The U.S. Small Business Administration recently named Jennifer Weddermann, architect, and owner of Weddermann Architecture in Tacoma, as their 2023 Washington Small Business Person of the Year.
Founded in 2010, Weddermann Architecture specializes in architectural design for residential, commercial, and community-based projects. Weddermann, a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) accredited professional and member of the U.S Green Building Council, is committed to sustainable design principles and projects that contribute to the beauty and growth of her community.
“Jennifer Weddermann has demonstrated tenacity, perseverance and generosity as an entrepreneur, and leads Tacoma Architect Named Small Business Person of the Year a successful woman-owned business that is adding value to the community in many ways,” SBA Seattle District Director Kerrie Hurd said. “The diversity of her work, the jobs she has created, and the overall growth of her business are an impressive example of the fine small businesses we’re fortunate to have in our local community.”
The SBA Small Business Person of the Year recognizes small business owners who demonstrate staying power and substantiated history as an established business with at least three years of business operation. “Winning this award is quite an honor,” Weddermann said. “I’ve grown this company on my own, from the ground up, with the help of a great team.”
Weddermann started her own company as an experienced architect. Following layoffs from other firms in 2009 due to economic recession, Weddermann was inspired to forge her own path forward. With the help of two part-time employees, Weddermann Architecture launched from a 500-square-foot office, working primarily on small
residential projects.
In 2023, Weddermann Architecture now employs a team of seven full-time employees, owns their 3,000-square-foot building, and boasts a diverse portfolio of public and private projects that can be found throughout the South Puget Sound region, including projects at the Tacoma Light Rail Line, Tacoma Children’s Museum, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium.
In addition to leading her team on a growing list of projects, Weddermann volunteers time in her local community through pro-bono work, assisting local food banks, church groups, and as a mentor to aspiring welders and artisans.
Weddermann Architecture
weddermann.com
BY LYNN CASTLE