Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is a nano-scale compute fabric being explored by the VLSI research community as the difficulties in shrinking CMOS transistors mount. The paradigm promises high device densities and power-efficiency, and has unique properties that make it an interesting candidate for programmable devices. In this work, we propose a specialized architecture for programmable devices using QCA, present design rules for circuit design using the architecture and introduce a simulation engine tuned to efficiently simulate QCA circuits designed for this architecture.