TACK IS AN OMAHA-BASED STUDIO FOUNDED IN 2011 BY JEFF DOLEZAL, REBECCA HARDING AND CHRIS HOUSTON.
We combine diverse experiences to create unique spaces and exceed our client’s expectations through thoughtfully curated projects. By prioritizing trust and confidence in our project process, we have raised the bar of client service and satisfaction. We solve problems by challenging convention and maximizing client investment, introducing a project to new heights of existence.
A Midwest firm with national experience, we connect with a wide range of clients through a passion to convey the flow of concepts to results. Our design philosophy blends notions of craft, tectonic expression, sustainability, and contextual specificity, while working hard to understand our client’s objectives, budget, culture and mission.
Our collective goal is to get back to the heart of architecture by documenting experiences and details through tangible design that conveys a timeless story and personal vision of each client we work with.
J. CHRISTOPHER HOUSTON
AIA, LEED AP, PRINCIPAL
Education: Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1996
Master of Architecture, University of Oregon, 2000
In order to create a great project, Chris Houston believes client communication is key. This focus on customer service is what has driven Chris through 25 years in the architecture industry. He has worked in a variety of markets, including educational, retail, corporate offices, museums and civic projects. Communication and listening to the needs of a client is the foundation of Chris’s project process. He feels sustainability is synonymous with responsibility and is committed to bringing these principles and strategies to every project. With a passion for integrating sustainable design into his work, Chris is an invaluable asset to TACKarchitects as the sustainability resource for clients and staff.
What do you think comprises a great architect?
A good listener & thinker who is always looking forward.
Most inspirational project you have worked on?
I have worked on a number of non-profit projects where their new facility has been able to enhance their mission. It's always rewarding when you can see the positive change on the faces of their staff and visitors.
Client satisfaction is a huge priority for all of you. How do you create such bonds and lasting relationships with your clients?
Listen to what they need and keep that at the forefront of each decision and they will understand that you care.
What is your most precious possession?
My camera.
REBECCA M. HARDING
AIA, LEED AP, PRINCIPAL
Education: Bachelor of Architecture, Cornell University School of Architecture, Ithaca, NY-1994
Rebecca Harding is a project manager and principal for TACKarchitects. Through years of experience in the industry, Rebecca has created a perfect balance between maintaining project time lines and inspiring clients to think outside the box. Her eye for detail ensures polished work on every level, promoting the consistency of TACK’s projects no matter the scope. She believes the best designs are a product of their location and environment, and this philosophy gives her projects true meaning.
What inspires you?
Candid and authentic conversations.
The million shades of green that appear in Midwest rural farmlands.
Intricate parts and mechanisms of large machinery.
The nape of my daughters necks.
What is your design philosophy?
There shall be no clutter. Every element must have meaning and elevate the composition as a whole.
Latest downloads?
Song for inspiration:"Scare Away the Dark" by Passenger
Song for groove: "We are Done" by The Madden Brothers
TV show-"Rectify"
Movie- None; I have no patience to sit for that long.
JEFFREY J. DOLEZAL
AIA, LEED AP, PRINCIPAL
Education: Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, UNL, 1994
Master’s of Architecture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 1996
With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Jeff Dolezal has made a career crafting spaces for his clients. Setting the standard for customer service, Jeff has been responsible for a variety of important architectural sites locally, nationally, and internationally, bringing a global perspective to the Midwest. A keen problem solver with an eye for aesthetics, his experience working on diverse project types gives him the ability to create solutions for a variety of clients. Jeff realizes design does not occur in a vacuum, and welcomes the opportunity to engage the client, the community, and other design professionals in the design process.
What is your philosophy on good design?
Less is more.
What has been your most meaningful project?
Each project is meaningful at some level, it's all about what you take away from the design process. Each builds upon the last. They are more like chapters in one novel.
What is your biggest inspiration in architecture?
Nature, light and materiality.
What is your most precious possession?
A paper clip.
Inspired by the work of her peers, Nichole Schultes believes good design should bring joy to those it serves.
Education:
Master of Architecture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2009 - Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007
What has been your most meaningful project?
Every project is meaningful and special. With every project, client relationships and friendships are formed and new spaces are created; this is a meaningful project to me.
What makes a great architect?
A great architect is someone who listens, someone who can solve problems, and someone who never stops learning.
Best meal of your life: describe it.
