Who We Are
At N.E.S. Inc, we are a group of skilled professionals who specialize in planning and landscape architecture. With our roots in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado since 1978, we are deeply connected to our community. We are committed to enhancing the area as it evolves and ensuring its growth benefits everyone. Building strong and positive relationships with both the community and our clients is at the heart of our mission to support the responsible and sustainable development of the region.
N.E.S. Inc has the flexibility to lead diverse project teams. While our expertise lies in urban planning and landscape architecture, we understand that many projects require a variety of skills. N.E.S. Inc has a rich history of successfully working with many partners to navigate complex planning, development and growth initiatives within the Pikes Peak region.
Our History
Nolan E. Shriner began his career as a city planner with the City of Colorado Springs. While coordinating efforts between developers and city zoning, Mr. Shriner realized there was a space to assist organizations seeking to grow and develop within the Pikes Peak region. In 1978, Mr. Shriner launched N.E.S. Inc, primarily an urban planning firm assisting organizations with the entitlement process.
As projects began to unfold within the region, Mr. Shriner realized that with the complexity and fluidity of many projects, landscape architects bring a creative and intentional approach to creating great places. Therefore, N.E.S. Inc became a land planning, urban design and landscape architecture firm.
Throughout the years, N.E.S. Inc has had an integral role with the evolution of Colorado Springs, El Paso County and the Pikes Peak region. Most likely many development projects since 1978 have had an N.E.S. Inc touch. Developments such as Flying Horse, Briargate, Colorado College, Weidner Stadium, United States Paralympic and Olympic Museum, community parks and trails, and countless multi-family housing complexes have had an N.E.S. Inc role.
Our Team
Andrea Barlow, AICP
Principal
Andrea started her career in the United Kingdom where she accumulated 16 years’ experience as a private sector planning consultant serving a wide range of landowner, developer, house builder, retail, and commercial clients throughout the country. Since moving to the United States in 2004, Andrea has held positons as Planner II with the City of Colorado Springs and as Principal Planner with the City of Alexandria, Virginia. This extensive and varied experience provides a unique perspective to the resolution of complex policy and design issues, and the ability to resolve conflicts through creative solutions and mediation. Andrea has been with N.E.S. Inc. since March 2014 and has put her planning and project management skills to effective use in guiding clients and coordinating project teams through the planning process. She also represents the Company on the HBA Land Use Committee and City of Colorado Springs Code Scrub Committee. Andrea enjoys the outdoor pursuits available in Colorado, especially mountain biking and Nordic skiing. Andrea has a Bachelor’s degree in Land Planning and Development and a Master’s in Business Administration.
Chris Lieber, PLA
Principal
Mr. Lieber’s “results-oriented” approach to problem solving is based upon a foundation of community involvement, collaboration and more than 25 years of experience. With extensive experience managing highly visible, multi-million-dollar projects, Chris has the technical knowledge and practical experience necessary to lead a project team to a solution that is creative, politically acceptable, and fiscally responsible. Mr. Lieber holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the College of Architecture and Planning at Ball State University. Having previously served as Manager of the Colorado Springs Parks Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program, he has a proven track record of successful collaboration and project implementation involving numerous stakeholders and passionate community advocates in the Pikes Peak Region including over forty park and open space master plan processes, numerous park construction projects, many miles of trail, and the planning and acquisition of thousands of acres of public open space. Mr. Lieber’s focus at N.E.S. Inc is on sustainable projects that provide great spaces for people to enjoy the outdoor Colorado lifestyle and on planning processes that seek to find a delicate balance between natural resource conservation and community recreation. Mr. Lieber is pleased to bring his professional experience and community spirit to the N.E.S. Inc. Team. Beyond his professional life, he enjoys serving in a volunteer capacity within the Colorado Springs Community and adventure travel with his family…including cycling 4,422 miles across the United States on a bicycle built for four.
Brooks Swenson
Project Manager
Brooks received his Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture in 2015 from the University of Colorado, Denver. Prior to coming to N.E.S. Inc. in the Spring of 2017, Brooks worked as a Planner and Landscape Designer for a local land development company, where he participated on the planning and engineering team to see projects from land acquisition through the entitlement process and into construction. Brooks enjoys the design process and interdisciplinary collaboration in the effort to create thoughtful places that connect people to each other and to the natural world. As a Colorado Springs native, Brooks is thrilled to be working for a firm that has played such a meaningful role in shaping the built environment of the Springs area. In his free time, Brooks enjoys exploring the city and mountains on his bicycle, cooking and spending time with his family.
