Zachary Zettler
AIA
Principal | Director of Higher Education
An avid photographer, Zach caught the shutter bug at age 10 when he picked up his first camera— his mom’s classic 35mm Minolta XG-70. As GBBN's Director of Higher Education, Zach brings a photographer’s eye for detail, clear communication, and over 20 years of experience to a wide range of higher education, healthcare, mixed-use, and public realm projects. His work includes projects for the University of Cincinnati, Miami University, Northern Kentucky University, and Case Western Reserve University. Zach balances multiple stakeholder viewpoints while advancing design and moving projects forward. He has led the development of GBBN's HomeBase app, a predictive analytics tool for campus housing. Zach's thought leadership on the issues impacting the future of higher education are regularly featured by national media outlets and he regularly speaks at national and regional conferences.
Professional Highlights
Speaker, Society of College and University Planners (SCUP) National & Regional Conferences
Published Articles in Urban Land Institute (ULI), Building Design & Construction, and Tradeline
Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, C-Change, Class 13
Speaker, Tradeline Space Strategies and University Facilities conferences
President & Board Member, Elderly Persons In Community (EPIC House)
News & Insights
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Mar 11, 2025
Student Dining: Design Strategies to Nourish Belonging
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Jun 4, 2024
Space Proxemics: Mixed-use Strategies for Improved Student Outcomes
"This combines 3 things I love – my wife, my son, and photography. Candid shot captured by pure luck; you can’t plan everything." - Zachary Zettler