Ed Gschneidner, president of Minneapolis-based Opus AE Group, L.L.C., will retire effective June 3. OAEG is the architecture, engineering and design company of Opus.
Gschneidner started with Opus in 1994 as project architect, became president of OAEG in 2015 and is retiring now after 27 years of service with the company. As president, Gschneidner has not only led the people and work of OAEG, he also mentored and developed numerous Opus associates, championed Opus’ uniquely integrated design-build project delivery model and provided leadership as both a company executive and community steward.
Gschneidner could often be found supporting community-building initiatives, including Opus’ Founder’s Day, United Way, Habitat for Humanity CEO Build, among many others.
Gschneidner’s extensive knowledge of real estate and construction and a comprehensive understanding of building enclosure, structure and building systems have enabled him to successfully and consistently deliver for clients. Gschneidner helped Opus develop its expertise in the multifamily housing sector. Under his leadership, Opus designed hundreds of buildings across the country, including high-rise office and residential buildings, institutional facilities, retail buildings and laboratory facilities.
Dean Newins, currently senior vice president of OAEG, will assume the role of president upon Gschneidner’s retirement. A 21-year veteran of OAEG, Newins has most recently been accountable for the architecture and engineering teams, as well as interior design, graphics and visualization and business development support in partnership with Opus’ development and construction companies.
His career portfolio includes many projects in the commercial, multifamily, industrial and institutional sectors virtually coast to coast, as well as the programming and feasibility of large, urban mixed-use projects. Newins earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology.
