Craig Lewis Joins CPL to Expand National Placemaking Leadership

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As communities across the country continue to invest in vibrant downtowns, mixed-use districts, and public spaces that strengthen quality of life, CPL has appointed Craig Lewis, AICP, CNU-A, LEED AP, as Senior Vice President and National Placemaking Practice Leader.

Based in Charlotte, Lewis will be assisted by Atlanta-based Rebecca Keefer, AICP in leading the firm's Placemaking practice, expanding CPL's capacity to serve public- and private-sector clients nationwide.

Lewis brings more than 30 years of planning and urban design leadership experience spanning comprehensive planning, downtown revitalization, transit-oriented development, form-based codes and development ordinances, mixed-use communities and urban redevelopment. Throughout his career, he has partnered with public agencies, developers and institutions to shape vibrant, enduring places while leading interdisciplinary teams from visioning to implementation.

He currently serves as the master planner for The Point in Draper, Utah—a 104-acre first-phase town center within a larger 600-acre redevelopment that is the largest project of its kind in the state's history. His portfolio also includes downtown master plans for Memphis, Birmingham, Albuquerque and Spartanburg, South Carolina; transit corridor plans for Charlotte's South End and the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Master Plan; and the 653-acre Great Pond neighborhood master plan in Windsor, Connecticut.

In his new role, Lewis will guide the strategic direction of CPL's national Placemaking practice, broadening opportunities with municipal and commercial markets to help shape thriving communities. He will also advance the firm's integrated approach to planning, urban design and landscape architecture.

"What sets Craig apart is his ability to help clients navigate the decisions that shape a more walkable, urban future," said Chris Colby, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, President and Chief Operator Officer at CPL. "His passion for creating places people love, combined with his proven track record of building and expanding planning and urban design practices, will be an incredible asset as we continue to grow and strengthen our platform of services."

Prior to joining CPL, Lewis built and led interdisciplinary planning and urban design practices with firms across the United States and internationally. His award-winning work consistently focused on creating destinations that balance economic opportunity, environmental stewardship, walkability and exceptional human experience.

"The decisions communities make today will shape how people live, work, and connect for decades to come," said Lewis. "Creating vibrant, memorable, and sustainable urban places requires a continual focus on the details that foster community and elevate the human experience. I'm excited to join CPL because it's a firm that understands every successful project that begins with listening, collaboration and the courage to think beyond what's expected."

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 25 cities across 8 states. The firm specializes in the Community & Culture, Healthcare, Higher Education, Infrastructure and K-12 Education 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. Visit www.CPLteam.com to learn more.

SOURCE CPL Architecture | Engineering | Planning