Chris P. Zimmerman, AIA
President -in- Charge
As founder and principal of CPZ Architects, Chris P. Zimmerman, AIA, began his professional career working for the City of Fort Lauderdale as a City Architect. Within his duration of ten dedicated years at the city and alongside his mentors and co-workers, Chris reconstructed the Department of Architectural Design as well as became a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). His membership and continuing involvement in the AIA would eventually lead him to his role as President of the AIA Fort Lauderdale Chapter in 2014. Chris joined Scharf & Associates in 1996 where he became Vice President to the firm. Some of his projects included the Broward County Convention Center, Terminal 21 Port Everglades, Hollywood Fire Station 71, and Coconut Creek Community Center.
Chris founded CPZ Architects in 2002 and serves as Principal. With a staff of eighteen employees, CPZ Architects’ has worked with local municipalities from Palm Bay to Doral Florida all along the east coast of Florida. Serving Cities, Counties and the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. At CPZ Architects, Chris has supervised commercial, residential, and municipal projects and several building/design types including fire stations, community centers, recreational parks, private residences, historical restorations, and tenant improvements.
Raised in South Florida, Chris attended Broward Community College and worked under local professional, Charles McApline. After gaining local experience with architects and engineers, Chris accepted an invitation to study Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He attained a Bachelor of Architecture in 1983, Architect License in 1986, and Certified General Contractors License in 1987. Chris has been affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America for over 40 years and has received the highest rank of Eagle Scout.
Chris is a strong advocate of the Architectural profession and its link with the community. Through promoting local architecture and recognizing local architects and their accomplishments, Chris remains an active AIA member and served as the local president and was presented with the AIA Citizen Architect Award. Chris believes that architects have the knowledge and ability to improve local governments which will help promote more advanced and sustainable cities. This thought process influenced Chris to successfully run for the Plantation City Council in 2012. As an elected official and architect, Chris was able to make the City of Plantation a better place to live, work, and play