focused on diversity initiatives. In a recent interview,
committee memberships cement its standing as a
Zacharjasz stated: “I believe we must embrace the
distinguished, diverse architecture firm.
diversity of our city and of our field, and use our
furthered by the company’s work with its clients.
cultural differences to strengthen Philadelphia and
PZS client Cohen, Seglias, Pallas, Greenhall and
the practice of architecture within the region. I
Furman, PC is another staunch supporter of diversity
encourage my colleagues to become active members
in business. The firm handles a broad spectrum of
of their communities and advocates for the continued
practice areas, including construction, real estate,
growth and improvement of our profession.”
commercial litigation, federal contracting, creditors
PZS Architects does not simply perform the minimum
‘rights, and wealth management.
action or prove a simple status to show that they are
works alongside their clients, solving problems and
eligible as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).
mediating issues from contract disputes to corporate
Instead, PZS takes its own appreciation of diversity
mergers and acquisitions. A firm that celebrates
and spreads it outward, allowing it to affect and infect
diversity and understands the complexity of the
everyone around them. The company is a registered
building industry, Cohen, Seglias, Pallas, Greenhall
MBE with the States of Pennsylvania and New Jersey,
and Furman chose PZS Architects to design their new
as well as the City of Philadelphia. It is not only the
office space. Clearly PZS Architects’ industry standing
owners who earned the organization that status.
and diversity values only increase their standing as
PZS Architects’ staff hail from a variety of nations
the area’s premiere architectural firm.
and backgrounds, each with a unique view of the
While the company’s focus on diversity highlights its
world around them. Rather than creating a “diverse”
overall outlook on the future, it is not the only way
company built on the same type of personality and
PZS strives to better the world for future generations.
demographic, PZS chose a different route. The PZS
With both LEED-certified architects on staff and
team includes staff who either studied in or are
membership in organizations such as the Urban Land
originally from: Iran, Mexico, Italy, Greece, Armenia,
Institute and U.S. Green Building Council, the firm
Syria, the Philippines, Bosnia Herzegovina, Puerto
works toward a future that is both accepting and
Rico, Cuba and other nations. It’s no wonder PZS
environmentally friendly.
celebrates its diversity its website — an integral part
PZS Architects is singularly unique in its approach to
of the firm.
diversity, environmentalism, community service and
PZS does not promote its team’s diversity alone.
the future as a whole. While many struggle to catch
Rather, the team works to further goals of diversity
up to the Philadelphia company, PZS leadership is
within
maintains
pioneering new ways to move forward in the industry.
strong ties to diversity initiatives throughout the
The last eighteen years brought sustainability and
Philadelphia area. Staff are members of the Mayor’s
growth to PZS Architects. The company can now look
Task Force on Construction Industry Diversity, Nueva
forward to a new decade of success and diversity.
Esperanza, and Aspira, and sit on boards — such as
SDR
the
larger
community.
PZS
This is
Each attorney
the Executive Board of the Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Diversity is not an option for the architecture firm — it is a daily reality embraced with vigor and respect for all. That respect is, in large part, what drives PZS Architects’ commitment to excellence. The company’s work speaks for itself, but the accolades and numerous
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