Every day at ZFA is an opportunity to make an impact while developing both professionally and personally. We strive for a workplace that is collaborative and supportive, with opportunities to work on diverse projects and get on-the-job training.
Our values are the foundation of our culture, shaping our actions, decisions, and the way we serve our staff, clients, and communities.
Operate with Integrity
Focus on our People
Embrace Possibilities
Work Hard, Stay Humble
Team Over Self
Stay Curious
ZFA’s roots began in California’s wine region in 1974 and we quickly expanded into education, essential services, healthcare, residential, commercial, and other markets. This diversity in our portfolio allows our team to work with various clients, materials, schedules, and delivery methods. We’re always looking ahead for potential growth in regions and markets, which in turn allows our employees to continue to gain new experiences and skillsets.
ZFA is dedicated to the continued growth of each employee and understands that continual training is essential to the individual and firm as a whole. We achieve this through companywide training sessions, involvement in professional organizations, and one-on-one instruction.
Internal Training Sessions
ZFA staff present material for training sessions throughout the year regarding building code provisions, quality control, and drafting standards.
Engineer Training Day
Annually, we host a full-day, companywide, in-person training featuring staff presentations, new technology insights, and team-building.
Professional Involvement
Many staff are involved in professional organizations to support their continued training and professional development.
The ZFA team is a collection of diverse professionals, spanning from new designers to longtime industry veterans. Together we learn, grow, and plan for our future. Relationships are built across offices through projects, tasks groups, and our annual companywide events that bring us together. We firmly believe in open lines of communication and a team-first mentality, where your voice will be heard and valued.
Our structured mentorship program is designed to ensure that staff have access to the tools and guidance they need to excel. Here’s how we support your professional development:
One-on-One Mentorship
Paired with a mentor, you’ll receive personalized guidance and feedback tailored to your career goals and challenges.
Regular Check-ins
Continuous support through scheduled meetings ensures you are on track to meet both short-term and long-term milestones and goals.
Skill Development
Mentors, both formal and informal, help you identify areas of growth and provide resources to enhance your technical and soft skills.
Internal Committees
At ZFA, we believe that everyone has the power to shape the company’s culture and contribute to its ongoing success. Our internal committees and task groups are designed to offer employees the opportunity to get involved, collaborate, and bring about meaningful change in various areas of the company.
Sustainability
We’re committed to sustainability and designing for resilience in a world that’s constantly evolving. With cutting-edge tools and a forward-thinking mindset, we create structures that stand the test of time and reflect the future we all want to build.
Community Involvement
The ZFA team believes strongly in supporting and giving back to the communities we serve. This is shown through our collaboration with organizations such as Leap Arts in Education, Engineers Alliance for the Arts, Rebuilding Together, and Canstruction.
Advancement Opportunities
We are eager to help our employees grow and succeed. Advancement in your career at ZFA is based on performance, initiative, teamwork, and a willingness to learn. We encourage our employees to develop new skills and take on greater responsibilities; as ZFA grows, so do the opportunities for our people.
ZFA has five offices in Northern California, offering unique experiences in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Sacramento, Santa Rosa, and Napa.
“I started at ZFA in 2007 as a receptionist, and today I’m in marketing after growing through several roles. That opportunity to learn and advance is what makes ZFA more than a workplace—it’s a place to build a career.”
Leslie Patterson
SR. MARKETING COORDINATOR
"Joining ZFA after graduating college is one of the best opportunities I have ever received. Exposure to project opportunities, with tremendous mentorship from firm leaders, has allowed me to find my ideal path through structural engineering. ZFA supports my passion for school construction, as well as development of the building code.”
Nik Blanchette, SE
ASSOCIATE
"Starting my career at ZFA has been incredibly rewarding. The supportive culture, helpful mentorship program, and variety of projects have allowed me to grow quickly as an engineer. I’m constantly learning, building confidence, and developing skills while contributing to meaningful designs."
Emily Guzman, PE
ENGINEER
