ZGA Architects & Planners, Chartered

06/02/2025

We’re pleased to announce we’ve joined multidisciplinary design firm Cushing Terrell!

“ZGA has always been about more than buildings,” ZGA President Steve Turney said. “Through the years, we’ve built and fostered relationships, community, and a sense of place. Joining Cushing Terrell allows us to continue our mission with even greater capacity, while honoring the values that have guided us for the past 52 years.”

“As part of Cushing Terrell’s strategic growth plan, we’ve been focused on both organic and inorganic strategies to help us meet our goals, so when we learned of ZGA President Steve Turney’s plan for retirement, we felt the union of our two firms would be a win-win situation,” Cushing Terrell President Greg Matthews said.

Learn more about the acquisition and our combined team: https://cushingterrell.com/cushing-terrell-bolsters-its-architectural-team-with-the-acquisition-of-zga-architects-and-planners/

Cushing Terrell is pleased to announce the acquisition of ZGA Architects and Planners, a design firm based in Boise, Idaho.

06/23/2023

Discover the incredible impact Zoo Boise has on our community! With a conservation fee built into every admission, Zoo Boise has raised over $3 million, crucially supporting wildlife conservation projects in Idaho and across the globe. From protecting endangered species to restoring habitats and promoting sustainable practices, these funds make a significant difference.

Zoo Boise goes beyond conservation efforts. Collaborative breeding programs for endangered species, educational opportunities for over 340,000 visitors annually, and inspiring guests to make positive changes in their lives to protect wildlife and habitats.

Friends of Zoo Boise, the zoo’s non-profit organization, actively supports the zoo in various ways. The organization assists with animal acquisition, capital improvement projects, education programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events. Their dedicated efforts aim to raise public awareness, knowledge, and appreciation for the zoo, its incredible wildlife, habitats, species conservation, and the environment.

Join us in celebrating Zoo Boise's remarkable work as they continue to shape and grow our community. Together, we can protect wildlife, preserve ecosystems, and make a positive impact.

If you’d like to learn more about the organization and their mission, or want to help contribute to their cause, you can visit their website here at https://zooboise.org/support/donate/.

06/07/2023

That's a wrap... and just in time for graduation! Back in the spring of 2022, we embarked on an exciting journey to revamp the front entry of the College of Idaho's Boone Hall. Now, a little over a year later, we're excited to unveil the incredible results! Named after the founder of the College, William Judson Boone, Boone Hall has been a hub of math and science study and research for over five decades. However, the front of the building was long overdue for an upgrade.
Our team had two key priorities for this project. First, we aimed to enhance the entryway, creating a larger student study area that offers views of the beautiful campus quad. Additionally, we wanted to provide an exquisite stage and backdrop for momentous spring commencement activities. The lobby area, a meticulously designed breakout space, now serves as a vibrant social hub for students to connect and unwind, as well as a serene spot for focused studying between classes.
The 1,719 SF addition was just one piece of the puzzle, while the other vital component is the expansive 2,714 SF roof that extends beyond the enclosed space, offering shelter across the entryway. It's worth noting that this overhang structure is entirely self-supporting and distinct from Boone Hall, as it rests securely on a series of micropiles.
Taking its rightful place at the heart of the entry, the William Judson Boone sculpture now takes center stage, warmly welcoming all who enter. As before, its presence continues to add an artistic and meaningful touch to the overall ambiance, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and embodying the spirit of the College of Idaho.
We would like to express our deepest appreciation to Jim and Mary Smith for their generous contributions, which played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to reality.
We’d also like to acknowledge our amazing team whose expertise and commitment helped shape this project:

Andersen Construction
KPFF – Structural
Eidam & Associates – Electrical
Fulcher Engineering – Mechanical
Erickson Civil Inc – Civil

Marc Walters - Photographer

05/19/2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Thomas Michael Zabala, one of the founders of ZGA Architects and Planners, whose architectural contributions have left an indelible mark on the city of Boise, the state of Idaho, and beyond. Born and raised in Boise, Tom embarked on his educational journey at St. Joseph's Elementary, followed by St. Teresa's and Boise High School, where he graduated in 1963. Fueling his passion, he pursued a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon, which he attained in 1969.

Tom's architectural career began with an internship at Hamill Shaw Associates in Boise in 1968, and after graduation, he spent three years at Cline Smull Hamill Shaw. In 1973, he and Alan Giltzow, another founder, established their own firm. Arthur M. Albanese joined them in 1976, giving rise to ZGA Architects and Planners. Tom's remarkable career garnered numerous accolades and earned him the utmost respect within the architectural community. He retired in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.

Beyond his professional achievements, Tom's impact extended far and wide. He actively engaged with the Boise community, participating in various professional and civic organization Tom’s approach to architecture and design always began with the relationships with people that he fostered and the community, building results that could be realized — to create meaningful and lasting impact. His dedication to making a difference in the lives of others manifested through his pro bono services to numerous nonprofit entities. Today, we remember Thomas Michael Zabala not only as an accomplished architect but also as a compassionate individual who played an integral role in shaping Idaho's architectural landscape. His enduring legacy will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. We are better for having known him and will continue the culture, legacy, and commitment to others that he demonstrated so well.

