Our CPL Raleigh office is stepping into an era of renewal and expansion.
Working from the heart of North Carolina’s thriving capital, our team is committed to shaping spaces that fuel both cultural and technical advancement. This past August, we celebrated a significant milestone by relocating to a spacious new office, poised to strengthen our ties with local clients and expand our service offerings across the eastern half of the state.
Our team now resides in the historic Pilot Mill complex on Haynes Street, conveniently nestled near downtown and the bustling Seaboard Station corridor, further immersing us in the community we serve. From the moment we selected this location, we dove headfirst into the design process, envisioning an ideal work environment.
The outcome is a vibrant, industrial haven that blends Raleigh’s rich heritage with its modern reputation as a technological powerhouse. Our interior is defined by exposed brick walls, lofty wood ceilings, cozy workstations and breakout areas that encourage cooperative brainstorming among team members.
“We designed everything from the ground up to create an office that reflects our affinity for collaboration,” said Office Leader Eric Leibenguth, AIA. “This charming new ‘home’ will nurture our steady progress for years to come.”
Beyond the inviting atmosphere, our central location within the Research Triangle affords team members with access to global enterprises, esteemed educational institutions, and iconic landmarks. Consequently, it serves as a pivotal hub CPL’s science and technology (S&T) practice, along with our healthcare and academic teams. From translational research BSL-3 labs to flexible learning environments for K-12 students, our agile, multidisciplinary team keeps busy providing forward-thinking solutions throughout the Triangle and beyond.
To this end, we’ve established enduring connections with clients such as North Carolina State University (NC State); Wake Forest University; ECU Health; the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Charlotte; Analog Devices; RTI International; and the Atrium Health medical system. Our latest projects include an autopsy and medical examiners facility for Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist; an agricultural research center for both NC State and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA); a recreation center in the city of New Bern, NC; and new designs and renovations for buildings within the Johnston County, Wilson County and Guilford County school districts.
Recognizing that a fun workplace fosters productivity, when we’re not engrossed in design projects, you may catch us engaging in office Nerf gun battles, honing our golf swings at Drive Shack or gathering for pizza and drinks at Trophy Brewing.
Pictured left to right: Team members building camaraderie through Lego design and engaging in some healthy competition at Drive Shack.
“It sounds cliché, but we’re a very family-oriented group that epitomizes the work-life balance ethos,” said Healthcare Planner, Pam Houston, RA, EDAC. “Everyone is understanding, and there’s plenty of freedom to manage your schedule and work in the way that’s most effective for you.”
Always seeking better ways to support our clients and communities, we remain involved with a number of professional organizations and local agencies, including the North Carolina Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NCNOMA), the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, the Durham City-County Appearance Commission, the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE); the City of Raleigh Community Engagement Board; and AIA’s Triangle Barkitecture, which benefits the Triangle Beagle Rescue and Friends of Wake County Animal Center.
Furthermore, in line with our commitment as Platinum Sponsors of NCNOMA, our team actively participates in the Project Pipeline, an annual summer camp designed to introduce middle and high school students of color to the fundamentals of architecture and design. This program not only facilitates industry networking but also encourages thought leadership, as students forge strong partnerships with architects who serve as mentors throughout the week.
Our CPL Raleigh office leadership team also prioritizes professional development, working closely with each team member to chart an individualized path that will help them achieve their unique career goals. In this vein, our office lends itself to being an exceptionally tightknit, friendly and inclusive atmosphere, where we frequently “co-create” with other branches—such as our teams in Charlotte, Greensboro and Columbia.
“Right out of college, I was given opportunities to learn from and contribute to impactful projects that typically demand years of experience,” said Architect, Emma Gallagher. “We’re empowered to set our own pace, try out different roles and pivot as desired. The potential for growth—both here at CPL and in Raleigh itself—is really limitless.”
