Confluence

About Our Team

Confluence is a professional consulting firm comprised of landscape architects and planners, with offices located in downtown Des Moines, Iowa; Kansas City, Missouri; and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Each of the firm's principals has over 15 years of experience in the design and planning of complex projects and is active in civic and community affairs.

Our firm's work includes a wide range of public, educational, institutional, and private sector projects. Our process is focused on collaboration and interaction with our clients, consultants and the community in which we work. Confluence has fourteen licensed landscape architects and carries licenses in Iowa, South Dakota, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Wyoming, and Minnesota.

Confluence brings the skills of landscape architecture, land planning and urban design to each project, giving us the tools to merge our client's needs with the environment. Our work is characterized by a philosophy of placing-making; creating unique, human connections with every project, its location, and its surrounding environment.

Brian Clark ASLA, Senior Principal and President

Brian brings a vision both inspiring and astute to each project he oversees as well as to the firm at large. With a diverse 20-year background in landscape architecture, land planning and urban design, Brian carries licenses in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Minnesota and is CLARB certified. As an award-winning landscape architect with a strong design background, he is the first landscape architect to be appointed to the City of Des Moines Urban Design Review Board where he has served as chairman. He also sits on the Des Moines Arts Festival Board and the Polk County Housing Trust Fund Board. In 2007, Brian was the 46th winner of the ISU College of Design's Design Achievement Award, recognizing outstanding mid-career creative and professional achievements of alumni in the fields of architecture, graphic design, interior design, community and regional planning, and landscape architecture.

Brian received his BLA from Iowa State University, where he has been an adjunct professor, visiting critic and lecturer on subjects of design, marketing and professional practice. Brian oversees all projects and is responsible for coordinating teams of professionals to create meaningful environments for our clients use and enjoyment.

Chris Della Vedova ASLA, LEED AP, Senior Principal and Vice President

Chris will cut to the heart of any problem and deliver exceptional solutions grounded in reality. He brings a strong 18-year background in landscape architecture, site devolvement and urban design to his projects. Chris has shared design and strategic direction of the firm with Brian Clark since its founding in 1998. He currently carries licenses in Iowa and Nebraska, is CLARB certified, is a LEED Accredited Professional and is also certified as a Construction Document Technologist by the Construction Specifications Institute.

Chris received his BLA from Iowa State University, where he sits on their Practitioners Advisor Council for the Landscape Architecture Department. Since his graduation Chris has been active with the American Society of Landscape Architects serving the local chapter as vice president, president and is currently the Iowa Chapter Trustee to the National Board. He also serves on the Mentor Iowa Board and the Iowa Architectural Foundation Board, where he co-chairs their Community Design Program.

Whether he is managing the design of multi-million dollar urban design projects, helping guide the firm’s growth, or working on the purchase and renovation of the firm’s headquarters in downtown Des Moines, Chris identifies his best and most important skills as listening and problem solving.

Terry Berkbuegler ASLA, LEED AP, Principal and Vice President

Terry joined the firm in 2003 as he pioneered Confluence through their expansion into Kansas City. From the start, Terry has worked continuously to position Confluence as a leader in the Kansas City urban design market. As a long time resident, Terry brings over 15 years of diverse project experience and valuable inside knowledge to the field of Landscape Architecture in the Kansas City area.

Terry's experience includes numerous urban designs and streetscapes, senior communities, transportation enhancement, commercial and residential projects. Hard work, the pursuit of design excellence and his tireless commitment to client satisfaction are at the core of Terry's approach to all projects. His direct and personal communication with clients leads to strong relationships and successful projects while inspiring loyalty in so many of our clients.

When Terry is not spending his time managing the Kansas City office or paying for a potential client's lunch, he can be found coaching youth sports, attending the school activities of his two children, or following his lifelong love, the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jon Jacobson ASLA, Principal and Vice President

Jon has led the Sioux Falls office of Confluence since its inception in the November of 2005. He comes to Confluence from a true multi-disciplinary environment, working side by side with architects and engineers for nearly a decade. A true bridge builder, Jon is adept at communicating with a wide range of design professionals as well his clients. Above all, Jon values open and candid client relationships as the heart of a successful project.

As a Sioux Falls native, Jon spent the early days of his career in Des Moines. His experience in both markets gives him rare insight into the profession of Landscape Architecture in the Midwest and make for strong lines of communication between the two offices. Jon received his BLA from Iowa State University. He has been an adjunct professor and visiting critic at South Dakota State University, focusing on issues of landscape design and site planning.

