Work Program Architects Expands to Raleigh, NC – Focus on Resilient Design
Raleigh, N.C. – Work Program Architects (WPA), a Virginia-based architecture and design firm, has opened a latest office in Raleigh, North Carolina, its first expansion outside of Virginia. The office, located at 300 Fayetteville St., will be led by managing principal Sam Bowling and architect Rae LeClair, according to a press release issued on February 11, 2026.
The expansion reflects WPA’s growth and its focus on community-centered design, particularly in the rapidly developing Triangle region and surrounding communities like Oxford, Morrisville, and Knightdale. WPA specializes in civic, cultural, housing, and educational projects, with an emphasis on social, economic, and environmental resilience.
“Raleigh was a natural next step for our firm,” said Bowling. “The Triangle region has a deep appreciation for thoughtful design, and we are equally excited to work in halo communities of the region. Quality design can play a critical role in strengthening infrastructure, preserving history and supporting long-term growth.”
WPA was recognized by Fast Company in 2025 as one of the Most Innovative Companies in Social Good. The firm was also included in the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies and named among Inc.’s Best Workplaces that same year. WPA currently employs 26 people, including 11 licensed architects.
The Raleigh office’s leadership brings significant experience to the new location. Bowling previously served as lead architect on the Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Lab, a project that received multiple design awards and was featured on NBC’s “Today” indicate. LeClair has contributed to major community and education-focused projects, including the St. Paul’s Transformation initiative and the redevelopment of Maury High School, as well as the Blue Ridge Community College Truck Driving Range.
“Sam and Rae are the perfect team to lead this new office and expand the geographic impact of our mission,” said WPA co-founder and CEO Mel Price. “Their backgrounds in designing for the environmental challenges of the present and future, along with their ability to balance input from multiple stakeholders, position WPA to lead on many of the key issues shaping the built environment in the Triangle region.”
The expansion comes as North Carolina grapples with increasing climate-related challenges, including heightened awareness of flood risks following Hurricane Helene. WPA intends to leverage its expertise in resilient design strategies to address these concerns, focusing on protecting people, preserving history, and strengthening neighborhoods. The firm currently has four architects licensed in North Carolina, including co-founder Thom White, and seven architectural and interior designers authorized to work in the state under the supervision of licensed architects.
LeClair emphasized the firm’s commitment to community engagement. “At our core, we believe in getting into communities, listening and building responsive design solutions,” she said. “Tactical urbanism, civic partnerships and community engagement are not add-ons for us — they’re foundational to how we work.”