Architect Zahra Williams as Partner

HALIFAX, NS – February 6, 2023
 

zzap is pleased to announce architect Zahra Williams has been promoted to Partner. She will help lead the firm as they continue to create vibrant communities at the intersection of culture, environment, social and economy.

Williams leads Operations for zzap, developing and executing long-term strategies encompassing all aspects of client relations and internal operations. Currently, she is Project Lead on a series of notable active projects, including O’Regan’s new Lexus Dealership, Brunello 11s multi-unit development and is Project Co-lead on Willett + Dunbrack.
 

She comments, “I believe in an Architecture that embraces the surrounding community and context. Location matters and my design philosophy relies less on an aesthetic agenda and more on a site-specific story that includes landscape, history, form and approachability. I am looking forward to continuing to contribute to zzap’s reputable projects and affecting change in the face of our city—remembering who that city is as it evolves.”
Prior to zzap, Williams worked with leading firms across the Canada and the United States. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Allison University and a Bachelor of Environmental Design Studies from Dalhousie University School of Architecture and Planning as well as a Master of Architecture from Morgan State University in Maryland.

Joe Zareski, co-founder and Principal at zzap comments, “Zahra is a visionary who carefully considers the built environment. She applies her technical talent to design spaces that consider context and celebrate communities. We are thrilled to promote her in this leadership capacity.”

Over the last year, among other initiatives, the firm has been exploring solutions to help address housing demands in a crisis market and they continue to with heritage integration and adaption. Other new solutions include rethinking how students cohabitate and using mass timber. The team sees alternative construction methods as viable building solutions to help address the influx of population. The zzap team is in the process of completing a number of new projects, including See-More Student Housing, The Elmwood and Waverly Inn heritage developments and Westway IV, part of the Westway Park Corporate Campus. They are also leading master planning and design for the Dartmouth Crossing Residential expansion.

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