2025: A Year In Review

Looking back on 2025, the zpd+a team tackled a truly diverse range of projects that challenged and stimulated our creative thinking. From navigating Chicago's permitting processes for historic residences converting to office space and back again, to designing experiential monuments that pushed the boundaries of modular off-site production, to breaking ground on a 20+ acre site in Michigan, to curating a valued client's art collection—the constant scale shifts kept us agile and always learning. 

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Our Lady of Hope – Mausoleum & Chapel 

Construction kicked off on this expansive 20+ acre mausoleum and chapel complex in suburban Detroit. The project is currently in its early construction phases - progress updates to follow throughout 2026!

HeadMaze at Navy Pier – Experiential Monument 

HeadMaze is a 53-foot tall head-shaped monument anchoring the east end of Chicago's Navy Pier. This four-story immersive experience explores memory, the subconscious, and the human experience within a striking sculptural space frame, with permitting on track for early 2026. This project is bending all the rules and we are thrilled to be collaborating with so many talented artists, engineers and builders to bring this dream to life!

Universal Design Infill Housing Prototypes 

Inspired by the Chicago’s Worker’s Cottage foundational role in creating equality in the City of Big Shoulders, our Universal Design Infill Housing Prototypes propose an innovative approach to development of the Chicago infill lot, creating the potential for single family, multi family, aging in place and right-sizing homes across wide swaths of the city. The design offers opportunities for building generational wealth and offering resiliency against gentrification, while also dramatically reducing development, construction, operating and maintenance costs for first-time owners. We are looking forward to bringing these to life with visionary developers and owners

Columbia Yacht Club – Hospitality 

We are back for Phase II at Chicago’s Columbia Yacht Club, refreshing the lobby and select club areas, upgrading the member experience and creating a cohesive look with new furniture, finishes and upholsteries..

Wicker Park Condo – Art Procurement and Collection 

Curated details transformed a modern condo into an interior that feels inviting and expressive. This could not be achieved without close collaboration with the homeowners to curate a modern art collection, selecting pieces that add color, meaning, and personality

Principal Tai Kojro-Badziak has joined the AIA Foundation Board for 2026, working alongside dedicated professionals to support underrepresented emerging architects. She's excited to collaborate with schools, industry partners, and others through mentorship, scholarships, and grants that help future architects achieve their professional dreams. 

As we move into 2026, we're energized by the momentum of the past year and the exciting projects ahead. Each challenge has sharpened our skills and deepened our commitment to thoughtful, innovative design. We're grateful to our clients and collaborators who trust us with their visions, and we look forward to continuing to push boundaries, explore new possibilities, and create spaces that inspire and endure.