Tom's vibrant approach to life left an enduring impression, inspiring us to seize each day with purpose. In this time of sorrow, the treasured memories and invaluable lessons he shared will serve as beacons of strength. We are profoundly grateful for the privilege of knowing such an extraordinary individual, and we are committed to carrying forward his legacy by embodying the wisdom and principles he imparted. For over five decades, Tom served as a mentor, business partner, confidant, and cherished friend to many. We will never forget the lessons we learned from Tom; let us choose to be better for having known him. The profound impact he had on our lives will forever be etched into our hearts.

In remembrance of Thomas Michael Zabala, we bid farewell to a brilliant architect, a compassionate soul, and a beacon of inspiration. His presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy will continue to shape Idaho for generations to come.

05/04/2023

Mana is the Hawaiian word for inner-strength or power!
Founded in 2008, Mana Services is a nonprofit program that assists youth aging out of foster care, juvenile corrections, and other youth who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, in becoming independent. Their program provides safe homes where young adults can spend a few months to learn independent living skills, find employment, plan their career paths, and transition to their own housing.

In 2013, Mana Services recognized the need for mental health support and added counseling and other services to their program. They also expanded their services to include Residential Habilitation in 2018, allowing developmentally disabled participants to live in their own homes and avoid restricted living that facilities/institutions would offer.

Mana Services is not only committed to helping youth in need but also to the community as a whole. If you're interested in learning more about this amazing organization or how you can help, head over to their website at www.Manaohana.org. Let's all do our part in supporting our community and spread a little MANA ourselves!

03/13/2023

For the Month of March, we’re spotlighting The Idaho Foodbank! The Idaho Foodbank is an independent, donor-supported, nonprofit organization and is the largest statewide distributor of free food assistance in Idaho. The Idaho Foodbank was established in 1984 and since that time has distributed millions of pounds of food through its facilities in Lewiston, Meridian and Pocatello. In the last fiscal year, The Foodbank provided food for nearly 23 million meals to Idahoans living with food insecurity. The Foodbank distributes food through a network of more than 482 partners including schools, food pantries, senior centers, feeding sites, shelters, mobile pantries and churches. Recognizing the crucial connection between hunger and health, The Idaho Foodbank focuses on providing nutritious food and collaborates with community organizations to promote nutrition education, wellness tools and healthy living. Visit idahofoodbank.org for more information.

ZGA is once again participating Million Meals in March! A campaign and corporate competition to spread awareness and raise food and funds for our neighbors in need. It helps support the men, woman and children struggling with hunger, throughout the state of Idaho. Last Friday some of us made our way to The Foodbank and helped package 3,024 lbs. of pasta; that means we helped to provide 2,520 meals! You can help too by donating at the link below. Together, we can all work towards a hunger-free Idaho!

Idaho Foodbank | ZGA Donation Link: https://idahofoodbank.org/zgammm/

02/17/2023

For our 50th anniversary ZGA wanted to spotlight some organizations that help shape and support our community, organizations that we’re calling Community Builders! This month we’ve decided to show our furry friends some love and spotlight The Idaho Humane Society. Starting out as an all-volunteer organization in Boise during the late 1890’s, the Idaho Humane Society’s mission is to advocate for the welfare and responsible care of animals, protect them from neglect and cruelty, and promote humane education, awareness, and compassion. Some of their largest programs include: Adoption, Veterinary, Pet Food Pantry, Humane Education, Volunteer, Events, Dog Training, and WISKR (The Women Inmate Social Kitty Retreat).

“The Idaho Humane Society will continue to grow and meet the demand to shelter, feed, provide medical attention to, and find adoptive homes for abandoned and abused animals in our community; to share information with Idahoans about the proper care of their own pets; to prevent animal overpopulation; and to promote kindness to animals. We envision a humane Idaho in which healthy and adoptable animals are no longer euthanized, and both domestic animals and wildlife are treated with compassion and respect.”

Second Photo: Lily was recently adopted from the Idaho Humane Society by our very own Marketing Manager, Tyler Richelieu, making her ZGA’s newest Fetch Fanatic!

The Idaho Humane Society is the largest and oldest animal welfare organization and veterinary charity in the state. They are a private 501(c)3 organization that relies on donations to provide programs and services that benefit animals in Idaho.

If you’d like to learn more about the organization and their mission, or want to help contribute to their cause, you can visit their website at: https://idahohumanesociety.org/
Or Donation Page at: https://idahohumanesociety.org/donate/

01/25/2023

We're kicking off our 50th year with a BANG! With just weeks left before we officially wrap up The College of Idaho's new Boone Hall Entry, we're biting at the bit to share the final look with all of you. We've got some big goals and high hopes for 2023 and look forward to bringing you all along for the ride!

01/11/2023

Now that 2023 has finally arrived, that only means one thing.....ZGA Architects & Planners is officially 50! Established in 1973, ZGA has been providing architectural design services throughout the U.S. ever since. We've spent the last 50 years, learning, teaching & growing; all thanks to YOU! We couldn't have done it without many of you, and we're thankful for the relationships we've been able to build and foster since 1973 (there's a lot). Take a look at just some of our landmark projects from recent years; we can't wait to see what the future will bring!

08/25/2021

THE END IS NEAR.....for the Idaho Elks Executive Office Building project, located on State and Fort in Downtown Boise. For the past two and a half years ZGA and our project team have been fully renovating the former Nat J. Adams & Associates Architectural Firm, turned Doctors Office, turned Medical Office Building; originally constructed in the late 1950s. With project completion inching closer everyday, more details and photos are just around the corner!