Former Clark & Enersen President and Chairman of the Board Dennis Scheer, ASLA, officially announced his retirement earlier this month, closing the book on a 40-plus year career as a landscape architect and leader of our firm.

Dennis was hired full-time at Clark & Enersen in 1983 to lead the firm’s site team and became a firm principal in the late ‘80s. He would go on to serve as president of our firm from 2009–2010 before being elected as chairman of the board from 2011–2017. In these roles, Dennis led the design of many of our firm’s most significant and iconic site and landscape architecture projects. His appreciation for the communities he worked in heavily influenced his design philosophy and approach as a landscape architect. He sought to enhance awareness for the distinctiveness of the surrounding landscape and communicate concepts that convey the meaning derived from its history, people, and environment.

“Dennis joined our firm shortly after the death of co-founder Larry Enersen who, for 38 years, built a foundation of excellence in landscape architecture and urban design, ethical professional practice, and robust community engagement,” says past president Lowell Berg. “He seized the momentum inherited from Larry, and accelerated it for the next 38 years, now setting up another generation of design professionals for success. Dennis was exactly the right person to join our firm at exactly the right time.”

Some of his most notable projects during his career include Sunken Gardens, Centennial Mall Renovation, Union Park Plaza, Assurity Center Corporate Campus, Farm Credit Services of America Corporate Campus, Lincoln Mall, Lincoln Entryways Corridor Master Plan, several Downtown Lincoln streetscapes, and the Fallbrook Community Development.

“Dennis is highly regarded as one of the most talented landscape architects in the Midwest, and he has carried on the legacy of Larry Enersen through his work designing iconic spaces throughout the City of Lincoln and the surrounding region,” says Clark & Enersen’s Director of Landscape Architecture Karen Nalow. “His influence goes well beyond the projects he has led. Dennis has served as a mentor and inspiration for so many people and we are honored to carry on his legacy in the years to come.”

Throughout his career, Dennis led high-profile projects that received awards and honors, including:

• American Society of Landscape Architects, Central States Region, Honor Award for Sunken Gardens Renovation — Lincoln, Nebraska
• American Institute of Architects, Nebraska Chapter, Citation Award for Farm Credit Services of America Corporate Headquarters — Omaha, Nebraska
• Lincoln Arts Council Mayor’s Arts Awards (Urban Design) for Lincoln Mall — Lincoln, Nebraska
• Preservation Association of Lincoln Award for New Construction in a Historic Environment for One Landmark Centre Office — Lincoln, Nebraska
• American Society of Landscape Architects/National Concrete Masonry Association Honor Award for Lincoln Benefit Life Office Complex – Lincoln, Nebraska
• Distinguished Service Award, Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning and Design
• Lincoln Arts Council Mayor’s Arts Awards (Urban Design) for “O” Street Streetscape — Lincoln, Nebraska
• American Institute of Architects, Nebraska Chapter, Honor Award for Pfizer Bulk Biological Manufacturing Facility — Lincoln, Nebraska
• Lincoln Arts Council Mayor’s Arts Awards (Urban Design) for Antelope Triangle Park — Lincoln, Nebraska
• National Audubon Society, Wachiska Chapter, Earth-Keeper Award for Woodmen Outdoor Classroom — Lincoln, Nebraska
• Lincoln Arts Council Mayor’s Arts Awards (Urban Design) for Rock Island Linear Park — Lincoln, Nebraska
• Nebraska Society of Architects, Children’s Jury Honor Award for Harris Residence — Lincoln, Nebraska

Dennis was also devoted to creating strong communities through various servant-leadership roles. He served on several boards and foundations throughout his career, including:

• City of Lincoln Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
• University of Nebraska Project Review Board
• Concordia University (Nebraska) Foundation (Chair, 2000-2004)
• City of Lincoln Mayor’s Environmental Advisory Committee
• City of Lincoln Urban Design Committee (Chair, 1990-2005)
• City of Lincoln Community Forestry Advisory Board (Chair, 1999-2002)
• Lincoln/Lancaster County Comprehensive Plan Community Advisory Group
• Kansas State University Department of Landscape Architecture Advisory Council
• Nebraska Statewide Arboretum Advisory Council
• Nebraska State Registration Board of Landscape Architects

To learn more about the meaningful and impactful projects Dennis has been a part of, please visit the Our Work section of our website.