ZA+D believes in the intrinsic power of design and the ability to use this power to facilitate positive change in the communities in which we work. Working collaboratively with our clients, we strive to enhance and strengthen the social and built fabric in those communities through thoughtful and sustainable design strategies.
ZA+D educates our clients and community about the valuable and necessary role Architects play in our society.
ZA+Dinteriors provides tenant fit-out design services and interior finish selection. Clients work with in-house certified interior designer Hannah Weikel, ASID, LEED® AP. With her technical proficiency in Revit, clients can review the design process in three dimensions from concept through construction.
Services include test fits, digital renderings, finish selection, and permit and construction documents. Our experience spans commercial, medical, educational, mixed-use, and multi-family projects.
The needs of our communities are changing, and buildings play a major role in how we live, behave, and use resources. As designers, we believe we are responsible for how buildings perform. Through ZA+Dpassiv, we take that responsibility seriously.
We design buildings as connected systems. Structure, enclosure, and mechanical systems all work together to improve performance. Our goal is to reduce environmental impact while creating healthier and more comfortable spaces for people. We focus on performance and evidence rather than tradition alone.
ZA+Dpassiv reflects our belief that buildings can be efficient and still expressive. In short, to be active, we must design passiv.
Black Flag Social House started as a tenant fit-out of a cold, dark shell and was transformed into a full-service restaurant and bar with onsite brewing operations. As the second location for the brand, this space goes beyond the original taproom concept, offering a full kitchen with gas oven pizza, sandwiches, rich desserts, and even the ability to brew coffee in the future.
The owner wanted the new location to keep the character of the original while creating its own unique feel. Bold, simple color choices paired with warm lighting set the tone for a welcoming atmosphere. To keep the space open but still create distinct areas, we introduced a porous wall in the center, allowing for maximum seating and two separate zones for guests to enjoy.
St. Anne’s is a 76-unit, four-story apartment building for seniors aged 62 and older, located in Damascus, MD. The building sits on a hill with views of the surrounding countryside and features a modern design that feels open and welcoming.
The community was created to support aging in place, offering safe and accessible housing tailored to the needs of seniors. It includes 66 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments for residents earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income.
The project was financed through the Maryland CDA and the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, making high-quality housing affordable for seniors in the area.
Railroad Square Apartments is a new apartment building in Brunswick, Maryland, right next to the historic railroad. The design mixes brick and dark siding to fit the town’s look while keeping things modern. The building has four floors with an elevator for easy access and meets ADA requirements. It offers comfortable apartments and is close to local shops and transit. This project adds affordable housing to the area and helps support the town’s growth while keeping its character.
Overlook East is a thoughtfully designed multi-family community featuring 86 modern apartment homes. The development reflects more than six years of planning and collaboration, resulting in a space that balances functionality and comfort for its residents. Each unit was designed with attention to detail, offering contemporary finishes and layouts that meet the needs of today’s lifestyles.
The community provides a welcoming environment with features that enhance everyday living, creating a place where residents can feel at home while enjoying convenience and quality.
Located along Route 40 in Frederick MD, this site is part of Frederick’s well-known Golden Mile corridor. At nearly 9,000 SQFT, this is the first VFW post built from the ground up in over 20 years nationwide.
Designed to honor and support those who served, the new facility will provide a welcoming environment for veterans across Frederick and surrounding counties. With spaces dedicated to connection, support, and camaraderie, the building reflects a commitment to fostering community and creating a lasting resource for those who made the choice to protect and defend our country.
Overlook East is a thoughtfully designed multi-family community featuring 86 modern apartment homes. The development reflects more than six years of planning and collaboration, resulting in a space that balances functionality and comfort for its residents. Each unit was designed with attention to detail, offering contemporary finishes and layouts that meet the needs of today’s lifestyles.
The community provides a welcoming environment with features that enhance everyday living, creating a place where residents can feel at home while enjoying convenience and quality.
