ZGF Architects

Advancing Sustainable Design

At ZGF, we have been pioneers in sustainable and regenerative design, embracing these principles long before they became mainstream. With over 70 years of experience, we have developed innovative approaches to address urgent climate challenges in various complex building types, including laboratories, hospitals, educational spaces, and corporate headquarters.

Urban planning has always been integral to our work, as we strive to create buildings and cities that seize the opportunities presented by a carbon-neutral future. Additionally, we collaborate closely with our clients to align our design solutions with their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, embodying their mission, vision, and values.

Collaborating for a Better Future

We are deeply committed to working with the entire industry to tackle pressing environmental and social issues. As a firm, we have pledged our commitment to the 2030 Challenge, the US Architects Declare initiative, and have signed the Healthy Materials Pledge. In 2021, we joined the 1.5°C COP26 Communiqué, urging the industry and our colleagues to join us in reducing carbon footprints. In 2022, we updated our JUST 2.0 label to evaluate our social justice and equity practices more effectively.

Our Journey

Rooted in Oregon, ZGF's culture is shaped by an appreciation for craftsmanship and the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Our work is not defined by a signature style but is deeply influenced by the climate, context, and human experience. Central to our approach is the intention to foster community and create spaces where people come together for a shared purpose.

From our origins as a regional office, we have expanded to seven offices across North America with a team of over 750 professionals. Our national reputation was recognized with the prestigious Architecture Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects, honoring our commitment to high standards, humanistic concerns, and capturing the essence of a place and its inhabitants.

Designing for Equity

Designing for positive change is a driving force for us. Our work at ZGF is guided by three core principles: making a difference in people's lives, combating climate change, and advancing social justice.

Through our designs, we aim to create inclusive environments that foster diverse and equitable communities. We prioritize equity and inclusion throughout our design process by actively engaging diverse voices and establishing partnerships. We are proud of our internal initiatives focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, which parallel our external efforts to reach out and make a meaningful impact.