Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Design Partner
We are a design-centered architectural practice founded in 1968, dedicated to creating spaces that enhance communities through collaboration and innovation. Our team of lifelong learners prioritizes sustainable practices, meeting the AIA 2030 Challenge while integrating materials and construction methods that respect both built and natural environments. We focus on people-centered design, working closely with clients to create inclusive spaces for living, working, learning, and play. Our open studio environment fosters collective problem-solving, ensuring each project benefits from diverse perspectives.With offices in Lincoln, Omaha, and Denver, we serve diverse sectors including education, historic preservation, and civic spaces. Our approach combines rigorous inquiry, research-driven solutions, and a commitment to ecological stewardship. We believe architecture should transform lives while maintaining a balance between functionality, economy, performance, and beauty. Our 55+ years of experience demonstrate our dedication to making the world better through thoughtful design.
Services
Architectural Design
Facility Analysis
Community Engagement
Sustainability Planning
Historic Preservation
Interior Architecture
Master Planning
Space Planning
Graphic Design Integration
Ecological Stewardship
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- We've specialized in architectural design since 1968 with a multidisciplinary team across three regional offices
- Our projects automatically meet AIA 2030 energy reduction targets as baseline sustainability standards
- We employ an open studio collaborative process that leverages collective expertise for optimal solutions
- Our team holds 194 combined industry awards recognizing design excellence and community impact
- We maintain a 90% client retention rate through personalized, transparent project management approaches
What people say
High satisfaction
Continually chosen
Exceptional spaces
Collaborative process
Design excellence
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design process combines creativity with technical expertise to create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces. We focus on contextual relevance and sustainability while meeting specific client needs. Our collaborative approach ensures each project reflects its environment and serves its intended purpose effectively. We handle projects from initial concept through construction documentation and site supervision.
Historic Preservation
We specialize in preserving historically significant structures while adapting them for modern use. Our approach maintains architectural integrity while implementing contemporary improvements. Services include condition assessments, restoration planning, and navigating regulatory requirements for heritage buildings across various sectors including education and civic institutions.
Sustainability Design
Our sustainability experts integrate eco-friendly solutions throughout the design process. We meet AIA 2030 energy reduction targets while considering material sourcing, building performance, and environmental impact. This holistic approach creates energy-efficient spaces that minimize ecological footprints without compromising design quality or functionality.
Facility Analysis
We conduct comprehensive evaluations of existing structures to determine maintenance needs and future potential. Our assessments include condition documentation, code compliance reviews, and prioritized improvement recommendations. This service helps clients develop strategic plans for facility upgrades and long-term maintenance scheduling across educational and institutional properties.
Community Engagement
Our engagement process ensures stakeholder input shapes project outcomes. We employ surveys, public meetings, and interactive workshops to gather diverse perspectives. This collaborative approach creates spaces that truly serve community needs while building consensus among various interest groups and project stakeholders.
People
Todd Afflerbaugh
Project Manager / Senior Associate
With LEED AP certification, Todd brings sustainability expertise to our projects. He focuses on collaborative design solutions that balance environmental responsibility with functional requirements across educational and civic spaces.
Samah Al Sarhani
Project Coordinator
Samah ensures smooth project execution through meticulous coordination. Her organizational skills help maintain project timelines while facilitating communication between design teams and clients throughout the development process.
Kacie Anderson
Interior Designer
NCIDQ-certified Kacie specializes in creating functional interior spaces that enhance user experience. She integrates sustainable materials and innovative design concepts to develop environments that support educational and institutional activities.
Mark Bacon
Architect / Principal
As a licensed AIA architect and firm principal, Mark provides leadership in design excellence. His expertise spans multiple project types, focusing on creating spaces that strengthen community connections through thoughtful architectural solutions.
Jeff Pedersen
Practice Director / Senior Associate
LEED AP-certified Jeff leads our educational facility practice. With decades of experience, he specializes in creating innovative learning environments that adapt to evolving educational needs while maintaining strong community connections.
Questions
What architectural services does BVH offer?
We provide full-service architectural design, historic preservation, sustainability planning, interior architecture, and master planning across educational, civic, and cultural sectors.
How does BVH approach sustainable design?
Our sustainability approach exceeds baseline requirements through the AIA 2030 Commitment, focusing on material selection, energy efficiency, and ecological integration in every project.
Do you work outside Nebraska?
While headquartered in Nebraska, we serve clients across the Midwest and maintain offices in Lincoln, Omaha, and Denver for regional accessibility.
What project types do you specialize in?
We specialize in educational facilities (PreK-12 and higher education), historic preservation, libraries, civic buildings, and mixed-use developments.
How do you involve communities in design?
We use community meetings, surveys, and outreach events to ensure inclusive design processes that reflect stakeholder needs and priorities.
