Welcome CEO, Nadine Hensler, to the CRP Team!
Preserving local design leadership, longtime industry & community leader joins forces with deeply rooted local architecture firm.
CRP Architects Welcomes Nadine Hensler as Chief Executive Officer to Lead the Firm’s Next Chapter of Strategy, Growth, and Community Impact
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- In an era when many small, locally owned architecture firms are closing their doors or being absorbed by national corporations, two long-time Colorado Springs architecture and civic leaders have joined forces at one of the region’s most respected firms. Coinciding with National Small Business Month, CRP Architects proudly announces the appointment of Nadine Hensler as Chief Executive Officer, marking a bold new chapter for the local firm.
CRP’s leadership evolution is a strategic commitment to remaining an independent, regionally focused firm. This ensures that CRP can retain the agility, relationships, and local insight necessary to respond to community needs without losing its identity or values.
Hensler joins President and Principal Architect Brian Risley, and Vice President and Principal Architect Chris Mannino, combining their decades of experience in the built environment and a shared vision rooted in community, design excellence, and strategic growth. This strategic move will amplify CRP’s mission of “Building Community” and position the firm to have even greater community impact through the built environment.
“This leadership transition ensures CRP remains a locally owned firm with deep community roots,” said Brian Risley. “We believe that keeping design decisions local—not driven from a distant office—is essential to building lasting, responsive architecture.”
Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, President & CEO of the Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC, added, “Small, independently owned firms like CRP Architects are vital to the fabric of our community. They provide not only exceptional services but also local accountability and cultural relevance. Their commitment to remaining locally led—and growing from within—is the kind of story our business community should celebrate, especially as we approach Small Business Month in celebration of the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.”
With more than 45 years of service across the State of Colorado, CRP has built a reputation for thoughtful, high-impact work in the civic, education, religious, and public sectors—shaping
projects like the 5,500-seat indoor Trojan Arena sports complex in Fountain, or the transformative re-design of Cheyenne Mountain High School. CRP also has a long-standing history of service with Colorado Springs District 11, Academy District 20, and locally based non-profit and faith-based clients. Many of these clients are also familiar with Nadine Hensler’s leadership and project work, reflecting a shared history of trusted relationships, aligned values, and a mutual commitment to service, collaboration, and quality design.
Hensler’s arrival signals a deep investment in CRP’s future—one that builds on its 45-year legacy, while positioning the firm to meet the growing demand for smart, community-focused design as the region experiences unprecedented economic and population growth.
Brian Risley, continuing in his role as President and Principal Architect, shared, “Nadine’s leadership marks a turning point for CRP Architects. She brings a wealth of industry knowledge, strong relationships across the state, and a strategic mindset that aligns perfectly with our values and mission of Building Community. Together, we are building on CRP’s legacy while sharpening our focus on the future.”
Nadine Hensler added, “Brian and I share a deep belief in the power of design to serve communities. CRP’s reputation as a locally owned, regionally focused firm known for its client service, thoughtful designs, and long-term partnerships is unmatched. I’m excited to bring new energy to the firm while honoring the purpose and people that have made it so respected. This isn’t just a leadership enhancement—it’s an investment in CRP’s next era.”
CRP will continue to serve clients across municipal, education, non-profit, and faith sectors with projects rooted in community, collaboration, and excellence. Together, we will continue our passion of Building Community.