Portfolio of professional work samples and graduate highlights

2. Upper Node: West View
Upper Node: Pergola View Fishing Node: South View Upper Node: North View
PROJECT: Croke Reservoir
Location: Northglenn, Colorado
Design: 2006 - 2007
Construction: Completed Fall 2008
Cost: $3.4 Million
Grants: ~$1.6 Million (ADCO & GOCO)
TEAM:
City of Northglenn (Owner & Design)
J&T (Engineering)
ECI (Site Construction & Management)
DHM Design (Landscape CDs)
PROJECT AWARDS:
2009 Columbine Award - CO Parks & Rec. Assoc.
2009 Design Merit Award - ASLA Colorado
2009 Med. Community Engineering Project of
the Year - APWA
Description:
DiFrank led design & co-managed the Croke
Reservoir Urban Shoreline Project. Duties
started early in 2005 with multiple public
workshops & concept presentations. The design
was developed to enhance social connectivity
between the nearby residential areas,
commercial core, transit hub, and natural areas
within the Reservoir Park Site. The final design
enhances the urban flow while providing a
major link to the City’s Greenway trail system.
The urban catalyst project includes multiple
social gathering areas, trail connections, and an
urban fishing node for the nearby residential
community. These areas are further connected
through an expansion of the existing trail into
a full loop system around Croke Reservoir. The
new trail offers multiple multi-modal access
routes and a variety of opportunities to engage
with the remidiated aquatic and natural systems.
The integration of diverse seating & viewing
options provide a varied series of opportunities
to experience the Reservoir and Rocky Mountain
backdrop.
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Croke Reservoir: Site Plan - Shoreline Enhancements

3. PROJECT: University of Nebraska
- East Gateway & Urban Design
- West Gateway & Streetscape
Location: Kearny, Nebraska
Design: Concept Design
DATE: fall 2015
TEAM: Chroma Design
D. Lamson - Project Manager
N.DiFrank - Design & Graphics
Description:
DiFrank developed a series of design
alternatives that were focused on
improving the two distinct entry points
for the UNK Campus. Work began with
the integration of a new identity theme
for the West Gateway and streetscape.
Primary focus was placed on major
intersection locations, pedestrian safety,
and integration of new design elements.
The East Gateway and Urban Plan for
the University required a more extensive
design process. With the acquisition of
a significant parcel of land from the City
of Kearney, the University was interested
in changing the current traffic flows to
improve pedestrian safety/access, main
entry identity, and vehicular circulation.
The series of three alternatives were
presented and discussed with the campus
architect and Nebraska Department of
Roads (NDOR). The preferred alternative
(C), was developed around the main
element of a roundabout and the removal
of all direct vehicular access between the
adjacent highway and 9th Avenue. This
plan celebrated the pedestrian culture
of the campus while providing improved
parking options for commuters. Sight
lines were redeveloped, the arboretum
campus theme was expanded, and public
art was added to improve the visual
experience and cohesion of the design
concept.
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Concept Diagram - Alternative C
Concept Sketch - Alternative C
UNK East Gateway & Urban Plan: Alternative C (Preferred)
Alternative C - Northern ApproachAlternative C - SW BirdseyeHWY 30 Streetscape Enhancements & West Gateway - NE Birdseye