Jon's passion for Landscape Architecture lies in civic work. He carries a specific expertise in park planning and urban design and has won numerous awards for his design of public and private spaces. Jon is CLARB certified and holds licenses in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming.

Chris Cline ASLA, Principal

Chris joined the firm in January 2008, continuing the growth of Confluence’s Kansas City practice. He brings over 15 years of solid urban design and planning experience to the firm, and enjoys collaborating with multi-disciplinary teams. Chris continually seeks creative solutions, and is adept in building consensus through community involvement. His work has included corridor planning and aesthetics, land planning, urban design, and community revitalization.

Chris has worked on behalf of municipalities as well as in private sector development, and he understands the need to balance vision and pragmatism to create successful, high-quality design implementation. Chris also leads an affiliated company, Core Design Development LLC, which serves as master developer for the 130-acre West Gateway Redevelopment District on behalf of the City of Mission, Kansas. In this role, he works with property owners, brokers, and developers to implement the district's new “Form Based Code”.

Chris is a registered landscape architect in both Missouri and Kansas. He has served as a design critic at his alma mater, Kansas State University, and at the University of Kansas. He is a native of Kansas City, and his work has received numerous awards. Chris is also the proud father of three beautiful and talented daughters – who keep him busy coaching soccer, listening to guitar, and attending operas.

Steve Ford ASLA, Principal

Steve earned his Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University in 1979. His passion for artistic design and love for outdoor spaces has proven to be a good background for the 26 years of work in this wonderful practice. Steve has had a broad range of work experience from the planning department in Watertown, South Dakota to residential design/build firms in the Twin Cities to the nationally recognized A/E firms -- the DLR Group and HLM Design.

For the past two decades Steve has been working in the Iowa City, Iowa area leading design on trail and park work for the Iowa City School System, and numerous residential designs as well as raising his family with his wife Wendy.

Many of his projects have earned industry awards and accolades including the Iowa Firefighters Memorial, the Devonian Fossil Gorge and the Mississippi River Trail segment on the bluffs of the river in Muscatine, Iowa.

Jim A. Host ASLA, Landscape Architect

Jim is the nicest guy you'll ever work with. We think it's all those years living in sunny Phoenix that gives him the ability to be pleasant and patient even on the most challenging of days. But don't be fooled, Jim is a born and bred Iowan with the work ethic to boot. If you want something done, Jim is your man. With a special interest in Parks and Recreation and College and University Planning, Jim will find his way to the heart of a project and elevate it to the next level.

A Des Moines native, Jim has embraced small town Iowa where he lives with his family and finds time to 'get his frustrations out' on the racquetball court - now we know his secret.

Lori Miller Business Manager

As Business Manager, Lori is a force to be reckoned with. Her watchful eye keeps this business running like a well-oiled machine. Her 18 years of experience in financial management and human resource administration make her an absolutely invaluable, if often hidden, team member. But look again and you will see that this 'behind the scenes' team member has been pushing Confluence out there into the limelight nearly since its inception. Through her talents in marketing and proficiency in the graphic arts, Lori has been instrumental in spreading the Confluence spirit throughout the office and beyond.

Aaron Graves LEED AP, Landscape Architect in Training

Striving to always make outdoor spaces come to life, Aaron has a way of seeing things from a different point of view. With a background of 13 years in the design build realm, international study and a degree from Iowa State University, Aaron brings to Confluence a keen sense of balancing creativity with realism.

When Aaron isn't thinking design, he enjoys fishing, listening to music and watching bad action movies. According to his wife, Jami, he is great at starting home projects, but less than stellar at finishing them. In addition to his love for Beaverdale and their 140-pound Greater Swiss Mountain dog named Asia; Aaron's newest adventure is fatherhood!

Matt Evett ASLA, Landscape Architect

Matt says he became a landscape architect 'to create interesting, inspiring and inventive designs'. We will tell you that he succeeds in that daily. As a project manager with the firm, he has worked on and elevated the quality of numerous projects including Carroll Streetscape, Wells Fargo, Iowa State Veterinary Medicine, 2nd Street Streetscape and the Kansas City Zoo. As a recent transfer from the Des Moines office to the Kansas City office most of us have witnessed first hand the amazing talent and dogged determination to excel that Matt brings to a project.

In his free time Matt likes to cruise around on his bike, scream at the TV while watching a Purdue game, or stroll through the park with wife Jenny, son Aiden and Daisy (the dog). We suppose it goes without saying that Matt is a graduate of Purdue University and a native of Indiana.

