Rachel Cantor-Walker Celebrated as One of Pro Remodeler's 40 Under 40

Celebrating Leadership and Innovation in Design-Build

Rachel Cantor-Walker, the Vice President of Operations at Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel, has recently been honored with a spot on Pro Remodeler’s esteemed 40 Under 40 list for 2025. This recognition highlights her exceptional leadership and innovative contributions to the design-build industry in San Diego, especially significant as her company commemorates its 50th anniversary.

Since joining Murray Lampert, Cantor-Walker has played an instrumental role in shifting the company culture and operations. Reflecting on the past five decades, she states, “This milestone is a reflection of our incredible growth, showing how we have transformed from a traditional construction company to a comprehensive design-build firm.”

Through the addition of an in-house design team and the integration of modern technologies, Murray Lampert has noticeably refined its processes, enabling a unique and satisfying experience for their clients. With a growing team of 25 professionals and a new office location that embodies the company’s evolution, Cantor-Walker is leading the charge in fostering a dynamic workplace culture. She emphasizes the importance of aligning projects with company values to ensure long-term success.

In a candid interview, Cantor-Walker shared a significant professional challenge she faced in the last 18 months: preparing for her maternity leave. With her impending absence, she prioritized operational continuity, developing comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) and a systematic delegation plan. “The transition was broken down into three phases—tell, show, watch—ensuring the team felt supported and empowered,” she explained. Remarkably, upon her return, she discovered a more self-sufficient team that had innovated various processes, highlighting the importance of preparation and teamwork.

When asked about her proudest achievement, Cantor-Walker pointed to the successful transition of Murray Lampert as they turned 50—evolving their operations while enhancing client interactions. This shift involved the introduction of custom estimating tools that allowed clients early insight into budgeting, improving the overall experience.

Cantor-Walker attributes her company’s success to a series of innovative machinery and technologies. The integration of drone surveying, LiDAR scanning, and Revit modeling contributes to precise and detailed project designs, ensuring clients feel informed throughout the process. She affirms, “We’ve established clear expectations and enabled solid follow-through, which is vital in our industry.”

Beyond her professional life, Cantor-Walker embraces her role as a mother to her daughter, Eleanor. Together with her husband, they value family time spent celebrating milestones and exploring local culinary delights. “Running a household alongside my career adds joy both personally and professionally. I hope to travel more, introducing Eleanor to new adventures,” she shares, reflecting on her aspirations beyond work.

Moreover, Cantor-Walker praises the influence of the book Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman, which she credits as transformative for her leadership approach. The strategies outlined in the book foster alignment within their team, ensuring all members are engaged and driven by the company’s core values.

As the 50th anniversary celebration unfolds, Cantor-Walker remains excited about the journey ahead for Murray Lampert. Her recognition by Pro Remodeler solidifies her position as a notable figure in the industry, inspiring innovation while elevating the standard of service in design and remodeling. For more information about the Pro Remodeler 40 Under 40 program, you can visit their official website. Cantor-Walker's story not only exemplifies excellence in business leadership but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring professionals in the field.

Murray Lampert Design, Build, Remodel has built a strong legacy, providing exceptional design-build services to the San Diego community. With a commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, the company continues to thrive and evolve, reflecting the vision of its leadership and the dedication of its talented team.