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Building design is an investment in your organization’s future, and the right partner advances your vision into something tangible and timeless.
For us, it’s more than just a beautiful building. It’s an investment in an organization’s future. We believe in architecture as a catalyst for promoting wellness, facilitating dialogue, advancing missions, inspiring learning and enriching lives.
We are laser-focused on developing collaborative relationships with our clients, immersing ourselves in your day-to-day operations and delivering high-quality design services to seamlessly bring your unique ‘why’ to fruition.
Designing for enhanced human experiences originates in our own culture. We are intentional and adamant about maintaining an engaging, evolving and compassionate culture because we acknowledge that cultivating a strong sense of community allows our people to perform their best work.
We are a tight-knit group that genuinely cares about each other and appreciates each other’s company, supplementing work with play to complement our time spent together. We make memories away from our desks, gathering in the gallery, coffee bar and patio, our studio spaces that invite spontaneous conversation and collaboration. The best ideas often originate from being present together in those everyday interactions.
We’ve heard that we’re one of the best places to work, and we take those testaments from our people to heart. We foster a culture of curiosity, rigorous acumen, continual learning and fun.
While we take our work very seriously, we believe that having fun along the way is evident in the quality of our work and the level of customer service we provide.
Deeply etched in Milwaukee architecture and headquartered in its historic Menomonee River Valley, Zimmerman Architectural Studios is an active contributor to the evolution of our city, with a philanthropic reach that extends far beyond where we’re based. Our team members make a concerted effort to have thoughtful involvement for an impact authentic to every environment we touch.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our success depends on each one of us and we are united in our commitment to implement meaningful change – for our organization and our industry. We look to continuously improve our impact on our workplace, the workforce and the community in which we work and serve.
Our employees thrive in an inclusive and safe work environment where they feel heard and encouraged to share their ideas and experiences and represent their diverse backgrounds. We enjoy celebrating our differences because they are our strengths. This is what guides us to bring the absolute best to our clients, our community and one another.
In 1906, Peter Brust, Richard Phillip and Julius Heimerl launched a practice featuring a diverse portfolio of specialized architecture for various building types, including education, religious, civic, retail, financial institutions and residential. This diversity established a precedent that has been a hallmark of Zimmerman for over 100 years.
Brust set off on his own in 1927 and continued his independent practice for years. His two sons joined the family business in 1945 and expanded service offerings to include engineering design. The brothers carried on the legacy after their father’s passing, growing and extending disciplines to include healthcare, higher education and corporate architecture.
In 1973, lead designer Gary Zimmerman was appointed president and incorporated the Zimmerman name on the official letterhead. To better communicate Zimmerman’s design leadership, the company subsequently changed its name in 1981 to Zimmerman Design Group. The organization’s size grew exponentially, and Zimmerman broadened service offerings to include interior design.
The 21st century marks a new era for Zimmerman, reflected in an updated name and brand identity – Zimmerman Architectural Studios. The firm received the prestigious “Architectural Firm Award” from the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects in 2000.
Our clients often use a building project as a catalyst to transform their business. In 2008, it was our turn. We sought a unique location and wanted a building with a history as rich as our own. The 20th-century former Milwaukee Gas Light West Side Works was exactly what we had in mind. Over two years, we planned, designed and renovated the multiple award-winning property that is now our home.
Signaling another stage for Zimmerman in 2018, we welcomed new executive leadership and began transitioning in another generation of shareholders, earning the title of “Coolest Office” from the Milwaukee Business Journal that same year. Emphasizing our already vibrant workplace culture, we were awarded distinctions as one of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Best Places to Work for three consecutive years, 2021 – 2023.
Today, Zimmerman remains committed to manifesting our clients’ ‘why’s’ with a steadfast focus on our employees – our future. We have been around for more than a century, and this is only the beginning for our flourishing firm.