Clark Patterson Lee (CPL) Executive and Leadership Team

Chikku Thomas, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL), directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. By aligning architectural innovation with long-term business objectives, Thomas ensures the organization maintains a competitive edge within the Healthcare and Municipal sectors. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to refine service delivery models across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and New York. Chikku Thomas architects high-level growth initiatives that expand the firm's footprint in complex civil engineering and structural design markets. Through rigorous oversight of corporate culture and professional standards, the Chief Executive Officer fosters an environment of technical excellence. By prioritizing client-centric design outcomes, the firm secures significant public and private contracts. Ultimately, Thomas drives the firm toward sustained market leadership while maintaining the core values established in 1975.

Ted Cordes, the Chief Financial Officer at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL), manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for the entire organization. Overseeing financial reporting, budgeting, and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains robust liquidity to support large-scale infrastructure projects. Ted Cordes monitors economic trends across the Eastern United States to optimize resource distribution for the Transportation and Academic sectors. This role requires close collaboration with executive leadership to evaluate the profitability of 3D/virtual design services and landscape architecture projects. By implementing advanced financial controls, Cordes mitigates operational risks and enhances shareholder value. The Chief Financial Officer also directs the firm's investment in new technologies, ensuring that financial planning supports the long-term sustainability of the business model. Through precise fiscal stewardship, Cordes secures the necessary capital to fuel ongoing expansion and innovation.

Christopher Colby, the President & Chief Operating Officer at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL), executes the daily operational workflows across all regional offices. Managing the integration of architecture, interior design, and civil engineering departments, the President & Chief Operating Officer ensures seamless project delivery for diverse public and private clients. Christopher Colby drives operational efficiency by standardizing design processes and optimizing project management methodologies. This leadership role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to meet the rigorous demands of the Healthcare and Municipal sectors. By overseeing the firm's expansion into new geographic markets, Colby maintains high standards of quality control and client satisfaction. The President & Chief Operating Officer also facilitates communication between technical staff and executive leadership to ensure project alignment with corporate goals. Through proactive management of internal resources, Colby maximizes productivity and supports the firm's reputation for technical excellence.

Kenneth Mayer, the Chief Administrative Officer at Clark Patterson Lee (CPL), directs the internal infrastructure and human capital strategies that support the firm's multi-disciplined operations. Overseeing talent acquisition, professional development, and corporate compliance, the Chief Administrative Officer ensures the organization attracts top-tier engineering and architectural talent. Kenneth Mayer manages the administrative systems that enable seamless collaboration between offices in New York, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. This role involves streamlining internal processes to improve organizational agility and support the firm's complex project requirements. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, Mayer ensures that staff remain at the forefront of 3D/virtual design and structural engineering advancements. The Chief Administrative Officer also coordinates with other C-suite leaders to align administrative policies with the firm's broader growth objectives. Through effective management of organizational resources, Mayer strengthens the operational foundation of the company.