It was an inspiring night for the Zimmerman team at the 2026 IIDA Wisconsin Celebrate in Design (CiD) Awards. This annual celebration highlights the remarkable talent across the state and showcases the power of design to shape our world. Amidst a room of industry partners and peers, our Interior Design Studio was honored to take home two awards in the Community & Culture category, celebrating excellence in the spaces that bring people together.
1st Place Winner: Green County Family YMCA
The Green County Family YMCA was re-envisioned to uplift and motivate through a sophisticated play of color and texture. To create a seamless transition between new and existing spaces, the design team introduced a mature, cohesive finish palette in the open community areas, contrasted by energetic, playful tones in the childcare wings. This thoughtful application of materiality—balancing high-durability surfaces in high-traffic fitness zones with tactile, inviting materials in gathering areas—ensures the facility feels like a welcoming “third place” for all generations.
Spatial planning was prioritized to create a sense of clarity and inclusiveness, utilizing intuitive layouts and strong sightlines that empower users to navigate the space with ease. The interior experience is further elevated by a dynamic lighting strategy; abundant natural daylight energizes the primary fitness areas, while sophisticated accent lighting highlights feature walls and public art. By blending innovative spatial composition with warm, human-centric design, the YMCA has been transformed into a vibrant community anchor that supports lifelong growth.
“The best insights didn’t come from a drawing board—they came from the workshops with the YMCA staff and Green County families. This project is a direct reflection of the Green County community’s heart and vision.”– Brooke Shackelford, IIDA | Associate | Interior Designer
Honorable Mention: Mission94
Mission94 Firearms Education Center is a state-of-the-art destination that balances high-level tactical training with a warm, inclusive atmosphere. The design pairs a sophisticated material palette of polished concrete and rich wood tones with a sculptural circular staircase and light-filled retail spaces. Beyond the aesthetic, the facility prioritizes wellness and sustainability, featuring acoustic green walls and a high-performance ventilation system that ensures superior air quality. By harmonizing technical precision with community-driven design, Mission94 stands as a first-class hub for safety, education, and historical exploration.
“Collaborating with the interiors team alongside Zimmerman was an incredibly thoughtful and collaborative process that brought the Mission94 vision to life. The design captures a balance of modern, high-impact elements and welcoming, community-driven spaces that feel both elevated and approachable. Most importantly, the interiors were intentionally crafted to make every visitor feel safe, comfortable, and connected from the moment they walk in.” – Scot Loesch, General Manager of Mission94
