A Great City Doesn’t Just Happen.
A GREAT CITY HAPPENS BY DESIGN.
We are unabashedly proud of this place we call home, the Omaha metro. As we build for the future, we consider the city’s unique set of people, places and ideas. We harness the power of urban design to enhance city life, centering our work on three Areas of Impact.
OUR MISSION
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.
AREAS OF IMPACT
Vibrant + Inclusive Public Spaces
A city is more than concrete and steel. In decades past, our metro was built without much thought given to the social and environmental consequences. Today, with the benefit of history, we are at work to reverse this trend, as we tackle issues such as housing affordability, density vs. sprawl, urban waterways, and access to jobs and education.
A Smart + Connected Metro
A city is constantly on the move. Today, we’re on the cusp of a new and exciting era in mobility, as ride sharing, smart technologies, and the Internet of Things revolutionize the way people and goods move about the metro. We work to strengthen regional connections, while uncovering opportunities for new types of connectivity.
Equitable + Sustainable Development
A city brings people together. That’s why many of our projects center around the elements that enhance our metro’s culture, like public art, historic preservation and our neighborhoods. We encourage thoughtful design as a proven return on investment, resulting in spaces that are adaptable and built to last.
ENGAGE
Encourage engagement with the public in planning and development.
ADVOCATE
Advocate for best practices and excellence in urban design and policy.
EDUCATE
Educate the community on urban design principles.
COLLABORATE
Convene, direct and encourage collaboration within the design community.
Omaha by Design is always eager to work with other organizations and entities within the Greater Omaha Metro to further a shared mission of people-centered urban design. Reach out today to see how we can join forces!
Omaha by Design has a handful of other projects and activities we do that are not always public facing – like testifying at the state legislature or city council meetings in favor of people centered urban design – we are trying to decide where a summary could live to encourage other entities to reach out. [CW1]
WE SHALL LEAVE THIS CITY NOT LESS BUT GREATER, BETTER AND MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN IT WAS LEFT TO US.”
– Ancient Greek Oath
OUR TEAM
SCOTT DOBBE, AIA
Executive Director
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 Lueders, AICP
Director of Urban Design / Affordable by Design Fellow
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 Liekhus
Director of Operations & Programming
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 WATERS JR
Director of Strategic Partnerships
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 Fleming
Programming & Communications Coordinator
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 2025 Young Advocate Leadership Committee. Isabelle combines her love of arts with her passion for urban design and community engagement in her work at Omaha by Design.
Omaha by Design is hiring!
We are seeking a proactive Programming & Grants Coordinator.
CONNIE SPELLMAN
Founding Director, 2001–2015
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.