As the award-winning design firm expands its services in architecture, interior design, landscape and engineering, Wendy Rogers takes post as CEO
(IRVINE, Calif.) August 9, 2017 — Integrated design firm LPA Inc. has named Wendy Rogers, FAIA as chief executive officer, succeeding Robert Kupper, who served as CEO of the company for 30 years. Rogers becomes only the second CEO in the national firm’s more than 50-year history.
Rogers joins a handful of women leading national architecture firms. She moves into her new role at a time of steady expansion for LPA, a fully-integrated practice with architecture, interior design, landscape and engineering services.
Kupper remains with the company in an advisory role and will continue to work with the management team daily.
“It will be a privilege to build on Bob’s legacy,” said Rogers, who has spent the last two years as Chief Talent Officer and the last 18 years as Principal since joining the firm in 1987. “Bob has helped instill a collaborative work ethic, focused on problem-solving and creating sustainable places that enrich lives.”
With more than 380 employees, LPA focuses on research-driven sustainable design, working across sectors, including education, civic, health care and corporate projects. The firm opened an office in Dallas in April—its sixth location nationwide and second in Texas.
A Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Rogers has been a vocal advocate for sustainable design, using research to support green design principles and strategies. Her initial priorities as CEO include increasing the role of LPA’s proprietary research unit, LPAred, and using LPA’s unique Informed Design approach to differentiate the design firm in the marketplace.
“My goal is to preserve an environment that inspires and challenges the brightest talent to do their best work,” Rogers said.
Rogers will work with LPA president Dan Heinfeld on leading the day-to-day operations of the company. Heinfeld has served as president of LPA since 1986.
“Wendy has a strong sensibility that balances the business practice of the firm with the fundamental belief that design can change lives,” said Heinfeld. “These are exciting times at LPA and Wendy’s collaborative leadership approach will be a catalyst in making our firm better.”
The CEO transition has been planned for several years, according to Kupper. “Wendy has shown her ability as a design professional and as a leader,” Kupper said. “She is a collaborator.”
Under Kupper’s leadership, LPA grew as a diverse design firm, developing a firm wide focus on sustainability and innovation. The company has grown and thrived during many development cycles.
The influence of Kupper’s leadership “can be seen in every strand of this company’s DNA,” Rogers said. “Bob started his career as a project designer at LPA and he applied that same intelligent problem-solving discipline to running a firm. He has truly demonstrated what it is to lead a company sustainably.”
LPA’s revenue has increased by 20 percent since 2015 with plans to continue expansion in additional regions in the future. Some of the firm’s current projects include Mazda Motor Corporation’s headquarters in Irvine, California; Silicon Valley’s technology-based STEM school, TIDE Academy; and the recently certified LEED Silver Monarch Center at Los Angeles Valley College.
About LPA
Founded in 1965, LPA specializes in creating innovative environments that work better, do more with less and improve people’s lives. An integrated design firm with six locations in California and Texas, LPA’s team includes more than 450 in-house architects, master planners, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects and research analysts, working across a wide array of sectors. For more information, visit http://www.lpadesignstudios.com.
