Design Philosophy

“Buildings should grace and not disgrace their environment”  – Frank Lloyd Wright

“I have found that … all beautiful things are made by those who strive to make something useful.” – Oscar Wilde

Our design philosophy is one of context and purpose. Through an in depth study of place, we respond to the specific conditions of each site, with the hope that our projects can become one with their surroundings. Through dialogue with our clients, we strive to achieve clarity of purpose.

We approach our work with the calling of service and a humanistic perspective that good design has the potential to enhance the quality of life in any setting. While our professional knowledge is complemented by constant research and openness to new ideas, our work is consistently rooted in basic practices. These include a commitment to sustainability, a focus on craft, materials and constructability, and an emphasis on process and collaboration. Drawing from South Florida’s subtropical climate, our projects strive to capitalize on indoor/outdoor living integration, allowing the elements of nature to permeate the spaces through landscapes, natural light, and natural cross ventilation whenever possible.

KZA studio serves as a laboratory where to explore the power of design and architecture to care for our planet and enhance the human experience.