Chad Kucker ASLA, LEED AP, Landscape Architect

With amazing technical competency, Chad finds himself an indispensable member of the Sioux Falls team. No matter what the challenge, Chad will find a way to see through the details in order to make a project shine. A native of the upper Great Plains and graduate of South Dakota State University Chad holds registrations in South Dakota and Iowa. With nearly 10 years of experience in the profession he is involved in a wide variety of projects including irrigation and recreation design and site planning and development. As a LEED accredited professional Chad believes in responsible design and use of resources.

Chad and his wife Tina have a young daughter, Celia. In his free time he enjoys traveling, golfing and biking but spends most of his time working on home improvement projects at the couple's early 1940s home in central Sioux Falls.

Seth Gray ASLA, LEED AP, Landscape Architect in Training

Seth's work speaks for itself, but he looks good on paper, too. While receiving his degree from ISU, Seth completed an internship at Conservation Design Forum in Chicago IL and a design studio course in Boston, MA in the summer of 2002. Seth was also the recipient of the Richard Pryor Scholarship awarded by the Department of Landscape Architecture for two consecutive years. Seth began his professional career with Confluence in the fall of 2003, working on both public and private projects such as the Hansen Triangle part of the Principal River walk, Court Avenue Streetscape in downtown Des Moines, Iowa, University of Iowa Arts Campus in Iowa City, and the Marsh Insurance Building in Urbandale, Iowa. Seth is also active in professional organizations.

See, we told you so.

Jason Jonas Associate ASLA, Landscape Architect in Training

His strong passion and skill for designing and problem solving makes Jason Jonas an integral part of the Sioux Falls branch. With his creative design mind, he places himself within the projects he’s involved in and creates unique user-friendly landscapes. Jason received his bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design from North Dakota State University in May of 2007. He feels that his scholarly endeavors have positioned him for success in the professional sector.

When Jason isn’t working diligently in the office, you can find him out on his mountain bike; or camping, hiking, and rock climbing with his wife Nicole. Basically they do anything that gets them out of the apartment for the weekend. He also loves being an uncle, which takes them up north, to his hometown of Bismarck, North Dakota; where they enjoy visiting family and friends, and pheasant hunting with his father.

Matt Carlile ASLA, LEED AP, Landscape Architect

While working in our Des Moines office, Matt will always be, 'that guy from Kansas and proud of it'. With a degree from Kansas State University, Matt and his wife, Crista, came to Iowa in 1998 and have embraced our ways and customs. As a past President of the Iowa Chapter of ASLA, he has proved his commitment to the present and future practice of Landscape Architecture in the state. And after finishing construction on a home of their own in Urbandale, Matt and Christa have proved together that they are in it for the long haul.

By the way, Matt wants everyone to know that the Bar in their new home is always open and EVERYONE is welcome, must be a Kansas thing.

Jill Boetger ASLA, LEED AP, Landscape Architect in Training

Jill is as sharp as a tack and a jack of all trades. She contributes to a wide variety of projects here at Confluence. Her great powers of observation are matched by a dynamic creativity which makes her just the gal to cut to the core of any problem and come up with unique and powerful solutions.

Out of the office, her talent and passions lead her in a variety of pursuits from working with her husband, TJ, on their first home to acting as an ACE mentor to local high school students interested in pursuing a career in the architecture, construction and engineering fields.

Ann Reinhart ASLA, Landscape Architect

Ann's work at Confluence is marked by her enthusiasm and creativity. With over 14 years of landscape architecture and planning experience, Ann excels at finding practical solutions that incorporate creative and inspired ideas. A natural leader, Ann has managed many projects including the Wells Fargo West Des Moines Campus, Rain & Hail Insurance Corporate Headquarters, and Walnut Creek Trail Master Plan.

Ann received her BLA from Iowa State University where she was awarded the ASLA Honor Award for Excellence in undergraduate studies. She remains committed to excellence at Iowa State University where she has served as an adjunct professor in recent years.

Lyle Pudwill ASLA, Landscape Architect

A strong advocate of the arts in Sioux Falls, Lyle enjoys the challenge of taking ordinary elements within a project and giving them the creative touches that ultimately make that project special. His professional goal is to positively influence each project he is involved with by contributing his experience and unique perspective on site design. Lyle currently sits on the executive committee of the Great Plains chapter of ASLA and is a member of the Sioux Falls visual arts commission. In his spare time he enjoys flea markets, pheasant hunting and digging in the garden with his wife Jill. He can also regularly be seen, cowbell in hand, cheering on his alma mater Jackrabbits. Lyle makes his home in Sioux Falls with his wife Jill, children Ivy and Henry and their dog Doug.

