Founded in 1969 by James A. Neal, FAIA, Neal Prince Architects initially concentrated on residential and small commercial projects. Jim Neal started the practice in a converted residence on Augusta Road, shared with Charles Westbury, AIA. The practice grew, based primarily on new home design and design of small professional buildings and churches. Robin Prince and Stokes Browning joined the firm in the late ‘70’s; Robin, a young graduate student, concentrated on design, and Stokes concentrated on construction documentation and administration. After winning the commission to design the Greenville Chamber of Commerce building in 1972, the firm gained increased visibility and prominence, enabling it to expand into a broader spectrum of work, including professional, municipal, and large commercial design. NPA relocated to a new facility in Cleveland Professional Park around the same time, and continued to add staff. In 1986, Jim and Robin began to renovate, for NPA’s new home, 110 West North Street, a 1930’s era three story commercial building in the heart of downtown. NPA moved into the facility in early 1988, and continues to operate in that facility, enjoying the character and environment the facility affords.

In 1981 the firm named Brooks R. Prince, AIA, as partner and in 1987 incorporated as Neal Prince + Partners Architects. Dave Benham joined the firm in 1987, and Scott May joined the firm in 1988. Both Dave and Scott have enjoyed a long relationship with the firm, and Scott took on the role of President of NPA from Robin Prince in 2005. Chuck Hultstrand joined the firm in 2003, moving to the Upstate following a long history with The Boudreax Group in Columbia. Other partners were added in the following years, and in 2007, the firm’s official name was shortened to Neal Prince Architects.

NPA started working with churches very early in its history, and continues that tradition today. NPA has distinguished itself with commissions for more than 300 faith based projects, both regionally and internationally. NPA also gained a strong reputation in educational projects in Greenville County, working on projects that included everything from small renovations of existing elementary schools to design of 250,000 GSF high schools. True to its roots, NPA maintains a healthy residential design studio. Residential commissions have spanned everything from carport additions to 15,000 sf retreats, and has recently added affordable housing design to its portfolio.

A long standing advocate of sustainable design, the firm has also garnered over a dozen LEED certifications for clients in several building types. NPA continues to work toward an increased level of building performance, occupant comfort, and the use of sustainable materials and systems.

In January 2011, Neal Prince Architects merged with LS3P, integrating more than 200 architects, planners, interior designers and support staff in North and South Carolina. LS3P celebrates the rich legacy of Neal Prince ‘s leaders, projects, and clients and looks to the future as a stronger, more diverse firm worthy of the title “the Firm of the Carolinas”.