Jessica Timmer, AIA

2025 AIA Wisconsin Young Architect Award Winner

Jessica Timmer, AIA, NCARB is the Residential Practice Area Leader and Senior Vice President at RINKA, and serves as a Director on the AIA Wisconsin Board of Directors and chair of the AIA WI Membership Committee.

"Jessica dedicates abundant time, both within and outside the office, to training and mentoring the next generation of designers and architects...Jessica pairs servant leadership with one-on-one attention to ensure her teams’ growth of knowledge and applied experience from project to project. Many young designers in our office have risen quickly in expertise and responsibility under her tutelage."
- Chad Griswold, AIA (Nominator)

Jessica is recognized for her exceptional leadership in professional practice, mentorship, and service to the architecture community. With under a decade in practice, she has already established a strong reputation for design excellence, technical expertise, and thoughtful team leadership. Her communication, organization, and decision-making skills have earned the trust of clients, consultants, and colleagues alike. In practice, Jessica leads efforts to strengthen design workflows, project delivery processes, and firm-wide BIM capabilities—advancing both project quality and team performance.

Jessica is deeply engaged in mentoring and supporting emerging professionals, both within her workplace and across the broader design community. As a Leadership Advocate in her firm’s mentorship program, she actively supports DEI efforts and fosters an inclusive, growth-minded environment. Her commitment to elevating the profession is also evident through her involvement with Women in Design Milwaukee, where she regularly participates in programming that amplifies voices and builds community among women in the field. She contributes to architectural education through her work with UWM SARUP and the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, helping guide young talent into the profession through career fairs, portfolio reviews, and student engagement. Jessica’s integrity, leadership, and dedication to the future of the profession make her a standout recipient of the 2025 Young Architect Award.