The new 62,000-square-foot metal-framed community facility in Urbana, MD offers a wide range of spaces and amenities for all ages. Inside, visitors are welcomed by a grand lobby leading to a wellness center, a large gymnasium, an indoor walking and running track, and dedicated areas for intergenerational activities. Families can enjoy a kids’ adventure center, group exercise studios, locker rooms, and multi-purpose athletic fields.
Beyond the indoor spaces, the facility supports outdoor recreation and summer day camps, along with the standard YMCA programs. The interiors feature Nichiha paneling, distinctive lighting elements, and detailed finishes throughout, creating a modern and inviting environment for the community.
The new 62,000-square-foot metal-framed community facility in Urbana, MD offers a wide range of spaces and amenities for all ages. Inside, visitors are welcomed by a grand lobby leading to a wellness center, a large gymnasium, an indoor walking and running track, and dedicated areas for intergenerational activities. Families can enjoy a kids’ adventure center, group exercise studios, locker rooms, and multi-purpose athletic fields.
Beyond the indoor spaces, the facility supports outdoor recreation and summer day camps, along with the standard YMCA programs. The interiors feature Nichiha paneling, distinctive lighting elements, and detailed finishes throughout, creating a modern and inviting environment for the community.
Railroad Square Apartments is a new apartment building in Brunswick, Maryland, right next to the historic railroad. The design mixes brick and dark siding to fit the town’s look while keeping things modern. The building has four floors with an elevator for easy access and meets ADA requirements. It offers comfortable apartments and is close to local shops and transit. This project adds affordable housing to the area and helps support the town’s growth while keeping its character.
This project created a combination sit-down dining restaurant and informal taproom with onsite brewing. The space includes shared event areas, a full kitchen, and restrooms, along with a newly poured back patio that connects to large bay doors for al fresco dining or expanded event space.
The brewery is fully conditioned and positioned behind expansive storefront glass, showcasing the brewing process and canning line to guests. Inside, the layout features three bars, two host stations, and a stage, all designed to accommodate up to 999 people within the 20,000-square-foot space.
The result is a flexible, vibrant venue that blends casual and upscale experiences, offering everything from house-brewed beer to live entertainment in a dynamic setting.
The new mixed-use building combines ground-floor commercial space with senior living apartments above for residents aged 62 and older. The residential portion includes 87 units, with a mix of 28 two-bedroom and 59 one-bedroom apartments. Each unit is designed for a comfortable flow and plenty of natural light.
Residents have the option of in-unit laundry or a shared community laundry facility. The building also offers access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, a technology room, and inviting common areas for socializing and gatherings.
St. Anne’s is a 76-unit, four-story apartment building for seniors aged 62 and older, located in Damascus, MD. The building sits on a hill with views of the surrounding countryside and features a modern design that feels open and welcoming.
The community was created to support aging in place, offering safe and accessible housing tailored to the needs of seniors. It includes 66 one-bedroom and 10 two-bedroom apartments for residents earning between 30% and 70% of the Area Median Income.
The project was financed through the Maryland CDA and the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs, making high-quality housing affordable for seniors in the area.
This project focused on updating a former restaurant space to create a comfortable yet upscale setting that appeals to both happy hour guests and fine dining patrons. Drawing inspiration from Ananda in Maple Lawn, the design introduced warm lighting, a larger central bar, and a dedicated lounge area to make the space inviting and social.
Major changes included adding a U-shaped bar in the center, reworking the entrance to include the lounge, and refreshing finishes throughout the dining areas. Walls, ceilings, and restrooms were updated with a clean, modern look, while new operable doors were added to better connect the outdoor dining area with the interior during nice weather.
Accessibility requirements were confirmed in the existing restrooms, ensuring compliance while maintaining the refined aesthetic. The result is a modern, welcoming space that blends comfort and sophistication, perfectly suited for its office park location.
The Meadows Building, located at 1 South Maple, is one of the oldest structures in Brunswick, believed to have been built around 1875. Over the years, it has housed a variety of businesses, most recently known as Mommer’s Diner, it was previously the Smith and Carlisle General Store, then My Sister’s Place, one of Brunswick’s most colorful saloons, and before that, Bever’s Tavern. During renovations, the original Tavern signage was uncovered and carefully restored. It is assumed that residential dwelling units have always occupied the upper levels.
