Architecture and design firm Dekker recently announced the appointment of Emily Allen as chief executive officer, following her tenure as chief financial officer where she helped shape the firm’s long-term financial strategy, operational growth and business operations. She joined the firm more than 22 years ago as an intern and advanced through leadership roles spanning design, finance and firm management. With a background in interior design and business strategy, Allen brings a collaborative, people-first approach to leadership and a cross-disciplinary perspective to guiding the firm’s future. She holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Mexico and a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Colorado and serves as a trustee of the Albuquerque Community Foundation. Previous board roles include Keshet Dance Company, UNM Anderson School Foundation, and WESST. Allen also participated in Leadership Albuquerque, Leadership New Mexico, and was recognized as an Albuquerque Business First Women of Influence honoree.

“Phoenix is an incredible place where we’ve been invested for more than 10 years. We bring a multi-industry perspective supported by a deep well of expertise, and a team highly committed to increasing our reach across the Valley,” said Allen.

Industries served by Dekker include: K12 education, higher education, federal government, healthcare, multifamily communities, office + workplace and public safety + civic.

Dekker brings together more than 200 staff across three states, with offices in Phoenix, El Paso, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico; connecting the knowledge and experience of architects, planners, interior designers, landscape architects, and structural engineers. Dekker has been 100% employee owned since 2024. The firm approaches design as a true partnership, ensuring people’s real needs, sustainability, efficiency, and collaboration are embedded in the process before the first meeting and beyond the ribbon cutting. Learn more at dekkerdesign.org.