Jessica White Landscape Architect In Training

Jessica received her Master's Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Her strong background in natural sciences and biology were put into use while she was employed for the City of St. Paul's Parks and Gardens Department. It was there that she also developed an interest in the details of plant selection and use of native plants.

Now back to her roots in Sioux Falls, she brings to Confluence an interest in working on ecologically sustainable design, reuse of materials in artful ways and urban design involving the integration of nature into the city fabric.

In her spare time, she enjoys concerts, reading, being outdoors and traveling with her husband, Gabriel.

Heidi Pollmann ASLA, LEED AP, Landscape Architect

Heidi has a passion for all things urban, transit oriented and walkable. She is very interested in how a well planned community can benefit the health of both people and the environment. While attending Kansas State University, Heidi participated in a semester long study abroad program in Italy which inspired the way in which she both lives and designs. Her professional experience ranges from large scale highway projects and gateways to streetscapes, plazas and golf courses.

In her free time Heidi and her husband Mike enjoy cooking (and eating), running, traveling, playing golf and going to the park with their dog, Vokey. Heidi is also an active member of the Prairie Gateway Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and currently organizes the monthly lecture/continuing education series.

Patrick Alvord RA, AIA, Architect, Landscape Architect In Training

Patrick joined Confluence in June 2008 after 7 years of architecture practice. He received his BLA from Iowa State University in 1996, his Master of Architecture from Iowa State in August of 2001 and brings a unique blend of skill and experience to bear on every project he is involved in. Patrick is a registered architect but is quick to point out that landscape architecture is his first passion, and it shows in his work. He believes exemplary service and thoughtful design are at the core of every successful project and works tirelessly to provide both.

When he’s away from the office, Patrick can be found chasing after his two young daughters, working in the yard with his wife Devon or designing and developing projects for PADWERKS, his residential architecture practice.

Kris Coen Landscape Architect In Training

While working towards her masters degree in landscape architecture at Kansas State University, Kris joined the Confluence team as an intern. Now as a recent graduate, she has joined the Kansas City office and is excited to be living downtown and discovering Kansas City’s new urban attractions. Kris’s passion for the profession originated with the desire to affect people’s lives through design at a large scale. Her motivation to continue learning about both landscape architecture and planning has led to her involvement on a wide range of projects including, Vine Street Economic Development Plan, Stonepost Mixed Use Development, Highway 50 & Blackwell Road Interchange and Missouri Innovation Park.

Outside the office, Kris closely follows K-State football and basketball, traveling back to Manhattan for most home games.

Mike Cedar Landscape Architect In Training

A graduate of Iowa State University, Mike started with Confluence in August of 2009. His passion for landscape architecture derives from its multi-faceted approach. He enjoys working on a project in a number of different ways, trying to find a balance between technical and artistic. While studying abroad in Rome and interning in New York City he gained an affinity for travel and an appreciation for diversity in design. He enjoys working with and in a variety of disciplines and looks forward to gaining valuable experience at Confluence. He plans to be an active member of the profession, and looks to bring new perspectives and creativity to this innovation-orientated discipline.

Outside the office, Mike’s inability to play golf in the dark and inclement weather has led to him to pursue a number of different hobbies. Among them painting has become a favorite through which he can be productively messy. As a result, much of his time is spent cleaning paint off carpet, clothes, walls, etc.

Brenda Nelson ASLA, Landscape Architect

Brenda has over 25 years of Landscape Architecture experience ranging from commercial and residential site planning and subdivisions to public streetscapes to large institutional and hospital projects. With a background that includes 7 years with a national Architecture/Engineering firm, 9 years in a small Engineering firm plus 11 years operating her own Landscape Architecture practice, she has an experience base that can handle any challenge.

It was likely the numerous summers spent as a teen in the Canadian North woods that gave Brenda a passion for the environment and a strong sense of stewardship for the land. This passion has inspired her dedication to projects that involve sustainable design and stormwater infiltration, which she has advocated long before these practices became commonplace. What she enjoys most as a Landscape Architect is the creativity and holistic design that comes from a collaborative team effort and the uniqueness and design challenge that comes with each project.

Outside of work Brenda and her husband Gene can often be found logging in an enormous number of hours watching their two teenage daughters play volleyball or traveling on the weekends to various tournaments.