In 2022, a daunting construction process began, starting with the complete removal and rebuilding of the failing foundation. The upper floors were stripped down to the studs; while most of the original floor joists remained, they were reinforced for structural integrity. The exterior was fully reclad in low-maintenance fiber-cement siding, and new energy-efficient windows and doors were installed throughout. Inside, the layout was reconfigured to create two spacious dwelling units on the upper floors, while the ground floor was prepared for a future retail tenant.
This challenging historic restoration project was proudly completed by ZA+D, now anchoring the prominent corner of Maple and Potomac Streets in Brunswick.
Located in Silver Spring, MD, this senior housing community includes 151 units designed to meet Montgomery County Green Buildings Law. The mix consists of 106 one-bedroom and 45 two-bedroom apartments, providing comfortable and efficient living spaces for residents.
The development was funded through 4% LIHTC, ensuring affordability while incorporating sustainable design practices throughout the building.
Ashbury Homes, located along West All Saints St revitalizes abandoned row houses through renovations and additions. The development introduces five new townhomes and lifestyle enhancements to the existing structures, creating a total of 10 modern, community-focused units.
in-house rendering utilizing Twinmotion software
in-house rendering utilizing Twinmotion software
in-house rendering utilizing Twinmotion software
Located along Route 40 in Frederick MD, this site is part of Frederick’s well-known Golden Mile corridor. At nearly 9,000 SQFT, this is the first VFW post built from the ground up in over 20 years nationwide.
Designed to honor and support those who served, the new facility will provide a welcoming environment for veterans across Frederick and surrounding counties. With spaces dedicated to connection, support, and camaraderie, the building reflects a commitment to fostering community and creating a lasting resource for those who made the choice to protect and defend our country.
The Carriage House has been a staple in historic Emmitsburg since the early 1980s. Known for its cozy atmosphere, reliable menu, and easy access to Route 15, it has long been a favorite spot for locals in Frederick County. Recently, The Carriage House brought in Chef T, best known for competing on two seasons of Hell’s Kitchen, to update the menu. In early 2021, ownership reached out to ZA+D to give the restaurant’s décor a fresh new look.
The goal was clear: refresh and modernize the space to attract a younger crowd while keeping the historic charm that loyal customers love. The updates included a neutral color palette, new bulkheads, updated lighting fixtures, and renovated restrooms. In addition to these changes, ZA+D created two new areas for guests to enjoy while waiting for a table.
An eight-bedroom group home in Frederick, MD was connected to a new multi-purpose building designed to support a variety of activities. The addition includes spaces for art, music, pottery, horticulture, and assembly, creating a flexible environment for residents and community programs.
Renovations to a 160-unit apartment complex in Washington, DC included major upgrades to improve comfort and efficiency. A key part of the work was replacing the central plant system with a new energy-efficient system that provides heating and cooling throughout the building.
Five percent of the units were fully renovated to meet handicap accessibility standards, and all common areas received new finishes. The lobby and community space were completely reconfigured to create a more welcoming environment. Exterior improvements included bold new signage and fiber cement cladding for a fresh, modern look.
The project also met Enterprise Green Communities requirements, ensuring sustainability and long-term performance.
A new two-story athletic facility in Frederick, MD spans approximately 35,000 square feet and offers a variety of spaces for fitness and recreation. The building includes a full basketball court, an elevated running track, a fitness center, and a dedicated training room, creating a modern environment for health and wellness activities.
Located in Frederick, MD, this affordable housing development includes 55 new units within the boundaries of the Historic District. The project secured approval from the Historic Preservation Commission and received 9% LIHTC funding, ensuring both affordability and respect for the historic character of the area.
New construction project in Westminster MD, podium style building will consist of 35 units with a mix of one, two and three bedrooms along with a community room, exercise room, manager’s office and maintenance space.