I can’t pick just one, as every meal and every trip adds to the list…Pesto in Cinque Terre, falafel on a late-night tube ride home in London, our entire meal at Girl and the Goat last April, lobster rolls next to the Portland Head Lighthouse, a simple picnic lunch at the Delaney Buttes near Walden Colorado, any meal had while traveling in China, and the list continues.
What was the last book you couldn’t put down?
Everything I Never Told You, by Celeste Ng
Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan
Room, by Emma Donoghue
nichole schultes
studio lead, aia, leed ap
With a personal philosophy of being a good human, Ryan Henrickson finds inspiration in the impact of architecture on individuals. His advice for incoming architects is priceless: “Be relentless and operate without any regrets; be it life or architecture.”
Education:
Master of Architecture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2010 - Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2008
What is your philosophy on good design?
"Design" comes with responsibility. Understanding that responsibility, and knowing the limits of where to push design and where not to, yields great results.
Dream project?
The next project.
What inspires you in architecture?
The way in which architecture has the potential to have an impact from small to large, good or bad, on either a single person or an entire city.
What is your personal philosophy?
Be a good human and be mindful of whatever you create in this world. Be it any action, any thought or any design; all have an impact on life and are viewed as a representation of oneself.
ryan henrickson
studio lead
A former TACK intern, Aaron Gall has returned to the crew, bringing with him a reaffirmed love for curated design. He finds inspiration in books, and in the stories of other’s creative work.
Education:
Master of Architecture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2016
Bachelor of Science in Design, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2014
Best meal of your life: describe it.
Zur Soup, corned beef, dill pickles, bread, and lady fingers
Most precious possession?
External hard drive
What are you listening to (latest downloads)?
Currently blazing through podcasts. All genres accepted!
What is your philosophy on good design?
Good design is an intervention between the prescribed and the desired. Intuitive design is a layered spectrum from apparent (mundane) to obscure (meaningful).
aaron gall
Jeff Davis blends his love of architectural design with client interaction within projects, focusing on the personal aspect between the TACK team and their clients.
Education:
Master of Architecture, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2005
What inspires you in architecture?
The spaces we create support the stories of people. I am often inspired by small low-cost structures, created and built out of necessity by people not formally trained as designers. The resulting design choices (form, function, material, ornamentation, etc...deliberate or not) often present a creation infused with a story that serves as an honest and intriguing portrait of its maker(s). I find myself unsure if I want to know more about the structure, or those who made it.
What was the last book you couldn’t put down?
I recently read a great book with my son called Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen. It's a fictional story about a boy, the sole survivor of a plane crash, who struggles to survive alone in the wilderness; great content for anyone to ponder.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Don't believe that someone who has more experience than you, or has nothing to learn from you. Speak up in your youth as an architect and make your fresh ideas known. The team will be better off hearing what you have to say.
Most precious possession?
I don't consider any of my possessions precious, but I greatly value handmade gifts from my kids. The creative gifts remind me how precious they are to me.
jeff davis
Education:
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Portland State University, 2012
Most precious possession?
My grandmother's silver alto saxophone.
What is your philosophy on good design?
Good design involves three primary things: critical thinking, problem solving, and creativity.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Always remember the things that brought you to this profession. You may need to rely on them from time to time.
Dream project?
My own house in the country.
jeff cunnington
aia
As TACK’s Operations Manager, Ashley brings a broad set of Office Management skills to the studio. She’s our utility player and keeps things moving smoothly day to day while helping TACK plan for and achieve our business goals.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, North Park University, 2005
How do you cultivate relationships with clients?
I think the best relationships just happen organically when you are authentic with people. Taking time to get to know people beyond the capacity or ways you interact with them in the job and just showing genuine interest in who they are.
Architectural Inspiration
I have always been drawn to elements of the unexpected: dual functionality, bizarre angles, expression as art.
What music do you listen to?
All kinds but I particularly enjoy anything composed or played by my nephew. That kid is an extraordinary percussionist and musical talent.
ashley koenig
Kelly finds interest in observing the flow of spaces and reactions along with hearing chatty buzz about them. With a history in the contract furniture industry, she looks forward to seeing all portions of a project come together for a unified design.
Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, University of Iowa State, 2011
Describe your personal philosophy.
Always find ways to push yourself so you don’t become too complacent in life.
What are you listening to?
At work, I listen to any music playlist or podcast Spotify recommends. John Mayer has been a long time favorite of mine. In the car with kids, the go to Spotify playlist is "Calming Children's Music".
How do you cultivate relationships with clients?
