At Omaha by Design, we contribute to a thriving metro by convening, engaging, educating and advocating for excellence in people-centered urban design and policy.
Scott Dobbe is an architect with a vision as expansive as the city. He began his career in Chicago as an architectural designer with industry leaders Perkins&Will and HOK. Returning to his home state in 2011, he grew professionally with DLR Group, emerging as the firm’s youngest Regional Design Leader. Following years of association with Omaha by Design, Scott assumed the Executive Director role in 2018.
Scott is a native of Kearney, Nebraska. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska College of Architecture, and his Master of Architecture from Ohio State University. He is a graduate of Leadership Omaha Class 39, past leader of the Greater Omaha Young Professionals Council, and Chair of the City of Omaha Landmarks Heritage Preservation Commission.
Abram is an urban planner with a passion for walkable communities and neighborhood revitalization. His interest in urban planning was sparked while living without a car as a student at Omaha’s Metropolitan Community College, which highlighted the difficulty of living as a pedestrian in a city designed for cars. After graduating from Metro, and then from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with a bachelor’s in journalism, Abram worked in public media before deciding to turn his interest in urban planning into a career.
Abram received his master’s in city and regional planning from Georgia Tech, and then spent seven years working as an urban planner for the Downtown Memphis Commission in Memphis, TN. Although he loved his time in the Bluff City, Abram is excited to be back home in Omaha, playing a small role in making the city a more livable place for everyone.
Alex brings her passion for neighborhood engagement and operational strategy to the Omaha by Design team. Born and raised in Omaha, she believes in our region’s potential to be a top choice for young professionals to build a life. As an active commuter, she is a passionate advocate for transportation safety and a strong urban core to support a car-free lifestyle.
Alex has served on the board of directors for the South Omaha Neighborhood Alliance and helped found the Near South Neighbors neighborhood association. Alex graduated from the University of Nebraska at Omaha with a Bachelor of Arts in History. Experience in non-profit development and property management positions her to succeed in work to create a more vibrant livable city – for all.
Daren is a mission-driven leader at the intersection of community development, economic growth, and urban innovation. He leads collaborative efforts across sectors to champion people-centered design while expanding the organization’s reach and impact. Throughout his career, Daren has focused on strengthening local economies and empowering small businesses, notably with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. He is also the co-founder of Omaha Fit Fam, a fitness group that promotes connection, empowerment, and holistic well-being.
Originally from Georgia, Daren is a proud U.S. Air Force veteran of 9 years, whose service took him around the globe and instilled in him a deep appreciation for diverse communities and resilient cities. He earned his degree from the Community College of the Air Force and applies a service-oriented mindset to every endeavor. Passionate about building inclusive partnerships, Daren is committed to enhancing quality of life and driving meaningful impact for all of Omaha.
Isabelle finds her niche to be at the intersection of human scale design and creative communications. She is an advocate for public art, avid user of the Heartland B-Cycles, and can’t help but notice urban design everywhere she goes.
A proud Kansas Citian, Isabelle came to Omaha in pursuit of a degree in Art History & Economics at Creighton University. Throughout her time in Omaha, she has continually sought opportunities to be involved with the community and grow professionally: from being selected for the Nonprofit Association of the Midland’s Rising Leaders Institute, to serving on the Joslyn Art Museum’s Young Advocates Leadership Committee. Isabelle combines her love of arts with her passion for urban design and community engagement in her work at Omaha by Design.
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Baird Holm LLP
Vice President / Treasurer
Dundee Bank
Secretary
Noddle Companies
Immediate Past President
Engineering Change Lab - USA
Buildertrend
HDR
PJ Morgan Real Estate
NuStyle Development
Jensen Consulting
LEO A DALY
Blair Freeman
ex-officio
Omaha by Design
Connie launched and led Omaha by Design as Executive Director for 14 years. She was instrumental in the formulation of the Urban Design Element – the City of Omaha’s first design guidelines – as well as a key figure in driving and implementing a unified vision for the region’s future. Connie’s significant contributions to improving the metro’s livability and vibrancy, alongside her inimitable gift for bringing people together, serve as the foundation of ethics and equity from which we operate today.
Chair
AO*
JEO Consulting
Omaha Downtown Improvement
District
Olsson
Urban League of Nebraska
Heartland Next
Holland Basham Architects
Metro Transit
Omaha Community Foundation
Lamp Rynearson
HDR
Actual Architecture Co.
Blair Freeman
City of Omaha
City of Omaha
Vireo
City of La Vista
Canopy South
City of Council Bluffs
Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency
Douglas County Environmental Services
Metonic Real Estate Solutions / Apogee Professional Services
NuStyle Development
DLR Group
Kiewit
Oak Investment Real Estate
Olsson
RDG Planning & Design
Paul G Smith Associates
UNMC
NP Dodge Real Estate
RDG Planning & Design
City of Omaha
BVH Architecture
DLR Group
Omaha Public Power District