Kensington Crossing has been steadily springing to life over the past year, and it’s been exciting to watch new shops and businesses open their doors and energize this key corner of Connecticut Avenue in Kensington, Maryland.
Envisioned as a contemporary one-story retail destination, the project broke ground in 2021 and has quickly grown into a convenient destination for nearby residents as more businesses open and settle into the center.
A major design priority from the outset was creating an engaging streetscape without letting parking push the building into the background. Our solution was to place parking at the rear and introduce an inviting passageway by separating the structure into two separate buildings. This design brings the architecture up to the street, encourages pedestrian flow, and guides customers directly to the Connecticut Avenue entrances, successfully blending accessibility, visibility, and a strong retail presence.
We are proud to see this project thriving, supporting the community, and continuing to evolve.
This 2,500-square-foot home in Arlington, VA includes four bedrooms and three and a half baths and is built to meet the rigorous Passive House energy standard. The design incorporates a green rooftop deck, PV-ready infrastructure, sustainable interior finishes, and electric vehicle hookups.
Contemporary landscaping complements the home’s high-efficiency appliances and fixtures, creating a modern, energy-conscious residence that blends comfort with sustainability.
Renovations to three three-story apartment buildings in Washington, DC updated 36 dwelling units and common areas to improve functionality and comfort. Work included new electrical distribution and lighting, fire detection and alarm systems, upgraded kitchens with new appliances, water-efficient bathrooms, and refreshed wall, ceiling, and floor finishes. Additional amenities were added, including a programmatic suite with workstations and conference space, upgraded common laundry rooms, and an outdoor community patio, creating a modern and welcoming environment for residents.
Extensive renovations were completed on an original 1883 farmhouse in Frederick, MD that had been severely damaged by Storm Sandy in 2012. After the initial site walk, it was determined that a previous addition needed to be demolished and rebuilt using the existing foundation.
The farmhouse was converted into 6,000 square feet of rental commercial space, making the best use of the property while preserving its historic character.
A new 46,000-square-foot wood-framed building in Northeast Washington, DC provides 39 affordable housing units. The mix includes one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, all designed to meet Enterprise Green Communities standards for sustainability and energy efficiency.
Sinclair Way Apartments is a new affordable housing community in Frederick, MD, featuring 60 thoughtfully designed units. The development secured 9% LIHTC funding and received approval from the Historic Preservation Commission, ensuring affordability while respecting the historic character of the area.
Renovation in Potomac, Maryland of 12 buildings with 4-8 units per stick, for a combined 75 units broken down in to 14 two-bedroom, 53 three-bedroom and 8 four-bedroom units.
New construction of 60 units and a community building totaling 81,500 square feet. Hillcrest Commons is part of the City of Frederick HOPE VI affordable housing project.
An eight-bedroom group home in Frederick, MD was connected to a new multi-purpose building designed to support a variety of activities. The addition includes spaces for art, music, pottery, horticulture, and assembly, creating a flexible environment for residents and community programs.
The new mixed-use building combines ground-floor commercial space with senior living apartments above for residents aged 62 and older. The residential portion includes 87 units, with a mix of 28 two-bedroom and 59 one-bedroom apartments. Each unit is designed for a comfortable flow and plenty of natural light.
Residents have the option of in-unit laundry or a shared community laundry facility. The building also offers access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, a technology room, and inviting common areas for socializing and gatherings.
Located in Washington, DC, this project involved the demolition and complete redesign of the community and leasing office, pool house, pool, and structured parking. The updates created a more functional layout and a fresh, modern look, improving both resident amenities and the overall experience.
This project involved the complete demolition and redesign of the existing community and leasing office, pool house, pool, and structured parking to create a modern and functional environment for residents. Located in Washington, DC, the redevelopment focused on enhancing the overall aesthetic and usability of the amenities, delivering a refreshed and inviting space that aligns with contemporary living standards. The project was successfully completed in 2018.
