2009 marks the thirty-sixth year of private architectural practice for Robert Zachry. He received formal design training at both Art Center College and UCLA in the early 1960's. Prior to opening his own practice he worked in the offices of three Los Angeles based firms. He spent five years working with Daniel, Mann, Johnson and Mendenhall. Working closely with designers such as Cesar Pelli, Anthony Lumsden and Philo Jacobson helped formulate a design ethic that is embodied in his own practice today. As a young designer in these offices he had the fortune of working on a wide variety of architectural and planning projects.
In 1973 Zachry obtained his Architectural License in California and opened a private practice in Westwood Village. Early work focused on small residential and light commercial projects. He also consulted with larger firms, designing projects including medical facilities, government housing and high-rise office buildings. In 1976 he formed a partnership with the late Ken Kizu. From the beginning there was a wide variety of work. In 1985 Zachry gained certification with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. N.C.A.R.B. registration facilitated licensing in other parts of the United States and architectural registrations were obtained for New Mexico and Arizona in addition to California.
In the fall of 1985 he relocated to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Perhaps best known for contemporary homes, the practice has also included residential master planning, multi-family projects, retail shops, a steel fabrication plant, a coffee roasting and packaging facility and three light manufacturing complexes. A high percentage of the current projects incorporate passive or active solar considerations into the design.
Certifications
Member American Institute of Architects
State of New Mexico Architectural Registration
Certification with National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Member of United States Green Building Council
Awards
Bluewater Affordable Housing - Award of Excellence - Albuquerque Planning Commission
Grand Hacienda Award - Santa Fe Home Builders Association - 2006
Merit Award - American Institute of Architects - 2006
Citation Award - American Institute of Architects - 2005
