Andrew Zimmer has been named Director of the Design Insight Group (DIG) at HGA, the firm’s growing collective of Lean process engineers, practice-based researchers, design thinkers, anthropologists, and data scientists who help clients rethink and reshape their future through the design process. Zimmer will support firmwide partnerships to deepen HGA’s national standing as a research-driven design firm.
“Research and innovation are foundational to our work and philosophy,” Zimmer said. “We approach research holistically, identifying how it improves processes with our clients, within our industry, and within HGA itself. Through my own work as a Healthcare Principal, I have seen first-hand the value of how we bring expert insights and engage collaboratively with clients to facilitate discovery, research hypotheses, and advocate for meaningful change. I am excited to build on our success as we collectively identify new opportunities.”
HGA has long supported interdisciplinary research as part of its mission. Through the Design Insight Group, the firm engages in a broad-based approach to research, with each project an opportunity to develop and apply new knowledge through exploration. At the core of this work is the belief that advancing the state of the design industry is not only an opportunity but a responsibility. Both practitioners and leaders, research teams leverage insights to craft innovative design interventions—and give back to clients and communities.
“Andrew is a trusted leader who understands the value of including multiple perspectives in the design conversation,” said Scott Lindvall, AIA, NCARB, Chief Operating Officer of HGA. “I have worked with him for many years and know the integrity and insight he brings to his work. He is truly dedicated to creating positive experiences for his team and his clients. We are energized to have him lead the Design Insight Group as we continue to evolve our framework for research and innovation.”
As part of the interdisciplinary structure of DIG, Zimmer will continue as Principal in the Healthcare practice in Milwaukee, where he has more than 15 years’ experience leading design teams for a variety of projects nationally. He is a thought leader in Lean planning and has served on the Advisory Board of Catalysis Healthcare Value Network, a national network of healthcare professionals and designers promoting patient-centered care delivery.
For more information, visit HGA Research and Innovation.