We know that a building project is an immense undertaking and a significant financial commitment – but at the core of it all, it marks a new chapter.

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 dialouge, 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 life.

Our Culture

Designing for enhanced human experiences starts with our own culture. We are intentional and adamant about maintaining an engaging, evolving and compassionate culture because we know that cultivating a strong sense of community allows our people to do their best work.

We are a tight-knit group that genuinely cares about each other and appreciates each other’s company. Whether we’re gathering in the gallery, grabbing coffee at Tal’s Tap, or relaxing on the patio, our spaces are designed to encourage spontaneous conversation and collaboration. It’s often in these every day moments together that the best ideas come to life.

We’ve heard that we’re one of the best places to work, and we take that feedback 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 recognize that having fun along the way not only enhances our relationships but also reflects in the quality of our work and the level of service we provide to our clients.

Community Engagement

We recognize that we have a responsibility to make a difference in the communities in which we live and work.

Deeply etched in Milwaukee architecture and headquartered in its historic Menomonee River Valley, Zimmerman is an active contributor to the evolution of our city, with a philanthropic reach that extends far beyond the Valley. Our team members are committed to thoughtful involvement, ensuring our efforts resonate authentically within every environment we touch.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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.

History

We've been around for more than a century, but we're future-focused.

We're proud of our deep experience and storied history, and we're always learning and progressing to design better ways forward.

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 four consecutive years, 2021 – 2024.

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.