It was David’s entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm that started PZS Architects. Early in his career he developed a network of contacts and a reputation for responsibility and consistency. It was natural that he would leverage this spirit into his own practice, teaming with Mario Zacharjasz to found the firm in 1993. David is known to the office and to clients as a dedicated and sensitive designer with a great eye for details and the ability to take every stakeholder’s needs into consideration. His honest passion for his work has endeared many clients with whom he has made lasting friendships. David’s more than 25 years of professional experience have included the planning and design of large-scale retail shopping centers as well as historic preservation and adaptive reuse projects, where he is particularly adept at breathing new life into old or outdated buildings. David received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Temple University.

Recognized by many as the face of PZS Architects, Mario Zacharjasz exudes an energy that inspires the firm and its clients. His passion for architecture and caring for others is evident in his thoughtful designs and extensive community and professional involvement. His 25 years of experience include an emphasis on educational, multi-family housing, and civic architecture for clients ranging from the School District of Philadelphia to the Army Corps of Engineers. Born in Cuba, Mario moved to the US when he was 3 and continues to maintain strong ties to his heritage and the local Latin American community.

Mario is committed to serving the Latino community in the region. He supports many non-profit organizations, and currently serves on the boards of The Kimmel Center, The Delaware River Waterfront Corporation and The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia. He is also on the Advisory Council for the Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center of Philadelphia. In each of these capacities, Mario focuses his energy on community sustainability, encouraging his partners, staff, and colleagues to do the same.

Mario also served as President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and was Chairman of the Board for the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where he oversaw the creation of the first ever The State of Hispanic Business Report for the Greater Philadelphia region.  Mario holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Temple University. Mario has also completed post baccalaureate Business Executive Program at Dartmouth College's Tuck School of Business  and is a Goldman Sachs 10k Small Business Graduate.

 A partner in PZS Architects since 1998, Michael guides the firm’s design philosophy. He quietly and efficiently encourages the office and its projects with his critical thinking and penchant for organization. His keen understanding of programming and planning gets every project off to a strong start. Whether working to further refine a design to meet a client’s needs or steering a project to proceed as planned, he is committed to high levels of client service and architectural excellence. No matter how big or small a design challenge, Michael recognizes the need to understand the details, and he instills the same careful thought in the entire staff. His 25+ years of professional experience have included pharmaceutical, institutional, and corporate projects, as well as designs for high-end multi-family residential projects. Michael earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Temple University and is a member of the Urban Land Institute and the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia.

Vahe worked at PZS Architects a decade ago and rejoined the firm in 2023. He is a Temple University Bachelor of Architecture School Graduate and has continued his studies in the arts with classes at the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts and The University of the Arts. Vahe's 25+ years of experience with several Philly architectural and engineering firms reaffirmed a niche for him between art and architecture. Vahe has skills in technical detailing CD’s and always strives to bring art back to architecture. His color palette borrows both from the rich architectural history of Philadelphia where he has lived since 1979, to his culture and heritage in the Middle East and Armenia. Vahe has a love for classical music, painting, and graphic design, and never tires of exploring the mixed cultural fabric of the city of Philadelphia.

Jed comes from a comprehensive background in the fields of art, design, and architecture. Born and raised in the Philadelphia area, he returned to the city a few years ago after living and working in first New York and then Chicago. When he isn’t in the office, he can usually be found drawing, painting, or seeking out classic pinball tables around the city.

Cristina obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design from Universita’ degli Studi di Napoli in Naples, Italy. Upon graduating, she started her career in Italy focusing on residential interior renovations and adaptive reuse. In 2017, Cristina moved to Philadelphia where she earned her Master’s Degree in Architecture from Temple University. When she’s not in the office, Cristina enjoys playing tennis, spending time with her dog, and taking long walks exploring the city.

Julian grew up in the suburbs but has made a home for himself in Philadelphia. He worked at PZS while completing his studies in Drexel University’s 2+4 Architecture program and is now a full-time Architectural Designer. Julian’s schedule keeps him busy, but in those precious moments of free time he enjoys experiencing live music with friends, as well as exploring the city in search of a new and interesting places to eat. His food adventures have taken him to an ever-growing list of interesting neighborhoods throughout the great city of Philadelphia and he looks forward to finding that next great little spot.