RNGD is proud to announce that Will Cotten, Vice President of Innovation, has been named to the Zweig Group’s 2026 Rising Stars list — one of the AEC industry’s most respected recognitions for emerging leaders who are redefining what’s possible in architecture, engineering, and construction.
The Rising Stars award celebrates professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, technical excellence, and a genuine commitment to advancing their firms and the broader industry. Will is one of just 25 honorees nationwide selected for this year’s class.
Will’s journey at RNGD is a story of consistent growth and curiosity. He joined the company in 2018 as a Commercial Operations Intern and has risen steadily through the organization — driven not by titles, but by a deep commitment to building something better. In his current role as VP of Innovation, he leads RNGD’s technology strategy, advances in-house construction analytics, scales prefabrication capabilities, and ensures the company stays ahead of what’s next in the industry.
That “what’s next” mindset is at the heart of everything Will does. A native of Prairieville, Louisiana and a graduate of Louisiana State University’s Construction Management program, Will approaches innovation the same way he approaches everything else: with intention, humility, and a bias toward action. His personal ethos — “actions, not words” — isn’t just a phrase. It’s visible in the results he produces and the teams he inspires.
This isn’t Will’s first industry nod. He was previously recognized on the 2022 BuiltWorlds Adoption Top 50 List, which highlights leaders driving technology adoption across the industry. He also serves as a board member for the Palmisano Foundation, bringing the same thoughtfulness and energy to community impact that he brings to his work at RNGD.
The 2026 Rising Stars class will be celebrated at the ElevateAEC Conference & Awards Gala, September 29–October 1 in Park City, Utah.
Congratulations, Will — this one is well-earned.
