Successful architectural firms lean on leaders who confidently step into the public eye and earn industry recognition for their areas of expertise. Supporting those leaders are individuals behind the scenes with a myriad of skillsets and masters of effective multitasking and coordination who help them, and the firm, look good. At AG Architecture, one of those key team members is Marcia Zalenski. Her passion, hard work, and dedication to the firm and contributions to the greater community make her a worthy recipient of a 2025 Women in Construction Award. The Daily Reporter’s Annual Women in Construction awards program recognizes the significant contributions of women to the success of the building industry.
Zalenski has been a part of the AG Team and immersed in the architecture and construction industry for 11 years. Her contributions earned her recognition as one of the honorees in the Unsung Hero of the Year category.
Did you know?
Zalenski brings over 25 years of customer and client services experience to her Marketing Coordinator and Administrative Assistant role at AG Architecture. Whether visiting AG’s office, stopping by our trade show booth, looking at the website, or receiving an RFP or mail campaign, she is part of your first experience with AG. And, she is often the last team member on a project site, coordinating with staff and chatting with residents as final project photographs are completed.
As Marketing Coordinator, she protects the AG brand. She spends countless hours behind the scenes coordinating, designing and supporting the AG Team and ensuring a positive—Bright Vision. Bold Communities.–experience. In fact, Zalenski was instrumental in the coordination of AG’s rebranding efforts in 2022 and has spearheaded the implementation of the refreshed brand ever since. These efforts include the design of a digital magazine to announce the initial launch, branded lobby and reception wall graphics, an updated trade show booth, and website enhancements.
“Marcia’s eye for branding and design helped us tackle this significant effort at an important milestone of our legacy firm,” says AG Chief Design Officer Eric Harrmann. “She helped gather the feedback from multiple parties and communicate with the creative team to provide the guidance needed to achieve the desired results. She now maintains a keen eye on everything that leaves the office to ensure a consistent look and feel. Her commitment, passion and diligence instill confidence that all materials are professional and properly represent the firm.”
From providing the graphic design and coordination needed for RFPs and client presentations, preparing for trade shows and speaking engagements, handling quarterly eNews, social media and website updates to event planning, promo items, branded apparel, project celebrations, job signs and client and holiday gifts, Zalenski is involved in every aspect of AG’s marketing and business development initiatives.
Her marketing role extends to broader administrative needs across the firm, including specification support, helping with electronic stamps for drawings, and more. The AG Team relies on Zalenski for everything, including endless “don’t forget” reminders and tips on how to squeeze a meeting into someone’s busy travel schedule. Her experience and support span the multigenerational team, from helping younger team members use old school tools such as binding machines to guiding others on OpenAsset photo management, apps, logins, AI, and other digital tools. You might say she is the office Google. When people don’t know what to do, where to go, or how to do or find something, they ask Marcia.
Zalenski is a trusted mentor to many people at AG, especially younger team members. She provides support and guidance, encouraging networking and helping them properly represent the firm, even going along to events for moral support as a networking buddy. She is a go-to resource who provides encouragement as they navigate the early years of their career and tackle professional development and certification challenges.
“Marcia was instrumental as I launched my career at AG,” says AG Project Manager Daniel Fischer. “As my intern supervisor, she helped me navigate the complexities of the professional world and provided invaluable guidance and support, fostering my growth from intern to project manager. Her insights into graphic design were particularly impactful, significantly enhancing my academic performance and continuing to shape my professional output. Despite her heavy workload, Marcia has consistently prioritized my development, offering support, advice, and encouragement throughout my career at AG. Her dedication and commitment to her team are truly remarkable.”
A committed community supporter
Zalenski is an active and dedicated community member and volunteer. In addition to being an avid Brewers and Bucks fan, she has volunteered for Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity since 2006.
Since 1990, she has supported the Apple Cider Century Bicycle Tour, which takes place in the Village of Three Oaks, located about 60 miles from both Chicago and Kalamazoo. Started in 1974, the event has grown into one of the Midwest’s largest century events, drawing up to 4,000 participants each year. Zalenski’s volunteer work at this nonprofit event includes print production and coordination with the lead designer and vendors of the print and apparel products. She also serves as the on-site supervisor for apparel sales, managing a large group of people for two days during the event. She is on call for all aspects of the event to ensure swift problem resolution.
Zalenski has been a member of the Milwaukee County Genealogical Society for three years, during which time she supported the organization’s newsletter as co-editor. She currently serves as President. The organization collects, exchanges and preserves genealogical materials; to inform the general public about genealogy; and purchases books of genealogical value to be donated to public libraries in the Milwaukee area. In addition to leadership within the group, Zalenski spends volunteer hours at Milwaukee area libraries mentoring residents and assisting with their genealogy projects. She also had the opportunity to guide a workshop with senior living residents of St. Rita Square. Since AG was the architect for this project, it was a unique opportunity for her to work with the residents of a community designed by AG.
Also of note, Zalenski is a beer and culinary enthusiast who supports the community by attending numerous events and supporting local breweries, establishments and small businesses.
Congratulations, Marcia!
The AG Team appreciates Zalenski’s hard work and dedication and congratulates her on her well-deserved recognition as one of The Daily Reporter’s 2025 Women in Construction.
