Passion is the cornerstone of our creativity. We are more than just Architects and Designers; we are enthusiasts driven by a love for transforming spaces into timeless experiences. Our commitment to excellence is deeply rooted in the joy we find in crafting environments that resonate with the vision and dreams of our clients.
Co-Owner, Principal Structural Engineer
Co-Owner, Architectural Designer
Project Architect, AIA
Architectural Associate
Residential Department Manager, Interior Designer
Lead Architectural Designer
Residential Drafter, Interior Designer
Office Mom-ager
Welcoming Committee
Security
Jeff Pankoke has been a licensed structural engineer since 2013 and has worked in the engineering world since 2007. At ACRE Design +, Jeff is a Partner and our Principal Structural Engineer, blending deep technical expertise with the collaborative, client-focused approach ACRE is known for. Jeff also serves on the Professional Engineers Coalition, a board that advocates for legislation impacting the architecture, engineering, and construction industries. His work helps strengthen industry standards and ensure that structural integrity and responsible design remain priorities across Nebraska. As Principal Engineer, Jeff guides projects from first sketch to final walkthrough. His experience includes additions, renovations, and large-scale new construction—ranging all the way up to single projects exceeding $100 million.
Top 3 Projects :
A Lincoln native and graduate of Lincoln East High School, Dustin has been immersed in the world of home design and construction for over 15 years. He earned associate degrees in both Building Construction Technology and Architectural-Engineering Technology from SCC Milford, building a strong foundation for his career.
Dustin served proudly as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard for seven years. He has hands-on experience framing homes and spent a decade as an in-house drafter for a local builder. Now a Realtor with Woods Bros Realty, he continues to bring his deep industry knowledge to every client and project.
With his name on the plans of over 1,000 homes across Lincoln, Omaha, and the surrounding areas, Dustin has played a key role in shaping neighborhoods throughout eastern Nebraska.
Top 3 Projects :
A Nebraska native, Danielle earned her Bachelor of Science in Design and Master of Architecture Degrees from the University of Nebraska- Lincoln. After college, she has worked for architectural firms that focused on senior living and business sectors. She also has experience in industrial and commercial project types – including tenant improvements, renovations, additions, and new construction – and has been part of the projects from conception to completion. Danielle went on to obtain her license in 2022. Her attention to detail, understanding of the owner’s project goals, and team approach has helped many of the projects she has worked on to come in under budget and on schedule.
Top 3 Projects :
Originally from Alma, Nebraska, Alissa spent her early years in her hometown before moving to Lincoln in 2019 to pursue her passion for architecture. She studied abroad in Copenhagen in 2021 through the Danish Institute for Study Abroad (DIS), where she gained valuable global perspective on design. Alissa earned her Bachelor of Science in Design from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln in 2023 and completed her Master of Architecture there in 2025. After interning with another firm, she joined ACRE Design as an intern in 2023 and continued with the team through the remainder of her graduate studies. Now a full-time member of ACRE, Alissa brings a thoughtful, well-rounded approach to architecture, blending local roots with international insight.
Top 3 Projects:
Amelia Zabel is a talented architectural and interior designer, where she brings fresh creativity and thoughtful space planning to every project. Prior to this, Amelia honed her craft as an Associate Designer at two design firms before finding her home at ACRE. However her design journey began in retail, where she sharpened her eye for aesthetics and honed her customer-service skills. Known for blending functionality with flair, she’s equally comfortable sketching conceptual layouts or guiding client selections.
Originally from Omaha, Amelia brings a collaborative spirit and down‑to‑earth professionalism to her work—whether she’s transforming a single room or reimagining an entire space.
Top 3 projects:
Matt’s passion for home design began early—redrawing floor plans for fun as a kid and diving into every drafting and design class offered at Omaha Burke High School, where he graduated in 2003. He turned a high school internship with a home designer into a career, working in residential drafting from 2002 to 2008 and again from 2010 to 2014. In 2014, Matt launched his own design business, later joining a startup firm in Omaha (2015–2020), followed by an in-house role with a builder (2020–2021). Since 2021, he’s been part of the team at ACRE Design, where he brings years of hands-on experience, a deep expertise in custom homes, and a talent for turning clients’ inspirations into thoughtful, livable designs.
Top 3 Projects:
Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Shy discovered a passion for home design early on after taking a high school interior design course and attending the Parade of Homes. That spark led her to pursue a degree in Interior Design at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she graduated in 2024 as a proud first-generation college student.
Shy’s experience includes a year in commercial office design, as well as internships in residential design and virtual decorating for clients across the U.S. Her studies also took her abroad to Rome, Italy, where she spent the spring semester of 2023 immersed in design and architecture.
She joined ACRE in January 2025, bringing with her a fresh, creative perspective and a love for sharing design inspiration through digital content and social media. Shy is passionate about creating spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful, always with the client’s vision at the center.
Top 3 projects I helped with:
Heather is the fuel that keeps ACRE Design running smoothly. Her professional journey has taken her through a few different industries, but she’s found her perfect fit here—balancing structure, support, and a little bit of sass. While she may officially be in charge of keeping the office stocked and organized, her real superpower is managing the day-to-day chaos behind the scenes. From keeping the team on track to making sure nothing falls through the cracks, Heather is the heart of the operation—and the one we all count on.
At 11 years old, Saige is the heart of ACRE Design’s welcoming committee. A true indoor princess, she rarely strays far from her mom— unless it’s to make the rounds and lay near her favorite office friends during her shifts. With a calm presence, gentle eyes, and a soft spot for cozy naps, Saige brings warmth and charm to the firm. Whether she’s greeting visitors or simply supervising from her favorite spot, Saige makes sure everyone feels right at home.
Don’t let the puppy status fool you — Ellejay takes his role as office security very seriously. This big boy greets everyone at the door with an enthusiastic tail wag, playful energy, and an overwhelming supply of kisses. His idea of protection? Smothering intruders (and coworkers alike) with love and demanding a play break. Still growing into his paws, Ellejay brings joy, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos to the ACRE Design team.