4. RESERVOIR ROAD
EXIT LANE
PARK GATES
51STSTREET
GATEHOUSES/PV SYSTEMS
ANS STATION
TEMPORARY PARKING
BOAT WASH
EMPLOYEE
PARKING
FIRE & EMERGENCY
ACCESS LANE
ENTRY SIGN
AQUATIC NUISSANCE
SPECIES (ANS)
INSPECTION AREA
0 100’ 200’
Primary Trail
Secondary Trail
Future/Proposed Trail
Park Boundary
Major Entry Point/
Parking Area
Swim
Beach
820 Parking Sp.
880 Parking Sp.
124 spaces
200 spaces
400 spaces
90 car spaces
330
spaces
Coot
Lake
Boulder
Reservoir
(560-acres)
Main
Entrance
55th
Trailhead
Coot Lake
Trailhead
Private
Wildlife
Closure
&
Sensitive
Habitat
Wildlife
Closure
&
Sensitive
Habitat
Wildlife
Closure
&
Sensitive
Habitat
Park Boundary
Park Boundary
ParkBoundary
55thStreet
51stStreet
51st Street
North
Dam
South
Dam
Fire Training
Center
Water
Treatment
Facility
119
119
63rdStreet63rdStreet
N
Closed
Area
Dry Moorings
(147)
Mallard & Hawk
Dry Moorings (35)
Coot
Dry Moorings (16)
Snapper
Wet-Moorings
(15)
Bluegill
Wet-Moorings
(6)
Trout
Wet-Moorings
(20)
Dreamcove Dock
Guard Dock
Crew Dock
Boathouse Dock
ADA Dock
Sailboat Dock
& Ramp
Fishing Dock
Powerboat Ramp
Maint. Dock
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Inspection Station
Administration
Building
Marina
Maintenance
•Lyons-to-Boulder Trail
•Front Range Trail
Proposed
•Trail Around Boulder
Proposed
Eagle Trailhead
& Parking
Kestrel
Dry Moorings (54)
Little Dry Creek
Dry Creek
Dry Creek
Boulder Feeder Canal
Six Mile
Reservoir
200’0’ 400’ 800’Map Scale:
Aeromodeling
Area
Private
•IBMConnectorTrail
Proposed
•TrailaroundBoulder
Proposed
Boat Circulation
Boat Circulation
No
Wake
No
Wake
No
Wake
No
Wake
No
Wake
No
Wake
NORTH SHORE & COOT LAKE (122 ac) - Passive Recreation&
Habita
t
scitauqA&noitaerceRevitcA-)ca67(EROHS
HTU
O
S
tnemeganaM/secruoseRretaW&erutcurtsarfnI-)ca802(
MA
D
HTUOS
&
HTRON
WESTSHORE(329ac)-WildlifeClosure&SensitiveHabitat
15
5
5
2
6
6
6
7
3
4
Gateway Project & Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) StationBoulder Reservoir: Assessment & Analysis
Entry: Western Approach
Concept Plan
Entry SignGatehouses
Entry Sign & Gatehouses
Master Plan Development
(2009-2011)
$3,000,000
Bond Approval
1.4 million 3.6 million 11.1 million
1 mil. 2 mil. 3 mil.
4mil.
5mil.
6mil.
7mil.
8mil.
9mil.
10mil.
11mil.
Funding
Plans
Fiscally Constrained Plan Action Plan Vision Plan
2012
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Gateway
Project
Assessment
&Analysis
Dock
Upgrades
WaterMain
&Sanitary
Bridge&
Overlook
ParkSignage
&Wayfinding
Building
Improvements
Loop
Trail
4
PROJECT: Boulder Reservoir
- Capital Improvements
- Site Management Plan
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Design/Management: 2012-2014
CONSTRUCTION: 2013-2014
Project Budget: $ 3,640,000 (CIP)
$ 160,000 (SMP)
TEAM:
Boulder Parks Planning Group (Owner/
Design/Project Manager)
Scott, Cox & Associates (Civil)
J2 Contracting (Construction)
ERO (Environmental Overview)
Fox/Tuttle (Traffic Analysis)
Biohabitats (Biological/Mammalian/Avian
Inventory & Assessment)
Capital Improvements:
DiFrank led design and project
management efforts for the design,
infrastructure, branding, and management
improvements for the 1200-acre park
site. Primary focus was placed on the new
Gateway/Entry project, Aquatic Nuisance
Species Inspection Station, South Shore
Infrastructure Systems, and Feeder Canal
Bridge. These projects have all been highly
successful while providing immediate
support to the growing number of visitors
and needs of the facility. The series of
improvements were completed ahead of
schedule and under budget.
site management plan:
DiFrank developed a comprehensive plan
and set of management actions to support
the passive/active recreation needs of the
park while protecting its environmental
value. Through an extensive public
engagement process and site analysis, the
preliminary phase of the SMP was
completed by DiFrank.
DiFrank built and managed the team of
consultants that helped to provide a
comprehensive understanding of the
Reservoir Park Site.

