While construction and DIY projects were always a personal hobby, my professional career began in a different field. I spent over fifteen years working in IT, but my free time was often spent studying historic architecture, drawing floor-plans, and working on projects of my own.

Several years ago I decided to take that interest further and joined a local contractor to learn the trade from the ground up. I started as a laborer on job sites, gaining firsthand experience with the physical work of construction. Over time I moved into a project management role, coordinating projects and working closely with trades and homeowners. Eventually I became the firm’s in-house designer, developing drawings and CAD plans that guided projects from concept through construction.

Having worked in each of those roles—laborer, project manager, and designer—has shaped how I approach design today. Designing without a true understanding of the construction process can sometimes produce ideas that look great on paper but are disconnected from feasibility, sequencing, or budget realities. My goal is to bridge that gap by designing with a clear understanding of how things are actually built.

That experience allows me to craft interior designs and plans that account for the realities of construction while still pursuing thoughtful, well-proportioned spaces. Builders need clear drawings. Homeowners need informed decisions about cost and practicality. Good design should support both.

While I gained a great deal from working directly in construction, I increasingly found myself drawn to projects that focused on historic homes and historically informed design. Today that interest guides my work at Zach Harper.