Ideas

Our design process guides us to plan for today’s requirements and prepare for tomorrow’s unknowns. Here we pull back the curtain on our practice to share that process with you.

A Walk in the Forest: A Documentary Short Featuring the Design Thinking Behind PDX Airport

Learn more about Portland International Airport's reimagined new main terminal.

Sustainability
August 14, 2024

THE FUTURE OF FLIGHT

Designs for the airports of tomorrow must place sustainability front and center. Sharron van der Meulen, Managing Partner of ZGF’s Portland office, shares her thoughts on what the future holds.

Sustainability
August 13, 2024

Cultivating a Replicable and Transparent Wood Supply Chain at PDX Airport

Portland International Airport is the first major airport in the US with a mass timber roof.

Sustainability
August 13, 2024

Interview with an Artist: Rob Ley

Along the grand stairs in HQ2’s two main lobbies, immersive installations by Los Angeles-based artist Rob Ley conjure a kaleidoscopic wonder that reflects and responds to the surrounding space. ZGF sat down with Rob to explore the making of “Silver Lining”.

August 01, 2024

How Can Design Address Healthcare Burnout and Staff Retention?

Clinician burnout is a multifaceted and complex problem, but we have a significant opportunity to advocate for healthcare professionals through the design of their spaces.

Methodology
July 30, 2024

Interview with an Artist: Kirsten Hassenfeld

Suspended above the Amazon Events Reception desk in the double-height lobby, a sculpture by Kirsten Hassenfeld composes recycled objects into a cascading ode to Arlington’s history. ZGF sat down with Kirsten to explore the making of “Cherry Smash”.

July 24, 2024

Exploring Embodied Carbon in Canada

Learn how ZGF is reducing embodied carbon in the built environment, in BC and beyond.

Sustainability
June 19, 2024

Updated Design Solutions to Prefab Mass Timber Construction in Canada

The updated guide provides additional guidance for 7 to 12-storey mass timber buildings in BC and outlines considerations for projects up to 18 storeys.

Sustainability
June 12, 2024

The Future of Labs is Mass Timber

Only a few years ago, using mass timber in laboratories seemed impossible. Now, in the right place, it is the future of research facilities.

Sustainability
June 05, 2024

Meet ZGF Managing Partner Sharron van der Meulen

We sat down with Sharron van der Meulen, who recently took on the role of Managing Partner of ZGF’s seven offices, to discuss her career journey and vision for the firm’s future.

May 28, 2024