About
Zak Architecture is committed to exceptional design and outstanding craftsmanship. We move beyond current trends and honor the principles that make good design. Our goal is to produce extraordinary architecture that will serve and inspire for decades and for generations. Our projects capture the spirit of their site, while gracefully solving the many challenges of design and construction. Subtleties of proportion, celebration of light and thoughtful framing of views are all delicately balanced to create one inspirational vision. We use natural materials that are beautiful to the eye, pleasant to the touch and age with grace. For us, a building is not just a place to dwell; it is a work of art and an expression of the dreams and passion within us all. Zak Architecture’s projects span California and Hawaii, with some of the most notable residences in Napa Valley, Sonoma, Marin, and the greater Los Angeles area. In Hawaii, his homes are widely recognized for their balance of tropical modernism and timeless craftsmanship, as documented in his 2011 book, New Tropical Classics: Hawaiian Homes by Shay Zak. In California, Zak Architecture has completed a number of distinguished projects, including Mountain House, Ross House, Bridge House, Vineyard House, and Garden House. Each home reflects a commitment to exceptional design, precision craftsmanship, and harmonious integration with the surrounding environment.
Shay Zak, Founder
Shay Zak founded Zak Architecture in 1996, establishing a firm known for its refined and timeless architectural designs. Before launching his own practice, Shay gained extensive experience working with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) across their San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Boston offices. A Mill Valley, California native, Shay holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University. His deep-rooted connection to California’s landscapes and design culture is evident in his work, which seamlessly integrates natural elements with modern living. With nearly three decades of expertise, Shay Zak and his team are creating elegant, enduring architecture that enhances the lives of those who inhabit it—whether overlooking the rugged California coastline or nestled within lush Hawaiian landscapes.
Gary Head
Gary was born in Wichita, Kansas and received his Bachelor of Architecture from Kansas State University in 1992. In 1991 he studied Architecture in Japan through Kansas State University. He served as Project Designer at the Hillier Group from 1993 to 1999 and in 1998 he studied architecture in Paris and London through the University of Pennsylvania. Gary joined the office of Zak Architecture in 2000. Gary is licensed to practice Architecture in California and Hawaii.
Daniel Jackson
Daniel was born in upstate New York and received his Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University School of Architecture in 2009. Daniel completed internships with RTKL Associates in Washington D.C. and Kohn Pederson Fox Associates in New York City and also studied classical architecture abroad in Florence, Italy in 2007. Attracted to the rugged beauty and history of the Bay Area, Daniel joined Zak Architecture in 2010 and has worked on numerous residential projects in Hawaii and California.
Wendy Liao
Wendy was born in Taiwan and received her Bachelor of Interior Design from Kun Shan University. She moved to the States in 2015 and received a Master of Architecture from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco. After falling in love with the culture, people, and weather of the Bay, Wendy joined Zak architecture in 2019 as architectural designer.