Zachary Helmers

A 17-year Workshop/APD veteran, Zach has been integral in shaping the firm’s identity from its earliest days. In 2012 he moved from New York City to Minneapolis, Minnesota, establishing the firm’s Great Lakes Region office and building a centralized team to more efficiently serve clients in the Midwest and on the west coast. Today, he leads high-end residential and multi-family development projects across the US, overseeing design, day-to-day client relations, and project realization in close collaboration with the entire Workshop/APD team.

As a high school student in Sumner, Iowa, Zach discovered a love of art and geometry, leading to a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree at Iowa State University, followed by a Master of Architecture from Columbia University – selected for its position as a digital fabrication leader. There, he focused on architectural theory, honing 3D software skills and developing a lifelong interest in groundbreaking building technologies. He has been with Workshop/APD since graduation, cutting his teeth on high-end residential projects – where he became known for jaw-dropping kitchen designs – and focusing on developing the overarching client experience and journey.