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ATLANTA, GA — As the Southeast continues to experience rapid population growth and economic investment, CPL has appointed James Puckhaber, AIA, as Senior Architectural Principal in the firm’s Atlanta office.

His addition reflects CPL’s continued growth strategy in the region while enhancing the firm’s ability to partner with local leaders on high-impact civic, cultural and commercial projects.

Puckhaber brings more than 30 years of extensive architectural design and project leadership experience spanning civic, commercial, education and mixed-use developments. Known for his collaborative approach and client-focused mindset, he has led multidisciplinary teams through every phase of the design process, helping organizations transform complex challenges into enduring, high-performing environments.

In his new role, Puckhaber will strengthen client relationships throughout Georgia and the Southeast while helping communities, nonprofit organizations, public agencies and commercial clients create places that are thoughtful, adaptable and built for long-term success.

“As our presence continues to grow, it’s important that we bring on leaders who share our commitment to purpose-driven design and lasting client relationships,” said Rachel Nilson, AIA, NCARB, National Community & Culture Practice Leader at CPL. “James embodies both, and his experience will elevate the value we deliver to communities for years to come.”

Prior to joining CPL, Puckhaber held practice-building leadership roles with the Atlanta offices of Gensler, SLAM and Perkins&Will, where he cultivated longstanding client relationships, led business development initiatives and delivered complex architectural projects across a range of market sectors.

“My favorite part of what I do has always been the relationships built by working alongside clients and stakeholders to create meaningful places,” said Puckhaber. “What drew me to CPL is that same culture—one that values long-term partnerships and sees trust and collaboration as the foundation of shared success. Across Georgia and the Sunbelt, communities have an opportunity to create places that reflect their identity and strengthen everyday life. I’m excited to work alongside our clients to help bring those visions to life.”

Creating Places That Strengthen Communities

Explore CPL’s Community & Culture work and see how our integrated teams help communities, organizations and institutions create places that reflect their identity and support the people they serve.

About the Author: CPL

Founded in 1975, CPL is a 500+ person multi-disciplined architecture, engineering and planning firm offering inspiring design services and enriching communities in 25 cities across 8 states. CPL specializes in the Community, Healthcare, Higher Education, Infrastructure, K-12 Education, Placemaking, and Science and Technology 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.