As a principal, Larry brings over 40 years of experience in his direction to Avant Architect’s project design. He is versed in a wide range of projects, including retail, office, multi-family housing, education, research, and medical facilities. Larry is inspired by each of the unique problems his clients bring to the table and loves to brainstorm a range of creative solutions to meet their needs. He loves to work with the design team to expand upon each client’s aspirations for their project and go above and beyond what they imagined. Larry is known for his ability to tailor the design process to each individual client, project, and challenge. His design capabilities include programming, master planning, design, construction documents, and administration. Larry has held various leadership positions with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Board of Directors and is a registered architect in over 25 states across the U.S.

Curiosity, common sense, and a holistic approach are central to design excellence. Meeting the client’s functional needs cost-effectively, with a strong positive aesthetic result, creates places and spaces that make a difference.

Connections and Education:

• Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• Member, American Institute of Architects Committee on Design
• Bachelor of Arts, Architecture, Iowa State University (1979)

As founder and principal of Avant Architects, Inc., with over 40 years of experience, Lori has a strong reputation for design excellence. She has deep expertise across different areas of architecture but focuses her talents on the design and implementation of private and commercial interior architecture projects. She knows that no two projects are alike and tailors each design to reflect the individual needs of each space and client. Lori has received many awards for her projects from the American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Interior Designers over the course of her career. She has served in multiple positions on the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects.

“I love hands-on projects with personality. There is such opportunity in the small-scale details to make something exceptional.”

Connections and Education:

• Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• Allied Member, American Society of Interior Designers
• Member, American Institute of Architects, Committee on Design
• Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects, Board Member (2011-2016)
• Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects, Chairman of Communications Committee (2012)
• Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln (1983)

An extremely talented designer, Steve excels at finding unique and creative solutions to every client’s needs. Like a puzzle, Steve knows that every unique design problem has a solution — and the challenge is finding it. He loves breaking down complex systems to find the simplest possible solutions. One of Steve’s primary goals is to be a valuable resource to clients and contractors alike. He takes a collaborative approach to every project, which helps create a smooth experience for clients, consultants, and contractors. He believes this approach is what makes every project as successful as possible and rewarding for everyone involved. With over 30 years of architecture experience, Steve’s expertise spans all types of projects and clients — including office, commercial, industrial, healthcare, retail development, and multi-family and private residential. He loves that architecture allows him to be involved in the entire building process — from conception to construction to design completion and beyond.

When I was in elementary school, I loved to watch buildings being constructed. I loved to draw and wanted to know how things are built. I guess being an Architect was inevitable.

Connections and Education:

• Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• Master of Architecture, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (1996)
• Bachelor of Science, Architecture, University of Nebraska, Lincoln (1991)

Matthew is driven by his understanding that successful projects come from a successful process. He is fascinated by the inner workings of each client’s business and industry. He uses this natural curiosity to help define the goals and constraints of a project and truly understand those he works with. Matthew leads a collaborative process between the design team, clients, regulatory agencies and contractors, as he knows when everyone can contribute their skills, the project is in the best position to succeed. In his over 26 years as an architect, Matthew has designed a wide range of projects — including commercial, financial, healthcare, senior care, multi-family residential, animal care, retail, hospitality, and faith spaces. He brings his design expertise to buildings across the Midwest and is registered in Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, South Dakota, and Illinois.

Oddly enough, studying Latin led me to Architecture. It wasn’t being exposed to the beauty of classical architecture that struck me; it was the ingenuity of architects to solve problems… beautifully.

Connections and Education:

• Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• Master of Business Administration, University of Nebraska, Omaha (2013)
• Bachelor of Architecture, Iowa State University (1998)

Hannah believes that great interior design is about balance — finding true harmony in all the details to create a beautiful design that functions well and speaks to the client and occupants of the space. She takes an innovative approach to interior design concepts and pairs this with expert knowledge of finish materials to create comfortable, imaginative spaces that inspire those who inhabit them. Hannah’s more than 9 years span across healthcare, senior living, and commercial interiors. In each project and phase of the design process, she brings passion, fun, an attention to detail, and an exceptional ability to connect and communicate designs with her clients. In doing this, she is able to focus on each client’s and project’s unique goals to create thoughtful, functional, creative, and irreplaceable designs that reflect their vision.

