Dekker Promotes a Familiar Face to Define Its Next Chapter

Designed to Lead: Emily Allen Takes the Reins from Benjamin Gardner

We are excited to announce the appointment of Emily Allen as Chief Executive Officer. Emily has been with Dekker for 22 years, and has previously served as Chief Financial Officer. She succeeds Benjamin Gardner, who has served as CEO since 2019 and will transition to Managing Principal of the Federal Government Studio.

The selection follows a deliberate succession process led by Dekker’s executive leadership team, who unanimously selected Allen as the ideal candidate to lead Dekker into the future.

"After more than two decades working alongside Emily, I have complete confidence in her vision, integrity, and deep commitment to Dekker and the communities we serve. This transition is the right step for Dekker, and I could not be more proud of the leader we are elevating today.” —Benjamin Gardner

Emily’s journey at Dekker reflects the firm’s long standing investment in its people. She joined 22 years ago as an intern and advanced through a series of leadership roles, most recently serving as Chief Financial Officer, where she connected the dots between financial strategy, operations, and design.

Emily 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. She serves as a trustee of the Albuquerque Community Foundation. Under her financial leadership as CFO, Dekker expanded into new markets, delivered record project volume, and introduced firmwide operational improvements.

"Dekker has been the cornerstone of my career and a place where I’ve seen opportunity become growth for so many. I am grateful for the chance to pay that forward to our people, our craft, and our clients. Our potential is extraordinary, and I’m thrilled to help write the next chapter alongside this remarkable team.” — Emily Allen

“Emily brings the financial acumen, strategic vision, and people-first mindset to shape Dekker’s future and drive its continued growth,” said Kendal Giles, President.

Along with the transition of Emily and Benjamin, we announcing a number of new strategic leadership roles, focused on key industries served by the firm and critical business areas. These roles underscore a growth period for Dekker, and unlock new professional development potential for all staff. “We know where we are going, and that everyone should have the opportunity to put their best ideas to work where they are most impactful,” said Allen.

“Emily represents everything that’s great about Dekker: she joined early in her career and grew along with us. She brings a fantastic perspective, she knows the community, and is ready to lead us to where we’re going next. Lots of great things to come.” — Dale Dekker

Dekker brings together more than 200 staff across three states, connecting the knowledge and experience of architects, planners, interior designers, landscape architects, and structural engineers. We approach 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.