This is a monumental time for the client and could be the first time they've experienced working with an architecture firm. It is key to facilitate good conversation, humanize the process, and deliver on expectations.
What advice do you have for aspiring interior designers?
Don't be blind to what is obvious and be the something memorable.
kelly buzzard
iida
Alex believes that a great architect is one who listens to the client and creates a project that represents their values.
Education:
Masters in Architecture, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2009 Bachelors in Science & Design, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2007
What has been your most meaningful project?
A non-profit organization that helps homeless youth.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Find the "seams" in the project and capitalize on them.
What is your personal philosophy?
Radiate positivity and be a better human.
Alex Turner
AIA
Tyler has developed a wide range of project experiences over multiple project types within the twelve years of experience in the field. My project experiences have covered all aspects of project roles. From conceptual design through technical drawings and construction administration. This flexibility has allowed me to work on a vast number of project types from large hundred-million-dollar civic projects down to small remodel projects. Some of the project types include; early education center, K12 schools, secondary education, police and fire training facilities, laboratory facilities, clinics, corporate headquarters, tenant improvement and museums just to name a few.
Education:
Masters in Architecture, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2009
What inspires you in architecture?
The problem-solving nature of the practice of architecture allows one to continuously learn and grow in all aspects of life.
Favorite place to vacation?Any place that allows you to disconnect and enjoy the environment. Preferably someplace within nature.
What is your dream project? A project that impacts its users and the community in a positive way.
Tyler Ray
Through her internship Caroline was able to be a part of projects that were in the healthcare, educational, and recreational sectors. In college, she was able to design in similar sections, but also heavily focused on community-focused design projects. Before coming to TACK, Caroline worked at a tile wholesaler, so it is definitely an area that she is very interested in. She looks forward to positively impacting the world at TACK, specifically through local community-focused projects.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2023
Personal Philosophy?
My personal philosophy is to always work hard, be creative and innovative, and to strive for growth.
Good Design Philosophy?
Good Design means putting people’s experience and needs at the forefront of the design. It means positively impacting and shaping their interior experience by making it functional and beautiful, ultimately creating a space they can use for years to come. Good design is being empathetic, intentional, and thorough.
Last book I couldn't put down?
Others Were Emeralds by Lang Leav!! It’s a mesmerizing book that asks the hard questions about racism and microaggressions, and challenges the reader to examine their role in it all.
Caroline Gomel
iida
Originally from Illinois, Rebecca moved to Honolulu in 2008 to study architecture. After graduating from the Doctor of Architecture program at UH Mānoa, she stayed in Hawai‘i, working on projects all over the islands, designing in densely populated communities, with fragile ecosystems, and high construction costs. Under these conditions, she's learned the importance of careful site analysis and thorough understanding of project goals, to deliver tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each client from concept to completion. Her renovation experience includes: Hotel, Time-share, Restaurant, and Performance Theater. New construction experience includes: Hotel, Multi-Family, and Aircraft Hangars.
Education:
Doctor of Architecture, University of Hawai'i - 2015
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, University of Hawai'i - 2011
Most precious possession?
A set of ceramic bowls, made in the 1970s by my Grandma. They’re beautiful and well-worn. Every chip and crack reminds me of time spent with her.
Good design philosophy?
Good design should be timeless, but flexible and forward-looking. It should be honest in material and detail. But most of all, it should impact people in a positive way.
What advice do you have for aspiring architects?
Be as curious as possible about your surroundings and see where it leads you. Spend time making something with your hands, then make it again, but better.
Rebecca Ahlers
AIA
During her time in the Architecture program at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Landyn gained valuable insight not only in the studio but also through a research project with Rural Fellowship/UCare in Alliance, Nebraska. Living and working within the community for three months she learned to gather data and developed a passion for designing informative maps that present collected data to a group of people. Landyn's experience has included working directly with her clients, designing graphic data, creating floor plans, and producing renders.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Design - Architecture, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, 2024
What is your philosophy on good design?
Atmosphere. A good design creates an atmosphere that evokes emotion. Whether you want to feel big/small, comfortable or upbeat, these are all things that a good design can alter.
Best meal of your life? Anything homemade. Mashed potatoes, friend chicken, cinnamon rolls, chocolate cake.... delicious!
What is your personal philosophy? Simplicity is key.
Landyn Bish
© 2024 TACKarchitects
2922 N. 61st Street, Studio 1 Omaha NE, 68104 • 402.505.9778 • info@tackarch.com