5. PROJECT: Luxe Lake - Parcel Y3
Location: Chengdu, China
Design: 100% Design Development
DATE: winter 2014-2015
TEAM:
DTJ Design
B. Popadich - Project Manager
N.DiFrank - Lead Design
S.Heasty - Design
BACKGROUND:
DTJ provides lead design services for a
series of developments in the Chengdu,
China region (west central China). These
Luxe Lake developments focus on
responding to the burgeoning upper/
upper-middle class that is seeking high-
end residences or second homes in this
progressive, tech savvy area. The general
design intent is to provide a merger of art
and intriguing vegetation areas in order
to create an experience that is private,
and garden-like while adhering to the
strict urban guidelines for safety and
accessibility.
Description:
DiFrank’s initial concept studies for the
west and east axes were chosen by
the Partners at DTJ to lead the design
aesthetic and program for the 14-acre,
Y3 development. A focus on‘hide
and reveal’, private access to entry/
exit areas, lush gardens, art, and grade
change were encouraged. A futuristic
and organic paving/planting synthesis
was developed to respond to resident
movement patterns while also disguising
the expansive fire-pad system within this
elevated community (parking garages
are below the site footprint). The final DD
submittal was successfully completed with
overwhelming praise.
5
Central Plaza: Shade Structure Perspective
Y3: Overview
West Axis: Concept Sketch
Main Axis: Concept Sketch
25m 50m0mY3: Urban Plan

6. Flat Irons
Mall
Low Density
Residential
Low Density
Residential
Low Density
Residential
Medium Density
Residential
Medium Density
Residential
Waste Water
Treatment Plant
Commercial
Parking
Parking
Dog 1 Dog 2
Disc Golf/Open Space
Rock Creek
Bike
Park
Main
Vehicular
Entry
Main
Pedestrian
Entry
Main
Pedestrian
Entry
Ped.
Entry
Ped.
Entry
Ped.
Entry
Ped.
Entry
Rock C reek Regional
Tra
i l
Detention Ponds
Hilltop
I - 25
South88thStreet
WestFlatironCrossingDrive
Shamrock Drive
Enterprise Street
PROJECT: Autrey Park
Location: Superior, Colorado
Design/Management: Spring 2010
Construction: Spring 2011
Cost: $375,000
Grants: $150,000 (GOCO)
TEAM:
The Town of Superior (Owner)
Studio Urbanista (Design)
Lee Likes Bikes (Pump Track Design)
Big R Bridge (Bridge Design)
BACKGROUND:
During Phase I (2009), DiFrank worked with
the Town of Superior by leading a
visioning process that outlined various
possible programming components &
costs for the 36 acre site. The top
components that were selected for the
Phase II design were an entry/parking area,
a dog park, a mtn. bike skills course and a
9-hole disc golf course.
DESCRIPTION (Phase II):
A formal entry area with approx. 50
parking spaces allows larger groups to be
supported at the 3 programmed event
areas. The disc golf & mtn. bike areas
respond to the natural landform of the site
which maximizes the intrigue of each
activity. Drainage for the dog & bike areas
are carefully focused through bio-swales
before exiting into Rock Creek. A 50’
buffer is provided on both sides of the
creek to protect it’s natural systems while
also guarding against erosion. In addition,
trail connections and signage have been
added to improve user experience and
accessibility. The final design integrates
the park with the established Rock Creek
Regional Trail system, as well as the eastern
connection to the Flat Irons Mall.
Section B: Central Section - Dog Park/Disc Golf/Water Quality Ponds
Autrey Park: Master Plan
View A: Entry Perspective - Parking & Bridge Crossing
Concept/Massing Diagram
6
Dog Park
Bike Park
Disc Golf
Preliminary
Park Program
Program
Exploration
Final
Master
Plan
PROSTAC Concerns
(Park, Rec, Open Space, and Trails
Advisory Commitee) Program Review
Program Exploration
Space Cost
Site
Flow
Min. Program Requirements
Initial Costs
Longterm Maint. Costs
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
Residents
School Groups
Special Interest Groups
Town Staff
Selection Process
Modified
Program
Program
Compromise

7. A A
A
PROJECT: Dakota Square Conversion
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Design: Fall 2011
TEAM: Urth Studios & Native Edge Assoc.
Background:
During the construction of Dakota Ridge,
in North Boulder, it was determined that
the market would not support the mixed-
use plan for this location. As a result, the
developer built the 18 town homes that
now make up Dakota Square. The
existing central parking lot has since been
deemed extraneous. The project intent is
to convert the existing parking area into a
pedestrian square and green-space for the
local residents.
DESCRIPTION:
DiFrank teamed up with Native Edge to
manage & design a trio of concept designs
for the Dakota Square HOA. The final
of three concept drawings focuses on
maintaining existing sidewalks and entry
grades. The design uses the 12’of grade
change (between west & east ends) to
create a series of plazas that are all ADA
accessible. These areas allow different
gathering opportunities that range from
large group to small family/individual
spaces. Large berms, minimal outside
access points, and a single full bisecting
sidewalk help deter outside pedestrian
traffic. Shade tree plantings, ornamental
grasses and shrubs provide winter interest
and privacy between different nodes and
upper balcony views. In addition, shade
structures, benches, boulders & BBQ items
were included to support
community activities.
Dakota Square - Concept Plan Concept Sketch
A
7

