ZGF Announces New Principals Across the Firm

ZGF Announces New Principals Across the Firm

April 14, 2026

ZGF is thrilled to announce the elevation of four exceptional leaders to Principal and welcome the addition of a new hire Principal in our Washington, DC office. Each leader brings a unique perspective, depth of experience, and passion for architecture that will help shape the future of our practice.

As Principals, they will play a critical role in advancing strategic initiatives, providing innovative design direction, and mentoring emerging talent. Their leadership strengthens ZGF’s ability to deliver impactful and sustainable design solutions across our firm.

“Each of these leaders demonstrates not only design excellence, but a deep commitment to collaboration, mentorship, and the long-term success of our clients and communities. I couldn’t be more excited for the future we’re building together.”
- Sharron van der Meulen, ZGF Managing Partner

ZGF welcomes Jess Anderson to our Washington, DC office as a Principal. With more than two decades of experience leading complex, large-scale projects across the commercial and institutional sector, her work is defined by a commitment to craft and beauty. Jess partners closely with clients and collaborators to translate vision into reality—guiding work through every phase of execution. Known for her ability to balance design excellence with technical rigor, she has successfully led high-profile, design-forward projects in demanding urban environments. At ZGF, Jess will play a key role in strengthening the firm’s commercial practice and supporting new projects in the Mid-Atlantic region. 

In New York City, Coryne Casey has driven the development and growth of our Lab Planning Group, continuing the firm’s leadership in this specialized sector. Through her industry contributions, she has emerged as a critical thought leader across our national practice. Coryne’s expertise is instrumental in winning and leading transformative lab and research projects throughout the country. Beyond her project success, she is a vital office leader and mentor, dedicated to the growth of our staff and the strength of our culture.

In Denver, Lilly Djaniants plays a key role in advancing the growth of our Denver office, strengthening its presence through her focus on client relationships and community-focused design. Lilly’s dedication to reinvigorating public spaces includes partnering with our urban design teams to foster developments and infrastructure that are rooted in social equity and making an impact. She was named one of Bisnow Denver’s 30 Women Leading Real Estate, underscoring her leadership and influence in shaping Denver’s built environment.

In Denver, Kalan Beck brings a rare versatility shaped by his design experience across diverse project typologies and in cities across the globe. Having worked across multiple ZGF offices—from Washington, DC, to Seattle, to Vancouver, and now Denver—he offers a depth of perspective and leadership that enriches his work, inspires those around him, and leaves a lasting mark wherever he goes. His design ethos operates at the nexus of technology and creativity, with his work being both responsive to client needs and adaptable to an ever-evolving world. Known as a team-builder, he is driven by a passion for helping others realize their ideas and bring them into form.

In Seattle, Amanda Snelson channels an activist spirit across her work, championing high-performance design and thoughtful, sustainable solutions that elevate the built environment. A recipient of the AIA Young Architect Award, she is celebrated not only for her design excellence but also for her leadership and advocacy in shaping the profession. Whether she’s supporting ZGF’s sustainability commitments as part of the Project Performance Team or promoting licensure through her involvement with NCARB, she is dedicated to nurturing her community, her firm, and the next generation of architects.

To learn more about the leadership team at ZGF visit our people page.

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