PZS Architects LLC

General information

PZS Architects strikes a balance between the creativity of architecture and an understanding of our clients’ goals. Every project is a chance to give form to our clients’ aspirations and to bring together our fresh perspective and flexible approach to achieve projects that exceed expectations and deliver elegant results. We engage our clients with ongoing and open dialogue so that every project is grounded in a realistic understanding of the project’s purpose and the client’s parameters. Through this collaboration, we strive to create architecture that enriches people’s lives and elevates the human spirit.

Since its founding, PZS Architects has established a diverse portfolio of Education, Corporate, Commercial, and Residential work. Approaching every project as a unique challenge, and allowing its uniqueness to present opportunities, has earned us commissions varying in size and scope. Each reflects our design team’s shared attention to detail and commitment to involving all of a project’s stakeholders.

Partners David Polatnick, AIA, and Mario Zacharjasz, AIA, established the firm in 1993 as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) with the City of Philadelphia and the State of Pennsylvania. Michael Skolnick, AIA, joined them as a partner five years later. Together, they share practice management responsibilities and lead a staff of 25 design professionals committed both to the highest quality design and to our clients. The partners maintain a hands-on involvement in every project. The firm’s collaborative approach ensures that everyone is motivated and energized by the design process. We measure project success by the relationships we develop with clients, and the way architecture enhances our clients’ lives and businesses. Our clients often share with us their repeat projects – and their friendship – for just this reason.

PZS Architects’ community involvement emphasizes the importance of connecting with others and relating our experiences as designers and people. From working with nonprofit organization clients to our staff’s involvement in community activities, we never lose sight of the values and issues around us. We understand the impact our projects and our actions have on the real world and we work each day to make that impact positive.