Summerfest Business Alliance Member Spotlight
1.) Tell Us Your Story!
Zimmerman Architectural Studios has been rooted in the Milwaukee community since our founding in 1906. Throughout our 119-year history, we have evolved into a firm of over 110 incredibly talented professionals providing specialized building planning and design services, including architecture, engineering, interior design, and landscape architecture. Our mission is to help people, organizations, and communities thrive – It’s not about us, but about how we can leverage our gifts and talents for those we serve.
Many people may not know of our significant place in the history of Summerfest, one of Milwaukee’s most celebrated institutions. Over the past four decades, we have collaborated on numerous master planning efforts for the Henry Maier Festival Park. Our design contributions prior to 2000 include the award-winning north gate entrance, Leinie’s Stage, and Koss Pavilion. After 2000 we added the North Rock Stage, Miller Lite Oasis, Harley Davidson Stage, and various North Grounds improvements. Most recently, in 2024, we partnered with Summerfest and Gensler Architects to evaluate and recommend a strategic development plan for the festival grounds spanning the next 20 years.
2.) What does the future hold for your organization?
We will continue to build on the culture we’ve cultivated at Zimmerman. We will continue our commitment to attracting and retaining top talent as it has been a driving force in our success and growth. Zimmerman has been recognized as a multi-year finalist and a former winner of the Milwaukee Business Journal’s Best Places to Work. Additionally, our office was honored as Milwaukee’s Coolest Office in 2018.
What sets us apart is the outstanding design that comes out of our office as a result of our collaborative culture, which minimizes client risks through open communication, face-to-face problem-solving, and seamless cross-disciplinary collaboration. This approach not only delivers exceptional results for our clients but also fosters a dynamic, supportive workplace that inspires our team to excel.
3.) How do you impact your community?
Among our core values at Zimmerman is the understanding that our work is not about ourselves. This principle drives our staff to focus on the greater good - serving our clients and enriching the community where we live, work, play, learn, heal, and worship. We design hospitals that save lives, government buildings that help steward our tax dollars and keep us safe, schools that help students learn, commercial buildings that help drive our economy, and so much more.
We are also deeply committed to volunteerism and philanthropy. Our team actively supports local organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee, Sojourner Family Peace Center, Feeding America of Wisconsin, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Children’s Wisconsin, Historic Milwaukee, Ronald McDonald House, United Way, Hunger Task Force, The Women’s Center of Waukesha, the YMCA, and numerous faith-based groups.
This alignment of purpose, business, and culture fosters a workplace dedicated to meaningful impact. It’s not just what we do—it’s why we do it, and it’s at the heart of who we are.
4.) Why is it important to your organization to support Summerfest through the Summerfest Business Alliance and what are some of the unique ways in which you distribute/use your Summerfest tickets?
Summerfest is more than just an event—it’s a cherished tradition and, for many of our colleagues, a way of life. It brings our community together and stands as a world-class destination that showcases Milwaukee and the greater southeastern Wisconsin region. Its ability to unite people and spotlight our city aligns perfectly with the values we hold dear.
There’s something profoundly special about the shared thrill of live music—the electric anticipation as the lights rise, the emotional connection as a favorite act takes the stage. These shared experiences go beyond entertainment, fostering deeper bonds with clients and colleagues alike. That’s why our support of the Summerfest Business Alliance feels so natural—it reflects our commitment to connection, culture, and community.
5.) When was the first time you attended Summerfest? Do you have a favorite Summerfest memory?
Zimmerman’s staff has been attending Summerfest since the first festival was held in 1968. First experiences of current staff members date back to the 1970’s.
One of our favorite Summerfest memories dates back to 2005 during a free performance at the newly remodeled Miller Lite Oasis. The performance marked the debut of the venue which we had the privilege of designing. The experience was made even more meaningful as we shared it with our client and construction partners. Ben Folds opened for the Violent Femmes that night and the space supported the event flawlessly. From the VIP deck, our design team enjoyed a unique vantage point, observing how patrons moved through the space and engaged with the performance—just as we had envisioned during the design process.
It was particularly rewarding to see the positive reactions of the audience and the evident satisfaction of the Summerfest administration as well as stage and venue management. The entire evening was a testament to the collaboration and hard work of everyone involved. It was an incredibly gratifying and unforgettable experience.
6.) Which artist would you love to see on a Summerfest stage?
Oh my, way too many to mention. I appreciate the variety of genres that you can experience on any given day - variety is the spice of life! I wouldn't mind a redux of the Jazz Oasis!
7.) If you’ve hosted a private event with us tell us about your party experience.
While we haven’t yet hosted a private event with Summerfest, we’re excited about the opportunities it could bring. The vibrant atmosphere of Summerfest offers the perfect setting to connect with clients, colleagues, and community partners. We see it as a chance to strengthen relationships, share memorable experiences, and reflect our company’s values. We look forward to exploring this unique way to engage and collaborate in the future!
8.) What else would you like to share about your experience with Summerfest and the Summerfest Business Alliance?
As long-time partners of Summerfest, we’re excited to deepen our connection through the Summerfest Business Alliance. We look forward to getting to know our new alliance partners and discovering opportunities to collaborate in ways that enhance the Summerfest experience while making a positive impact on the greater Milwaukee community.