After decades of remarkable dedication and visionary leadership, Chuck Penuel is transitioning into retirement and we proudly bestow the titles “Founder & Principal Emeritus” to convey his evolving role within BPA. His profound contributions have left an indelible mark on our firm and the architecture community. Chuck’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide us as we embark on this next chapter.
As we honor the past, we also look to the future with great enthusiasm as we are delighted to announce that Alicia Pughsley and Alan Crotwell will step into new roles as Principals. With their deep commitment and long-standing contributions to BPA’s success, we are confident their leadership will propel the firm forward while preserving the values that define who we are.
“As we step into our roles as Principals, we are honored to carry forward the legacy built over the years. BPA’s reputation for integrity, attention to detail, and strong client relationships remain central to our mission.”
Alan’s journey with Birchfield Penuel Architects began in 1999, just weeks after earning his Bachelor of Architecture from Mississippi State University. From the start, BPA’s supportive culture and focus on work-life balance made it the perfect fit. His first project, a St. Vincent’s clinic, launched a career in healthcare design that included landmark projects like St. Vincent’s 119 Wellness Campus and the North Tower at St. Vincent’s Main Birmingham.
He later worked on VA facilities, focusing on mental health and dementia care, and led historic preservation projects at the University of Alabama, including Bryce Hospital, which at the time was the largest project in BPA’s history. His leadership on the Bryce Hospital Stabilization, completed in 2018, earned an AIA Alabama Honor Award in 2022.
After 25 years at BPA, Alan’s dedication to the firm reflects his deep connection to its culture, legacy, and future.
Alicia’s journey with Birchfield Penuel Architects began in 2008 after graduating from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Architecture. As a member of one of the first classes to complete Auburn’s Urban Studio, she brought a distinctive perspective on urban design when she joined BPA as an intern. In 2012, she became the youngest licensed female architect at BPA.
Early in her career, Alicia collaborated on notable projects like Oaks on Parkwood NHS and Jackson Hospital, and on major UAB projects, including the School of Medicine, ORs at Highlands, and Sterne Library. Her portfolio expanded to include award-winning work like the Lay Dam Houses, which earned an AIA Alabama Honor Award in 2021, as well as impactful projects such as UAB’s Heart and Vascular Center, Auburn University’s Early Learning Center, and the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
Alicia’s career exemplifies her commitment to thoughtful, innovative design and advancing BPA’s legacy.
“I have complete confidence in our new leadership team’s ability to continue to deliver the exceptional service and expertise our clients and partners have come to expect.”
