Clymer Cease Retires from Clark Nexsen

Clymer Cease retired from Clark Nexsen at the end of 2022, leaving a legacy that is distinguished by his vision of architecture as a tool to improve society and the experience of the built environment.  

Over the course of his 46-year career, he spent more than 32 years in his firms’ leadership roles, including as Managing Principal and member of the Boards of Directors at FWA Group, Pearce Brinkley Cease + Lee (which merged with Clark Nexsen in 2013), and most recently Clark Nexsen, where he had served as Chairman since 2016.  

Described by a peer as the epitome of a “citizen architect,” Clymer was elevated to the AIA’s prestigious College of Fellows in 2016. His remarkable career is characterized by a commitment to blending professional and personal passions to elevate the arts and civic design. Regionally, his impact on North Carolina’s Triangle area has been tremendous, with leadership roles on multiple boards contributing to the development of Raleigh’s vibrant urban core and the region’s expanding arts scene.   

Clymer’s focus on bringing together the intersecting worlds of the arts, urbanism, and architecture included serving as a founding member and Chair of the City of Raleigh’s Public Art and Design Board, member of the Board of Directors for Artsplosure and Carolina Ballet, and Co-Chair of the Steering Committee for the Raleigh Arts Plan. He also served as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, Chair of the Regional Transportation Alliance, member of the Board of Directors for the Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, and as President of North Carolina State University’s College of Design’s Design Guild.  

His work has received numerous design awards and accolades and reflects his commitment to consistently designing projects that contribute to the richness of their environment. Clymer served as principal-in-charge on many significant projects, including the iconic NC State Hunt Library (with Snøhetta), the Terminal 1 Renovation at Raleigh-Durham International Airport, UNC Coastal Studies Institute, Green Square Parking Deck, Park Shops Renovation at NC State, and the Carrington Hall Nursing School Addition at UNC Chapel Hill.  

“Clymer’s contributions to Clark Nexsen and the architectural profession are immense,” said Dennis Stallings, FAIA, Principal and Design Director. “It’s been an honor to work alongside him for so many years. He’s set a great example for me and many others with his calm, steady leadership style and his dual focus on people and design excellence.” 

“Clymer will be greatly missed,” commented Terri Hall, PE, Clark Nexsen’s President. “His impact both within Clark Nexsen and the greater community has been tremendous. He has mentored many of our design leaders, guided client relations and business development, and always prioritized our people and culture. We wish him all the best in this next chapter.”