Dan Schnepf founded Matrix Design Group in 1999 with a vision of building an interdisciplinary firm grounded in integrity, innovation, and long-term impact. Under his leadership, Matrix grew from a single office in Colorado Springs into a nationally recognized, employee-owned firm with expanded markets, services, and offices across the country. He helped establish the firm’s strategic direction, launched Matrix’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan in 2007, and built a culture centered on ownership, collaboration, and excellence.

Dan was a nationally recognized expert in community redevelopment, including Base Realignment and Closure sites. His expertise and success with development programs across the country made Matrix an industry leader. Dan was regularly called upon to speak as an expert in redevelopment to various civic and community organizations and his perspectives were highly sought after by the Department of Defense and other federal entities.

During its first 20 years, Matrix was recognized as one of the fastest growing Architectural, Engineering, Planning and Environmental Consulting firms in the United States and was annually ranked in Zweig’s Hot Firm List. Additionally, the firm was named as “50 Best Firms to Work” for by CE News and Construction Weekly Engineering News Record ranked the Company a “Top 500 Design Firms.” In addition to the many accolades, Dan ushered in a period of significant growth and expansion for the firm. After stepping down as CEO in 2019, he assumed the role of CFO and continued to lead the Matrix Board of Directors. During this period, the firm nearly doubled in size and revenue, and significantly increased service lines.

Following his retirement in 2025, Dan’s legacy continues through the foundation he created and the values that still guide Matrix today.