Urban Design+Planning
About Us
CPLA is an award-winning design and planning firm with over two decades of experience in the Gulf South. Even as a boutique firm, we have had the privilege of designing some of the premiere projects in the region. Our portfolio is filled with plans and visions for parks, communities, places, and campuses. We strive to create memorable and meaningful projects for our clients.
Licensed in three states, our reach stretches from Lafayette to Orange Beach, and from Memphis to Biloxi. We work with cities, developers, and academic / healthcare institutions in all three states. From 1,000 square feet to 1,000 acres, we strive to craft creative solutions for all our projects.
Over the last twenty years, examples of our notable built works are:
The CPLA team is our greatest strength. Even though our members are spread out in multiple locations, we collaborate constantly, and pitch in to produce the highest quality work for our clients. In addition to our team, our process is a paramount aspect of our business, and is a part of every project that we work on. The CPLA process is part of our core and consists of the three sequential stages listed below.
CRAFTING THE VISION: Beginning with the client’s goals and objectives, and a clear understanding of a site’s context, opportunities, and constraints, we formulate concepts and ideas. As the concepts become working framework plans, we carefully think through the vertical character of what we are planning. Character sketches and models help us to convey our vision to our clients and involved stakeholders, building consensus and excitement.
DEVELOPING THE DETAILS: Once the vision is crafted, our team thinks through all the detailed components of the site development, from materials to dimensions. As a lead consultant or team member, we collaborate with architects and engineers to make sure that the structures and the site are harmonious and work together. Cross-sectional studies, preliminary grading, lighting objectives, material precedents are all tools we use to clearly communicate and coordinate our intent of the site details.
IMPLEMENTING THE IDEA: We enjoy working with the design team to develop the details, and we also enjoy working with contractors to make sure that the crafted vision is implemented correctly. After working through budget exercises, bidding, and contracts we like to see the project come to life. Facilitating conversations, field reports, and pay applications, our team is intimately involved in the construction process.
Christian Preus – Coastal Studio Director
CPLA Principal, Christian Preus (Proyce), PLA, founded CPLA after establishing himself as a key consultant across the Mississippi Coast during the recovery following Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Christian has been associated with the planning and design of many premier projects throughout the Southeast.
CPLA’s work has been acknowledged by the Mississippi Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the Mississippi Municipal League, Mississippi State University, and The Sun Herald for planning, design, and environmental excellence. Because of Christian’s continued success, he was named the 2016 Young Alumnus of the Year by the Mississippi State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Christian’s career now spans over two decades on the Gulf Coast. He enjoys opportunities to mold the next generation of designers in the CPLA family, and the ever-growing Summer Student Program. When he is not on a Teams call, or at a job site, Christian can be found with his family at church, in a duck blind, or at a ballpark.
James Hugh – Urban Studio Director
James Hugh is an experienced designer with a broad portfolio of projects, from woonerfs to quads. James has multiple degrees from Mississippi State University and brings a refreshing perspective of creativity and practicality.
Living and working in Memphis, TN has had a profound impact on James, and he wants to help make the city that he loves better. His passion for urban focused projects that help revitalize downtowns and campuses have shaped his focus and career path. When James is not working, he can be found with his wife playing disc golf, at a Formula One race, or racing his ‘91 BMW.
Matthew Pea – Rural Studio Director
Matthew Pea has over a decade of experience in the design and implementation of beautiful spaces andplaces. With a landscape architecture degree from Mississippi State University and a contracting background, Matthew can develop plan sets that thoroughly communicate the design intent.
In the South, small towns are prevalent, and in a rural state like Mississippi, they are everywhere. Just like larger cities, towns need planning and design assistance to sustain themselves. Matthew has a passion to see the resurgence of the great Southern town and enjoys helping municipalities capitalize on their potential.
From our office on Main Street in the heart of downtown Ackerman, MS, (pop. 1,536) Matthew manages astrong relationship with the Department of Landscape Architecture at MSU in nearby Starkville, MS where one or two CPLA Fellowship team members are selected annually to gain real world experience by working in our Rural Studio throughout the academic year. When he is not marking up plans, or meeting with clients, Matthew can be found horseback riding with his family, sheering a sheep, or entertaining his friends.
Patricia Hughes, LEED AP - Project Coordinator
Patricia Hughes is a LEED accredited professional with a strong background in sustainable projects. Throughout her career, Patricia has worked with the foremost leaders in architecture and development and brings a wealth of wisdom to the CPLA family.
In addition to assisting with project management, Patricia relishes in her role as CPLA “task master,” keeping our team focused deadlines and responsibilities. When she is not emailing “to do” lists, Patricia enjoys playing with her dogs, traveling with her husband, and spending time with her family.
Bob Decker – Estimating & Construction Manager
Bob Decker has decades of experience in all aspects of estimating and construction. Bob brings valued insight to the CPLA team, and helps our designers establish budgets for small projects and implementation strategies for our campus, neighborhood and park master plans.
Bob serves as a mentor for some our younger team members and helps our student fellows gain a better understanding of construction values. When Bob is not crunching numbers or monitoring a construction site, he loves cooking gumbo, fixing things, and riding horses with his wife.
Brooke Preus – Business Manager
Brooke Preus has been with the firm since its inception and has played an integral part in the branding, development, and growth of CPLA. Brooke has a background in writing and administration. While she uses those trained skills frequently in our business, she often serves as a forecaster, strategist and encourager.
When Brooke is not dreaming up our next moves or managing quickbooks, she enjoys traveling with her family, karaoke, writing, and participating in Bible studies.
