To briefly introduce myself:

My name is Zaman. My company, Z Works Design/Build, is a full service in-house design and construction company. Most of our projects over the years have been residential homes. We specialize in sustainable materials and methods of construction. I am also available for green building consultation.

In 1992 I graduated from University of Texas with a degree in Architecture. I got married and we had a baby. This led me to design a house for my family. During the design phase, I visited a green living fair in Austin, TX and discovered new sustainable building materials which I immediately incorporated into my plans for our house. The construction phase of the house was intense with ample oppertunities for hands on experience. I believe we had only three outside sub contractors, otherwise the house was built by me and my wife. We moved into our new house in 1998.

The experience of building the house and living in the house made out of green materials strengthened my conviction that sustainable materials is the way to go. My goal is to continuously find out about new green products and use them in designs for our clients.

I design houses keeping in mind the client's needs. The climate and the site are the other two guiding elements. Most of my houses have used ICF and SIPs, but I am always open to using any other materials that a client may prefer. The idea is that one step towards green is better than no step at all. I think sustainability is about planning for the future, minimizing the impact of what ever it is that we do on the earth so that our children will have as wonderful a place to live as we do and better. Not only do I want to minimize the impact on resources by selecting construction materials and methods carefully, but also by considering the energy efficiency and mainenance of the house in the long term.

Three years ago we joined the Austin Energy Green Building Program. The program has provided us with lots of new information and contacts. Their rating system has helped us to focus on what is important in a house in order to make it sustainable. Our houses have consistently rated high, 4 and 5 stars.

Z Works Design Build is now doing two or three projects a year. I personally oversee all of them. Most design work is preferrably done during the hot Texas months of July and August. The construction can then go on during the cooler part of the year. If I can't take the heat, neither should my sub contractors and their crews.

My family now lives in a house made out of SIPs and ICF with a full rainwater collection system in the beautiful Texas Hill Country between Bee Caves and Dripping Springs. We are now a family of four with two cats. And that pure rainwater keeps us content throughout the year.

Again, thank you for your interest. I'd be happy to discuss your future project with you.

Zaman

Email me here or call 512-554-4664