ZGF is an industry leader in sustainable and regenerative design. They embraced sustainable design as a core value long before green or leed became common expressions. As stewards of the built environment, their applied research and knowledge gained over the past 70 years enables them to invent new approaches that address urgent climate challenges in complex building types, such as laboratories, hospitals, learning spaces in schools and universities, and corporate headquarters.
Urban planning has influenced their work since the company’s inception: they design buildings and cities that take advantage of the opportunities of a carbon-neutral future. They reinforce their clients’ ESG objectives with design solutions that represent their mission, vision and values.
They are dedicated to working with the entire industry to solve the pressing environmental and social issues of our time. As a company, they are committed to the 2030 Challenge, the U.S. Architects’ Statement and are signatories to the AIA Materials Commitment.
Originating in Oregon, attention to craftsmanship and beauty is elemental to the ZGF culture. A deep respect for the built environment evolved from a reverence for the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest landscape and a commitment to stewardship of the natural environment. Rather than reflecting a signature style, his work is derived from the particularities of climate, context and human experience. The instinct to build community, to create places where people come together for a common purpose, is central to his work.
ZGF has grown from a single office with strong regional roots to a firm with seven offices in North America and more than 750 employees. Its national reputation has been recognised with the American Institute of Architects’ Architectural Firm Award, which recognises “its high standards, humanistic concerns and unique ability to capture the spirit of a place and the aspirations of its inhabitants“.
Part of what attracts them to design is their deep desire to bring about positive change. Three basic principles drive ZGF’s work: changing people’s lives, fighting climate change and promoting social justice.
Sharron van der Meulen
Sharron is a driving force blurring the boundaries between architecture and interior design, with the intention of influencing the holistic user experience. As Managing Partner of ZGF, she takes on the leadership of the firm, based on the belief that design can solve some of the world’s greatest challenges and make a difference in people’s lives. Sharron’s award-winning design portfolio has reflected the diversity of ZGF’s practice, spanning typologies ranging from workplace, healthcare and research buildings to cultural, higher education and aviation facilities, including, most recently, doubling the capacity of Portland International Airport, while maintaining its uniquely Portland character.
Their humanistic approach to design is based first and foremost on understanding the client’s mission, aspirations and culture. Each solution is authentic and unique to that client’s story. Ultimately, he sees his leadership role throughout the company as advocating design excellence in all aspects of a project.