OMAHA, NE — RDG Planning & Design announces that Kene Okigbo, ASLA has been honored with Omaha by Design’s 2021 Young Urbanist Award. Part of the organization’s annual Laurels Awards program, the Young Urbanist Award acknowledges an individual under the age of 45 who has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to making the Omaha, Nebraska, metro a better place to live, work, and play.

“Anyone who knows Kene knows there’s no one more deserving of this designation,” said RDG Senior Partner Cary Thomsen, PLA ASLA. “Kene approaches every project with a genuine passion to make the world better, and I look forward to the multitude of ways he will continue to make communities across the country more just and equitable for all through his work.”

For nearly two decades, the Laurels Awards have served as Omaha by Design’s highest honor, recognizing individuals, organizations, and businesses for significant contributions to exceptional public spaces in the city of Omaha, Nebraska. Okigbo was recognized with the Young Urbanist Award during a gala event.

“It was a huge honor to be nominated and a massive surprise to win," Okigbo said. "I don’t know if the recognition is deserved, but I look forward to the opportunity to work with other nominees and past winners to keep improving the public domain."

Since joining RDG in 2018, Okigbo has been involved with projects in a variety of markets, including Parks & Recreation, College & University, Sports, and Urban Design. As a Landscape Architect in RDG’s Urban Design Studio, he demonstrates a passion for creating environments that positively impact the people and communities they serve. Okigbo serves on numerous industry panels, including ASLA’s Government Affairs and Climate Action Committees.