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About ZAI

ZAI is a Japanese root word meaning existence and/or lifespan, destiny, substance of material, fortune.

Who we are

We are architects with experience in both design and development, who share a strong interest in creating housing that responds to the various changes people experience over the course of their lives. Such socially sustainable design accommodates today’s increasingly diverse household compositions, and functions well for people of all ages and abilities. Our concept of "Housing in Response to the Human Life Cycle" allows homes to be dynamic, flexible, and able to fulfill a multitude of purposes. These homes enable their residents to retain their independence as they grow older and ‘age-in-place’ on their own terms.

Professional Background:

Contact us

Phone: 206.275.2345
Fax: 206.275.1345
Email: emory@zai-inc.us
Address: 5228 Kirkwood Place North, Seattle, WA  98103

ZAI Designs ADU for the Seattle Home Show

Emory Baldwin, the founder of ZAI, has started a new venture called FabCab which designs and markets small houses and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These units are universally designed to respond to people's changing needs and the evolving the housing market.

ZAI architect wins national AIA award

Emory Baldwin of ZAI won the national AIA Small Project Awards 2009 for the "Accessible residential designs" category. His Greenlake home is also featured in the March 2009 issue of Seattle Metropolitan magazine.

ZAI wins international design competition

The ZAI team took first place in the Eastern Portland category of the Portland Courtyard Housing Design Competition.  The city's focus in the competition was to provide innovative and affordable housing solutions for families with children.



Daily Journal of Commerce, Portland article (PDF)