Architecture + Design

ZEL specializes in high-end single-family + multi-family residential and small-scale commercial architecture, both inside and out.

We work with homeowners, contractors, developers, and owner representatives to deliver a high-quality design product.

S E R V I C E S

  • Concept Design

    Let’s explore the potential of your space, both inside and out, through multiple options and iterations.

  • Permit Drawings

    Let’s take our thought-through concept design and develop a set that gives the builder and city all the information they need to make the design a reality.

  • Construction Documents

    This is where we detail and design every moment of the space. This type of set is standard for commercial or large-scale, high-end residential.

  • Architectural Consulting

    Whether you need quick architectural advice on your project to ongoing consulting, we offer all levels of design consulting to contractors, designers, and homeowners.

  • Owner Representation

    Let us take on the role of managing your project from start to finish, including all communication, coordination, and project management. We represent you as if the project were our own.

  • 3D Renderings

    3D renderings allow us to immerse ourselves in the design before it’s built. We offer renderings for all projects we design as an added service.

W H Y Z E L

  • Communication

    We take pride in instilling trust in our clients through proactive, clear communication. We prioritize being approachable, respectful, and attentive to every client. We truly try to understand our client’s needs to create a design that is perfect for them, while ensuring an enjoyable experience throughout the design process.

  • Experience

    Our 10+ years of combined architectural and interior design expertise allows each project to be seen through a technical, functional, sustainable, and aesthetic lens. In addition to design experience, our expertise in BIM (Building Information Modeling) software allows us to maximize efficiency and accuracy.

  • Design Strategy

    In all of our designs, we emphasize flexibility, sustainability, and value. Our design style encourages elegant, neutral palettes that have the ability to fit with multiple design styles through the lifespan of the space. This is a strategy for optimizing flexibility, extending product lifespans, and maximizing value.

Client Testimonials

  • Homeowner, 2023-24 Renovation

    “Lyla is a magician! We came to her with a very challenging and complicated original footprint of our house. She listened to all of our needs and wants very carefully to design us a new floor plan that was functional, that fit all of our needs and then some! Lyla is very personable and professional, we could not recommend her more for any type of architectural needs. My husband and I are so happy with the way our design turned out.” - Nichole S.

  • Homeowner, 2023-24 Renovation

    “Lyla is extremely talented, dedicated, and easy to work with. Renovations can be stressful and overwhelming, but her ability to listen, creatively brainstorm, and guide us made the process a lot easier. She invested time to truly understand our vision, our needs, and the nuances of how we live our daily lives. With a swift turnaround, she delivered comprehensive plans that covered everything from our kitchen and laundry room to our bathrooms and the overall layout of our home. We're grateful for her expertise and would recommend her to anyone looking to breathe new life into their spaces.” - Natalia B.

  • Contractor, Repeat client since 2020

    “We found ZEL to be extremely professional and very pleasant to work with. With the designs and modifications given to ZEL, the turnaround time was very impressive. ZEL has been knowledgeable in all areas of construction and designs we required. We would highly recommend ZEL for any and all projects.” - Vernon W.

  • Contractor, Repeat client since 2020

    “Lyla was a pleasure to work with and exceeded my expectations. She delivered a great product, was extremely quick with the turn-around of it, and was very easy and accessible when it came to communication. I will absolutely be working with her in the future and would highly recommend her.” - Andrew V.

  • Homeowner, 2022 Renovation

    “We enjoyed working with Lyla on our recent all-encompassing home renovation. She helped us define and refine our vision and provided detailed and timely renderings. Lyla responded to our ideas and offered creative design direction as our project evolved. She helped us envision a dramatic kitchen expansion and worked with us to create a wonderful, new master suite addition. We highly recommend ZEL Architecture.” Rebecca and Bob A.

  • Homeowner, 2021 Renovation

    “This was our first venture into the world of kitchen renovation, and Lyla was the perfect guide. Knowledgeable, experienced, friendly, responsive, and down-to-earth, she answered all our questions, offered helpful advice and recommendations, and spent considerable time walking us through detailed plans, modifying original concepts based on our feedback. We had little understanding of exactly what it takes to renovate a kitchen—materials, building requirements, best design, etc.—and are thankful for Lyla’s expertise, honesty, and fair pricing. We recommend Lyla without hesitation!” - Meredith and Robert O.