About Gene Zema

Zema is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most recognized and admired architects. A graduate of the University of Washington, he made his aesthetic mark on buildings of the Seattle area for years. His iconic residential designs incorporate a keen artisan’s sense of beauty and style. Zema’s works also include many commercial structures, including Gould Hall (home of the College of Built Environments) on the University of Washington campus. Zema was an inveterate world traveler, a passion to which he devoted energy and a continual sense of heightened curiosity. Specifically, he was influenced by Japanese designs, but he always used natural elements from this region to create a look often called Northwest Modernism. The Asian and modernist influences combined to create a preference for simplicity in materials and look. Zema’s love of Japanese art was so great that he operated a Japanese antiquities shop for many years on Eastlake. Closer to home, he was very interested in the art of the area’s indigenous peoples and his projects often contained motifs from these groups’ heritages. His interiors often reflect his appreciation of dramatic, geometric spaces. Zema paid particular attention to making certain his homes blended seamlessly with their physical environments, allowing the surrounding natural ecosystems to thrive. High-pitched roofs and expansive windows were often signature elements of his work. He designed a home in Sheridan Heights for his young family that was awarded a Home of the Year prize from the AIA (American Institute of Architects). Zema homes in Richmond Beach and on Bainbridge and Mercer Islands were recognized by distinguished groups of architects. His designs enhanced the innate beauty of this region for many years, and he was truly one of the city’s most beloved artists.