Columbia, SC — CPL, a full-service design firm serving public and private-sector clients for more than 49 years, is pleased to announce the promotion of Chris Colby, AIA, LEED AP to the role of National K-12 Practice Leader. This well-deserved elevation aligns with a strategic vision to fortify CPL’s leadership bench and position the firm for continued nationwide growth.
In his new role, Colby will apply business development acumen to attract new partners and achieve established profit, portfolio and staffing objectives, working with Regional K-12 Practice Leaders across CPL’s expanding footprint to ensure unified project management workflows. His approach will emphasize the nurturing of strong relationships to gain deep insights into each client’s unique needs and deliver bespoke services and solutions.
Previously, as Southeast Region K-12 Practice Leader, Colby collaborated with school districts and local leaders to build robust academic foundations and ensure students—and their communities—were well-prepared for the future. This involved the creation of flexible project roadmaps that support emerging teaching pedagogies and bolster students’ career readiness.
“Chris is an industry trailblazer who is passionate about enhancing education by improving both curriculums and supportive experiences,” said Rick Henry, P.E., President at CPL. “His expertise in inclusive design methodologies, along with his ability to keep step with the evolving landscape, make him the ideal leader for our K-12 team.”
Drawing from more than 20 years of architectural planning and design experience, Colby’s enthusiasm for outfitting young scholars with creative spaces that foster experiential learning has been instrumental in driving CPL’s success within the K-12 sector. His impressive track record includes firm-defining wins such as the $1.7 B Guilford County Schools bond, demonstrating his capacity to achieve and exceed ambitious goals.
His other recent contributions include a $45 M bond with the Pine Bush Central School District; two major heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) renovation projects for Johnston County Public Schools; a long-range plan and adaptive facilities reuse initiative for Ossining Union Free School District; and two bond projects to reshape the Poughkeepsie City School District facilities totaling $119 M.
The Board of Directors is excited about the lasting influence Colby will have on his team, as he pioneers impactful approaches that will help shape a brighter future in education for students from all walks of life.
About CPL
Founded in 1975, CPL is a 500+ person multi-disciplined architecture, engineering and planning firm offering inspiring design services and enriching communities in 21 cities across seven states. CPL specializes in the Community, Healthcare, Higher Education, K-12 Education and Transportation market sectors – providing architectural, interior design, civil engineering, buildings and structural engineering, planning, landscape architecture and 3D/virtual design services to a host of public and private clients.