Kimberly Johnson, AICP
Project Manager
Kimberly started her career as a planning professional in her home state of Minnesota where she gained 20 years of experience as a municipal planner and planning director. Since moving from Minnesota in 2015, Kimberly has served the City of Page, AZ as its Community Development Director and the City of Manitou Springs, CO as its Planning Director. With a vast background in municipal planning and development, she brings a unique perspective to N.E.S. and a keen desire to efficiently and effectively guide clients and their projects through the design and entitlement process. Since joining N.E.S. in April of 2021, Kimberly has put her planning and project management skills to good use in guiding clients and project teams through the planning process. Kim enjoys cooking and baking, and camping and outdoor activities that involve walking her dog and being at a lake or beach. Kim has a Bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Studies and a Master’s degree in Planning, and is a certified planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Katie Frank
Project Manager
Katie brings nearly twenty years of community and economic development in local government and development non-profits to N.E.S. Developing partnerships and relationships along with the successful execution of projects has allowed Katie to navigate community, organizational, and client needs and leave a positive impact. Katie joined N.E.S. in August 2022 and brings personal and professional excitement to her role as Project Manager for N.E.S. Inc. While working in Indiana and Ohio, Katie had the opportunity to run grant programs, develop marketing initiatives, manage special projects, create a neighborhood enhancement program, and create collaborative projects to enhance the outdoor lifestyle. She was a founding member of the Great Miami Riverway, an economic development initiative focused on 99 miles of riverfront development and its towns, along with serving as a 10-year committee member. Katie also served as host of the Bike Miami Valley Cycling Summit, as well as the local chair of the state event Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA). Katie is a graduate of Taylor University, Indiana and will always be a Colts fan. Katie, her husband and two children made the move to Colorado the summer of 2021 and love all outdoor activities, especially doing them without humidity.
Courtney Helmlinger
Landscape Designer
Courtney joined N.E.S. in June 2021 as a Landscape Designer following her graduation from Ball State University in May 2021. She received her Bachelor’s in Landscape Architecture with a minor in Social & Environmental Justice. Her minor was sparked by her internship in Atlanta after working with urban communities. At Ball State, she found interest in regional planning and plant design as well. Courtney plans to tackle the L.A.R.E exams and become a registered Landscape Architect in Colorado in the future. For now, she enjoys creating designs that affect how people interact with the land around them and leaves a lasting impact on the local community. Outside of work, you can find her hiking the endless number of trails, kayaking, rollerblading, and taking her dog to the park.
Tyler Knab
Landscape Designer
Tyler Knab has lived in Colorado Springs for over 25 years and joined the N.E.S. team in 2021. His passion for creating beautiful and functional outdoor spaces while conserving the natural beauty and resources led him to the team as an opportunity to give back to the city he loves. Tyler received his degree in Landscape Architecture from Utah State and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Ecology Restoration from Colorado State University. In a professional capacity, he has completed over 450 hours of national volunteer service with the Conservation Corps, worked alongside the National Forest Service conservation education, as well as designed and managed the building of numerous residential properties. This varied experience gives Tyler unique knowledge and insight to combine form and function, giving his clients and community inspiring and sustainable outdoor spaces. When he isn’t working, Tyler can be found hiking, playing disc golf, or watching rerun episodes of Star Trek.
Jordan Smith
Landscape Designer
Jordan joined the N.E.S. team following his completion of Ohio State’s Bachelors of Science in Landscape Architecture in May 2021. Throughout his education Jordan worked professionally with DeJesus Architecture on the island of Kauai and MKSK in Columbus, OH. These experiences exposed him to a wide variety of project types and scales. A love for plants, architecture and community fuels Jordan’s passion for the profession of landscape architecture and he looks forward to continuing the community driven legacy of N.E.S. Outside of his time in the design field Jordan has managed a small produce company and run a business centered around designing, installing and maintaining productive landscapes on a residential scale. When he is not in the office he can be found on the many trails of Colorado Springs, in the climbing gym or tending to his vegetable garden.
Adam Langhans
Landscape Designer
Adam joined NES in June of 2022 after graduating with a Masters degree In Landscape Architecture from Ball State University. After interning at NES the year prior, he decided to accept a position as a landscape designer where he could experience what Colorado has to offer in outdoor activities. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force where he worked the avionics systems on the F-15 jet fighter. He is also from a small town in Indiana where agriculture is the primary way of life. This would drive his interest in how landscape architecture can improve agricultural practices and create more sustainable farming. As of now he enjoys working with spaces that help foster user interest and can promote a sustainable way of design. His interests include hiking, camping, watching the Indianapolis Colts and Indiana Hoosiers Basketball.