8. PROJECT: 2401 Broadway Landscape
Location: Boulder, Colorado
Design: Spring 2011
TEAM: Urth Studios (Design)
Background:
The 2401 Broadway property in Boulder was
designed and built by the architect, Charles
Haertling in 1968 as an eye clinic. Since then,
the property has seen only minor attention
except for the lower addition. The property
owner’s business accounts for about one third
of the upper office space. In total, 9 companies
share this unique building.
Description:
The intent of the design is to maximize the
usable amount of ‘community’space around
the building while also providing a definite
edge and separation from the adjacent arterial.
By raising the existing southeast lawn area, a
common space for employees & clients to meet
& relax is provided. The elevated space uses
clean, minimal lines that mimic the architectural
form and footprint. In addition, a plant palette
consisting of ornamental grasses and aspen
trees respects the minimal design intent &
Colorado site. Space is also provided for
employee food gardens and fruiting plants.
These areas frame a southern access to the
lower rooftop which will be modified to a
social green roof as part of a later design phase.
Section A
Elevation A
Elevation B
B’
A’
A’
Concept Plan
Concept Perspective: North View
8

9. 9
Civic Center Terminal
PROJECT: Kyoto, Japan - Urban Water Chain
Location: Kyoto, Japan
& Central Honsu area
Urban Design Studio Professors:
R. Lovinger (Oregon)
D. Yoshimura (Kyoto)
Design: Summer 2009
team:
P. Chiver
N. DiFrank
A. McQueen
Background:
Graduate Students spent a total of 8 weeks living
in Kyoto, Japan (Daishin-in Buddhist Temple)
while also traveling to neighboring prefectures to
study Japanese culture, the Kyoto urban fabric &
team directed urban design concepts. In
addition to a complex studio project, students
were limited to the use of watercolor media.
Description:
In response to the developing commercial and
social stagnation throughout the urban core of
Kyoto, the design team develops a program that
would extend flows of water & people into‘lost’
urban lots. Existing flows from the Horikawa
Canal & the Nijojo (Castle) moat are extended
through a series of day lit channels that link
multiple, gray-water filtering, pocket-parks
throughout the Omiya-Dori Street. The main
channel acts as a datum to encourage pedestrian
movement through forgotten commercial areas.
In addition, new mixed-use community areas are
connected and activated. The channel
culminates at a new civic terminal that celebrates
the reception of the water flows and social
interaction, while also housing the main railway
hub for the City. After the initial activation of
Omiya-Dori is complete, further activation of lost
urban space will occur through West/East
expansion of the project.

10. 10
Neighborhood Development & Beautification
PROJECT: Canalscapes Urban Design
(in conjunction with Arizona State Univ.)
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Urban Design Studio Professors:
Lori Catalano (UCD)
Nan Ellin (ASU)
Design: Spring 2009
Background:
Graduate students from the University of
Colorado at Denver’s Urban Design Program
visited Phoenix for a week long data
collection and project kick-off meeting with
Nan Ellin (Integral Urbanism) and ASU
graduate students to examine the City’s
distressed canal system.
Description:
As a response to the neglected canals,
DiFrank considers a municipally activated,
micro-hydro energy generation system that
uses the collected alternative energy as a
catalyst to spur urban and community
revitalization efforts. Value from the local
energy production is then reinvested in
additional green technology and
infrastructure. The increased local energy
transmission is then shared with prospective
new businesses/developments as an
incentive for economic growth and
beautification efforts. Infrastructure system
development, local industry, and
subsequent urban Canalscape mixed-use
developments create jobs, increase social
interaction, and expand commercial
opportunities. The final result is a positive
context for sustainable new development
along the newly appreciated and beautified
urban canals.
Commercial/Industrial/Social Catalyst
Social Interface
Social Interface/Micro-Hydro Perspective
Catalyst Location & Associated Preliminary Development

11. 11

12. *Current Contact Information:
Kurt Kowar, P.E.
Director of Public Works
kurtk@louisvilleco.gov
303.335.4601
12