Design Workshop CEO Becky Zimmermann has been named the 2026 Trailblazer Award honoree by the YPO Construction Industry Network, in partnership with the Women’s Business Network and the Real Estate Industry Network, as part of the second annual Women in the Built World Awards. Zimmermann received the Trailblazer Award earlier this month at the Construction Industry Global Summit 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The international Trailblazer Award honors a female, C-suite executive who has demonstrated extraordinary talent, innovation, strength of character and accomplishment within construction, architecture, engineering, real estate development, or related industries. This woman is respected by her peers and sets an example for other women coming behind her. She is an intentional mentor who is passionate about helping other women excel, paving the way for future generations.
“I’m honored to receive the Trailblazer Award, a recognition that reflects the collective work of so many talented colleagues, partners and community leaders committed to building places that endure. At Design Workshop, I’ve focused on strengthening resilience and investing in our people, work that ultimately led us to become 100% employee‑owned and more successful than ever, with a legacy shared by everyone who helped build it. Creating lasting impact is always a team effort and I’m proud to be part of a profession that continues to evolve, innovate and open doors for others,” said Zimmermann.
A nationally respected leader in landscape architecture and planning, Zimmermann has spent more than 35 years shaping communities, elevating the profession and expanding opportunities for future generations. As CEO of Design Workshop she leads a nationally ranked, seven‑office firm with 175 employees and $40 million in annual revenue. Under her leadership, Design Workshop is consistently recognized among the top firms in its field.
A pioneer in mountain resort planning, Zimmermann has led transformative Tourism Master Plans for destinations including North Lake Tahoe, CA; Los Alamos, NM; Whistler, British Columbia; and Sant Julià de Lòria in Andorra. Her work on major resort master plans including Steamboat, Sun Valley, and Wasatch Peaks Ranch has set new standards for balancing infrastructure, environmental stewardship and community needs.
In 2020, Zimmermann spearheaded Design Workshop’s transition to a 100% employee‑owned firm, reinforcing her belief in shared success and long‑term empowerment. The firm was recently named the 2025 ESOP Company of the Year by The ESOP Association’s Rocky Mountain Chapter.
Beyond her project work, Zimmermann is widely recognized for her commitment to mentorship, inclusion and leadership development. Her influence extends across the industry through her service on the Urban Land Institute’s Travel Experience and Trends Council, her active membership in YPO Gold and her frequent keynote presentations at national conferences.
Zimmermann has also played a pivotal role in expanding the impact of the Design Workshop Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to community capacity building. Under her guidance, the Foundation launched its Community Capacity Building Initiative, providing technical assistance to under‑resourced communities across the U.S. Since 2022, the Foundation has partnered with nine organizations, completed more than 900 hours of in‑kind service, and supported eight community‑driven projects in four states. In 2024, the Design Workshop Foundation earned the ASLA National Community Service Award.
“Becky’s leadership has transformed not only our firm, but the communities and professionals she touches,” said Robb Berg, president of Design Workshop. “She is a visionary, a mentor and a champion for equity in our industry. This recognition is a reflection of her extraordinary impact.”
Zimmermann’s achievements stand out in a field where women hold just 12% of advanced leadership roles, according to the VELA Project. Her career demonstrates what is possible when innovation, inclusion and purpose come together.
