Dan joined the BVH Omaha studio in 1984 after assisting the city of Omaha with the development and implementation of their Historic Preservation Commission and Comprehensive Plan for Historic Preservation. He grew up in the small Swedish village of Oakland, Nebraska, where he was born, educated and learned the craft of carpentry from his father. He attended the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and the Architectural Association in London where he graduated with degrees in architecture and urban planning. In 1993, Dan moved to BVH Lincoln where he managed the studio for more than 15 years, helping it grow, thrive, and double in size and commissions.
While studying in London and Europe, Dan was smitten by the historic villages and cities and the importance of architectural heritage to our quality of life. Upon returning to Nebraska, he has devoted his career to the advocacy and development of best practices and innovations in preservation and conservation. He has become a leading voice on the creative reuse of buildings and planning and designing livable cities and sustainable communities.
Outside of BVH, Dan enjoys cooking for friends and family, dabbles in photography, attends many films and film festivals, visits museums of all shapes and sizes, and loves traveling the back roads to explore and discover the beauty of the Great Plains landscapes and communities. His favorite quote by Mark Twain sums it all up: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.”
What is the favorite place you have visited?
Many explorations of Paris with my wife, Laurie, and dear friend, Norman Geske.
What are you optimistic about?
I believe that we, as a profession and as a nation, are finally realizing that our built environment and design legacy is vitally important for our culture, quality of life and our children.
How do you engage your community?
I have been engaged locally, statewide and nationally through many private/nonprofit organizations for more than 30 years, including Preservation Association of Lincoln, Landmark’s Incorporated – Omaha, Association for Preservation Technology International, Association for Preservation Technology Central Plains Chapter and Nebraska State Historic Preservation.
What is your area of interest or research?
Historic Preservation.
What is your inspiration?
I am inspired by my co-workers at BVH who inspire me to do world-class preservation, by my many clients who inspire me to push the boundaries and by my wife who energizes all who she encounters.