Andrea Roman
Landscape Designer
Andrea joined the NES team in September of 2022, following her graduation from the University of Central Florida in May 2022, where she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. Here, she developed an interest in land planning with a passion for creating safe and productive water resources systems, protecting the environment, and utilizing preexisting natural features.
A love for plants, animals, and people fuels her commitment to our community, where she hopes to make a difference with designs that make spaces both beautiful and functional for years to come. When she isn’t in the office, Andrea enjoys browsing thrift stores, trying new vegetarian recipes, and spending time with her friends and family.
Emma Troller
Planner
Emma joined NES in 2024, bringing diverse experience in community engagement, urban planning, and conservation. With a Bachelor of Urban and Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia and a Graduate Certificate in Natural Resource Management & Sustainable Ecosystems from the Harvard Extension School, Emma has a deep appreciation for the balance between built and natural environments. Prior to joining NES, she gained experience securing development review approvals for urban infill projects as an environmental planner in Boston, as well as negotiating conservation easements as the Conservation & Recreation Program Manager at Palmer Land Conservancy.
One of Emma’s greatest passions is agriculture; with seasonal positions at a flower farm in Canon City and an historic vegetable farm in Massachusetts, she frequently puts these skills to use in her own garden at her 120-year-old cottage in Old Colorado City. She has loved finding a home in the mountains since moving to Colorado Springs from the East Coast in 2021 and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance and Rocky Mountain Women’s Film.
Cheri Dupuis
Landscape Designer
Cheri joined N.E.S., Inc in April 2024, bringing with her an expertise in both accounting and design to the team. Her unique blend of financial expertise and creative design skills make her an invaluable asset to the team. She received her MLA from the University of Oregon, where she also studied fine art as an undergraduate. She is excited to continue growing and expanding her skills in the field of landscape architecture and is looking forward to becoming a registered Landscape Architect in Colorado and plans to take the L.A.R.E exams in the future. In her free time, she enjoys designing and building projects for her home, exploring the outdoors, spending time with my family, and taking her terroir for walks and to the dog park.
Ann Odom
Planner
Ann joined the team N.E.S team in April 2024 and brings experience in urban planning and environmental studies. With a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Ann’s academic background provides a strong understanding of the Pikes Peak Region’s history and natural landscapes.
Prior to joining the team, Ann served as a planner for the City of Colorado Springs, where she delved into the intricacies of regulatory planning and gained insights into the role of local government in shaping communities. Her experience equipped her with a nuanced understanding of urban development and the importance of sustainable practices.
Passionate about contributing to the thoughtful development of communities within the region, Ann finds fulfillment in her role facilitating development proposals through the design and review process.
Outside of work, Ann enjoys being outdoors hiking, biking or rafting.
Gwendolyn Egbert
Office Manager
Gwendolyn joined N.E.S. Inc. in April 2019. She is a local native, and enjoys living in Colorado Springs with her husband and their three children. She graduated from Widefield High School and has an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Pikes Peak Community College. Previously she has been a hotel Front Desk Clerk, Night Auditor, and Accounts Receivable Assistant Manager, and the Corporate Office Manager for a temporary labor service. Her hobbies include hiking, biking and camping with her family; cooking from scratch, the daily crossword with her Dad, knitting with friends, and learning to speak Italian.
Join Us
N.E.S. Inc. values individuals who bring a flair for planning and design, along with a flexible, imaginative, and collaborative approach. Exceptional written and spoken communication abilities are essential.
At N.E.S. Inc., we provide competitive salaries and pathways for professional development. Our office is conveniently located near the heart of Downtown Colorado Springs, a city nestled beneath the iconic Pikes Peak. Colorado Springs offers a wealth of year-round outdoor, educational, and cultural activities.
Since we work in the state of 300 days of sunshine, we intentionally incorporate “fun” into our work days with an annual camping trip, summer office food truck Friday’s, creek clean ups, and the occasional happy hour.
If you’re excited about a fulfilling career or internship journey with us, we warmly welcome you to send an introductory email and your resume to info@nescolorado.com.
Current Openings
internship opportunities available
LOOKING FOR L.A. EXPERIENCE? SEEKING INTERNS FOR SUMMER 2024
NES emphasizes the values of a community-based practice. We foster long-standing relationships and are invested in smart and sustainable growth.
Some of our work includes:
- Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind Playground
- Thompson Thrift Multi-Family
- The Pikes Peak Region Peace Officers’ Memorial
- COS Creek Plan: Waterway Restoration
- Colorado College Robson Arena
- Gold Hill Mesa Master Plan