accordingly,” he said. “Collaboration is in our DNA, and our approach to design prioritizes inclusion and co-creation above all else.”
As a compliment to his role as a connector at CPL, Gordon was elected to serve as a County Commissioner in Cherokee County, an experience that offered him a rare opportunity to see the design process from the owner’s perspective. He also maintains active membership in the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and serves on many local boards, such as the Government Affairs Council of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, the AIA presented him with the Dorothy Spence Citizen Architect Honor Award in 2016, an accolade which recognizes members who apply a design-focused approach to engage with the community, and view it in the same way that an architect sees a project: wholly connected.
“Colleges and universities are community connectors, creating diverse opportunities for people from all walks of life to learn with one another as they prepare themselves to serve,” Gordon explained. “Whether you’re a retiree looking to explore an art class or a recent high school graduate pursuing a career in STEM, a well-designed campus creates value for everyone.”
