Az Big Media will be profiling one of the Most Influential Women in Arizona for 2026 each day leading up to the celebratory dinner on August 20, 2025. Today, meet Lynne Orlowski, principal at Ware Malcomb.
From a field of more than 2,200 women under consideration, the Most Influential Women in Arizona were selected by the editorial board of Az Business magazine and a panel of 12 former Most Influential Women. The Most Influential Women in Arizona Business for 2026 will be honored at a celebratory dinner on Aug. 20, 2026, at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix. The Spotlight Award Sponsor for the Most Influential Women of 2026 is CORE Construction, the Special Gift Sponsor is Tarbell’s, the VIP Sponsor is GCON, the VIP Reception Sponsor is Cullum Homes, the Cover Photo Shoot Sponsor is Greenberg Traurig, the Beverage Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial, the Valet Sponsor in Stevens-Leinweber, the Floral Sponsor is PCL Construction, the Dessert Sponsor is SottoPelle and Tutera Medical, the 360 Photo Booth Sponsor is Clayco, the Step-and -Repeat Sponsor is Morris Hall, the Digital Sponsor is Desert Diamond Casinos, the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers and the Production Sponsor is Merestone.
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Lynne Orlowski, principal, Ware Malcomb
Background: Orlowski has built a standout career at Ware Malcomb since joining the firm in 2015, earning five promotions on her path to Principal of the Phoenix Interior Architecture & Design Studio. With more than 15 years of industry experience, she leads projects across the office, healthcare, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. Known for her collaborative leadership style and creative problem-solving, Lynne has guided multiple award-winning projects that not only bring clients’ visions to life, but also create meaningful experiences for the people and communities they serve.
Advice to younger self: “I would tell my younger self to give herself a little more grace. Early in my career, I felt like I had to prove myself by doing everything perfectly and always having the right answers. Over time, I learned that the best work comes from collaboration, trusting your team, and being willing to ask questions and grow through challenges. You do not have to have everything figured out right away – growth comes from experience, learning, and being open to the process along the way.
Wish for legacy: “I hope to leave a legacy of creating spaces that positively impact the people who use them every day, while also helping shape a more collaborative and supportive industry culture. I want to be remembered as someone who was approachable, cared deeply about the relationships she built with her team and clients, and always led with authenticity. Great design is important, but so are the trust, collaboration, and connections behind it. More than anything, I hope the impact I leave is reflected not only in the spaces I helped create, but in the people I worked alongside.”
Surprising fact: “Most people don’t know that I danced from the time I was three years old through college. Looking back, dance taught me many of the skills I still use today — discipline, confidence, teamwork, and how to perform under pressure. Every so often, I still find myself back in the dance world as a backstage ‘Dance Aunt’ for my nieces, helping with costume changes, fake eyelashes, and the occasional last-minute emergency — usually while leaving me covered in hairspray and sparkles by the end of the night.”