Overseen by DC Habitat, this project includes six row houses arranged in two clusters within the historic yet previously blighted Ivy City neighborhood in Northeast Washington, DC. In partnership with the District’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and Property Acquisition and Disposition Division (PADD), Habitat is working to infill parcels within three blocks of early 20th-century workforce housing. Each townhouse offers two stories with three bedrooms, one-and-a-half baths, and approximately 1,680 square feet of living space, providing quality housing while preserving the character of the neighborhood.
This new 90,000-square-foot office building in Frederick, MD serves as the headquarters for the Frederick County Board of Education. The facility includes offices and meeting spaces for administrative staff, a TV studio, and a board room designed to accommodate more than 300 people, providing a modern and functional space for education leadership and community engagement.
Empowerhouse, located in the Deanwood neighborhood of Washington, DC, provides housing for two low-income families. The design combines passive building strategies with renewable energy systems, reducing energy costs to nearly zero and creating a sustainable, affordable living environment.
The design of a social room expansion and an additional wing to the lower structure of a church in Frederick, MD was created to meet the growing needs of the congregation. The new spaces provide areas for education, fellowship, storage, and rehearsal, while accommodating an increased congregation size. This addition enhances functionality and supports a variety of community activities within the church.
The interior fit-out of Capitol Women’s Care in Frederick, MD spans 17,000 square feet on the third floor, creating a bright and welcoming environment designed for patient comfort and privacy. The layout is organized to support efficient workflows, with each doctor’s team having its own dedicated area that includes a private office, check-in station, lab, exam rooms, and ultrasound rooms. This thoughtful design ensures a smooth experience for patients while meeting the needs of the medical staff.
Interior renovations to an existing office building in Frederick, MD were completed in 2012, featuring a brand-new entry and reception area. A new storefront vestibule leads into a fully renovated reception space with updated finishes, a custom reception desk, a metal cloud ceiling, and a semi-private client waiting area. This cosmetic makeover created a welcoming entry for both employees and clients while modernizing the overall look and feel of the space.
A new two-story athletic facility in Frederick, MD spans approximately 35,000 square feet and offers a variety of spaces for fitness and recreation. The building includes a full basketball court, an elevated running track, a fitness center, and a dedicated training room, creating a modern environment for health and wellness activities.
The interior fit-out of a 5,000-square-foot law office in Silver Spring, MD combines new, refreshing design elements with the tenant’s request to maintain at least 20% of the existing layout and stay within a strict budget. Angled walls break away from the traditional rectangular feel, while updated finishes and custom millwork brighten the space and create a modern, functional environment that supports both privacy and collaboration.
This new five-story building in Washington, DC provides 36 one-bedroom affordable housing apartments along with a senior center. Residents have access to amenities such as a community room with an adjacent kitchen, an activities room, a library, and a rooftop terrace featuring a walking path. The design incorporates sustainable elements including a green roof, permeable paving, and infrastructure for future photovoltaic panels, creating a functional and environmentally conscious space for the community.
Part of the City of Frederick’s HOPE VI affordable housing initiative in the Historic District, this development includes 42 rental units, each approximately 1,050 square feet. The scope of work also included providing master planning services to support the overall vision for the community.
An interior fit-out of a pre-Civil War building in Gettysburg, PA created a modern, open office space. The design promotes staff interaction with an airy layout while preserving original building elements. New sustainable materials were carefully integrated with historic features to create a contemporary work environment that honors the building’s history.
Interior design services were provided to update the clubhouse at a popular apartment complex in Gaithersburg, MD. ZA+D managed the design, purchasing, and staging of new features and furniture for the refreshed clubhouse and model unit, incorporating fresh paint and new pieces while reusing existing furniture to stay within the owner’s budget. The result is a modern, inviting space that enhances the community experience.
The fit-out of 26,000 square feet of office space in Washington, DC was completed for the rapidly growing Uber Office franchise, which provides micro-sized office spaces for tech, start-up, and satellite companies. Located in the historic 1940s Ring Building on M Street, the two floors that now make up “Uber Dupont” were stripped to expose the building’s concrete infrastructure, creating a modern industrial aesthetic that blends character with functionality.