Interior design has a large impact on everyday life. A great environment can lead to more collaboration and productivity, faster healing, or an improved customer experience. I love that I get to create a variety of environments for others that impact people’s lives.

Connections and Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Design: Interior Design, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
• Well Accredited Professional, WELL AP

In her more than 8 years of experience as an interior designer, Zoe has developed vast expertise working with a range of clients in residential and commercial interiors. She integrates her knowledge in materiality, space planning, and technology to create layouts that embody all design aspects, from materials to furniture selections and layouts. Zoe loves experimenting with different material combinations to create a curated palette that evolves into a cohesive theme. For her, this process transforms the design into a dynamic entity that influences the feel of the space and how the final users interact within the environment. Zoe finds inspiration everywhere she goes — including different textiles, movies, fashion, and media — and takes a special interest in trend patterns and how she can reinterpret them in modern designs. She always looks for opportunities to further her education and continue providing clients with the latest and best design options. Zoe forms a trusting, collaborative relationship with each client to truly understand their desires for each space and make their vision a reality. She believes this allows her to combine their vision with her passion for design and curate every detail into a unique and functional project.

Design is important because people interact with interior spaces every day. It affects your life, mood, and business. Why not make that space spectacular when it is such a pillar of everyday life?

Connections and Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Design: Interior Design, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• WELL Accredited Professional (WELL AP)

With over 20 years of accounting experience, Jennie has worked across a variety of industries — including large corporations, small businesses, and startups. She now brings this expertise and attention to detail to all areas of accounting and financial reporting at Avant Architects. Jennie’s love of problem-solving, analyzing situations, and providing information inspires her to help the Avant team and its clients make the most informed decisions possible.

I have always loved numbers. As a child, I set up a store in the basement, selling various toys to my siblings – using my father’s adding machine as the “cash register.” So naturally, I became an accountant.

Connections and Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Morningside University

Nate is a skilled visualizer. When starting a project, he uses the client’s goals and his own expertise to envision exactly how it will look when it’s complete. He uses this ability and creates project models in various representation styles, including traditional 2D drawings, illustrated diagrams, renderings, and animations. This gives clients a clear view of what a project will look like upon completion. While his specialty lies in visualization and renderings, Nate loves being hands-on in all the phases of project development, from Initial Concept design through Design Development and Construction Documents. He is always challenging himself to explore new ways to improve his designs through alternative tools, programs, and workflows.

My fire for design is fueled by my ability to leave my voice to the world in a unique and lasting way. I’m always thinking of innovative ways to design spaces that are enjoyable, aesthetic, and functional.

Connections and Education:

• Bachelor of Architecture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Masters in Architecture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

Alaina’s passion for design comes from a desire to build the future and serve communities through her work. She is especially interested in how the buildings in the world around us intersect with art, culture, and history to tell a story, and she uses this inspiration in her own designs. Alaina loves how design harmoniously blends technical and creative skills. She challenges herself to find creative solutions to unique problems through the different stages of each project — from initial concepts and puzzling together functional floor plans to construction details, assemblies, and beyond.

I like to think of buildings as a living form of history. To me, it’s important they’re designed to be memorable places that people enjoy visiting for years to come.

Connections and Education:

• Master of Architecture, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
• Bachelor of Science in Design, University of Nebraska–Lincoln

When working on a design, Jadon’s goal is to give the client exactly what they want and deliver a finished project that is above and beyond what they initially imagined. He loves using his creativity to bring new ideas to the table, help clients with unique ideas, and brainstorm solutions that meet project needs. Jadon’s inspiration for design comes from the world around him, whether it’s a building he notices as he goes about his day or a famous design whose story captured his attention. He loves that architecture gives people an opportunity to leave a lasting mark on the world — in whatever city that project may call home.

“The built environment was always fascinating to me and seemed to offer a special way to leave a mark in any given city.”

Connections and Education:

• Master in Architecture, Kansas State University