House of ZKA is a multidisciplinary architecture consultancy founded by Zaid Kashef Alghata. Rooted in forward-thinking design research, the work emphasizes ecological and socially conscious architectural solutions. Since its inception, House of ZKA has brought architects, designers, and planners together to craft innovative projects responding to contemporary challenges.
Established in 2016, it focuses on pushing the boundaries of design to enhance the quality of life and the environments we inhabit. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, House of ZKA explores the intersections of architecture, culture, and technology to deliver adaptive and resilient design solutions.
House of ZKA believes that design shapes buildings and influences the experiences of those who interact with them and the ecological systems that sustain them. With a strong emphasis on creativity, sustainability, and collaboration, dedicated to advancing projects that reflect these core values.
Over the years, House of ZKA has collaborated with a diverse network of partners, developing projects ranging from large-scale urban interventions to detailed, intimate installations. This collaborative ethos enables the studio to tackle complex challenges across scales and disciplines.
House of ZKA takes pride in its enduring partnerships and its ability to craft meaningful and impactful designs. It maintains an ongoing collaboration with the Hubei Province-based office ZCET, working on international projects under the pseudonym WEI+ZKA, uniting expertise across geographies to deliver innovative design solutions.
Zaid Kashef Alghata is a designer, researcher, and educator. His work operates at the intersection of built and natural environments, emphasizing climate resilience, material culture, and the integration of computational design methods. He focuses on redefining architecture’s role in addressing global challenges, extending the field to encompass non-civic structures, and promoting socially equitable design solutions.
Zaid’s projects and research span diverse geographies and scales. His independent and collaborative work has been exhibited internationally, including at the Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/Architecture in Shenzhen, the Jai & Jai Gallery in Los Angeles, and the Museum of Modern Art in Bologna. His architectural practice includes contributions to projects with Gensler in Los Angeles and UNStudio in Hong Kong, covering cultural centers, mixed-use developments, and innovative urban strategies.
Zaid has held academic roles, such as the Favrot Visiting Professor position at Tulane University and the Joseph F. Thomas Visiting Professor position at Carnegie Mellon University. He has taught at various institutions, including the Rhode Island School of Design and Princeton University, and contributed to interdisciplinary initiatives like Tulane’s Provost’s AI Committee on Research. His teaching combines theoretical frameworks and applied methodologies, preparing students to tackle contemporary challenges with innovative design tools.
Zaid’s academic and professional work reflects a commitment to bridging computational design with public engagement. He employs advanced geospatial analysis, machine learning pipelines, and participatory design techniques to create accessible visualizations and resilient strategies for ecological planning. His recent projects include initiatives addressing water resource management, urban resilience, and environmental justice, aligning with his broader focus on architecture as a transformative agent.
Zaid holds a Post-Professional Master of Architecture and a Certificate in Media & Modernity from Princeton University, a Bachelor of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture, and a Foundation Degree from the Architectural Association School of Architecture.