Daniel Nieman will lead business development in a newly created role
ELMSFORD, NY — March 11, 2026 — DLC has created a new leadership position focused on expanding business development efforts across its construction and architecture platforms, Renovo Construction and NWS Architects, as the company continues to grow its vertically integrated real estate platform. The move reflects continued demand for integrated design and construction services informed by DLC’s owner-operator perspective in open-air retail real estate.
Daniel Nieman has been named Vice President of Strategy and Business Development, a newly established role designed to strengthen national client relationships, expand strategic partnerships, and help translate DLC’s owner-operator perspective into value for clients seeking design and construction solutions.
“As Renovo and NWS continue to expand nationally, we saw an opportunity to create a role focused specifically on connecting strategy with execution across our platform,” said Adam Ifshin, Founder and CEO of DLC. “Our advantage has always been that we approach projects as owners and operators, not just service providers. Daniel understands that perspective deeply, and he will help bring that insight to more clients and partners across the country.”
Nieman brings more than a decade of experience across acquisitions, leasing, and portfolio leadership in retail real estate. He began his career in acquisitions at a private commercial real estate firm in Atlanta, underwriting and evaluating investment opportunities before intentionally transitioning into leasing to gain a broader understanding of how assets are owned, operated, and repositioned over time.
Over the next decade, he negotiated letters of intent and leases across multiple markets nationwide. Most recently, he served as Vice President of Leasing for a five-million-square-foot retail portfolio, where he helped drive leasing strategy, redevelopment initiatives, and long-term portfolio performance.
That background now informs his approach to business development, where understanding the priorities of owners, operators, retailers, and development partners is essential.
“Because DLC owns, operates, designs, and builds retail real estate, we see projects through the full lifecycle of an asset,” said Nieman. “My focus is helping clients take advantage of that perspective. When strategy, design, and construction are aligned from the beginning, it leads to better decisions and stronger long-term performance.”
“Daniel has spent his career understanding how retail real estate actually works, from acquisitions to leasing to portfolio strategy,” said Chris Ressa, Chief Operating Officer of DLC. “That experience allows him to connect what clients need strategically with how projects ultimately get delivered. As we continue to grow Renovo and NWS, that alignment becomes even more valuable.”
“Great retail design begins with understanding how space performs for both retailers and owners,” said Ken Nadolski, Managing Principal of NWS Architects. “Daniel’s background gives him insight into how leasing, operations, and investment strategy all influence that performance. Having that perspective guiding new opportunities strengthens how we approach architecture and planning for our clients.”
“Construction is where strategy ultimately becomes reality,” said Peyton Thomas, Vice President of Renovo Construction. “Daniel understands how decisions made early in the process affect timelines, costs, and long-term asset value. That perspective helps ensure the projects we pursue and the way we deliver them stay aligned with what our clients are trying to accomplish.”
A former Division I basketball player, Nieman brings a competitive and team-oriented mindset to his work. He lives in Charlotte, North Carolina with his wife and daughter.
