Morris Zimmerman
Principal, AIA LEED AP BD+C
Morris Zimmerman, AIA, is co-founder of O Z Collaborative, formed in 2019 through the merger of his previous firm, BWA Architecture + Planning, with longtime friend and colleague Richard Olaya of Olaya Studio. With over three decades of experience in architecture and landscape architecture, Morrie brings a seasoned perspective grounded in his early professional work in Arizona and California and deepened by his longstanding commitment to Philadelphia's communities.
Morrie combines his passion for thoughtful, enduring design with genuine enthusiasm for client engagement. His work spans civic, cultural, educational, and residential projects, with notable contributions including the Reptile House at the Philadelphia Zoo, Washington Crossing Historic Park, Awbury Arboretum, and the Library Company of Philadelphia. He is particularly passionate about projects that benefit the broader community, including schools, religious institutions, and supportive housing initiatives.
A longtime Philadelphia resident, Morrie and his family have called several neighborhoods home, including Chinatown and Washington Square West, before settling in West Mount Airy for the past 25 years. Deeply engaged in his community, he has served on nonprofit boards and neighborhood organizations, championing responsible development and historic preservation. When not practicing architecture, Morrie enjoys discovering new places, exploring wines, and losing himself in a good book.