We have designed award-winning homes, offices, restaurants, and special needs buildings throughout New Jersey, as well as the Hamptons, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Vermont. We are proud to have been consistently recognized by independent websites and journals as delivering a blend of the highest quality design, technology, and client service.

The firm’s design approach is rooted in the belief that independent of aesthetic style our clients prefer, natural light, durable materials, and careful attention to how a building inter-relates to its’ exterior site conditions are universally important. The firm strives to develop trust and long-term relationships with all of our clients, as well as the builders that help turn our visions into reality.  Z+ Architects’ reputation for designing lasting buildings across all aesthetic styles is anchored by a dedication to careful attention to detail, and moreover, spaces that flow and are highly-livable.  Z+ Architects-designed buildings, whether traditional or modern, all possess a shared quality of enduring character and detail that only continues to enhance over time.

Z+ Architects takes pride in its’ long-standing relationships with repeat clients, high-quality builders, tradespeople, craftsmen, and supporting industries. This, in tandem with its’ sister company, Z+ Interiors, allows for seamless, collaborative, and ego-free one-stop shopping. This results in superlative, coordinated design and drawings, and an easier, more enjoyable process for our clients.  

THE PROCESS

We do the heavy lifting, so you can continue to do the things you do that have allowed you to be successful.

Our process incorporates a variety of techniques that range from the classic hand drawings to next-generation virtual 3D technology. Yet without question, we have a singular component that is paramount to a single “technique”. Simply put, we strive for our process to make our clients’ role as simple and enjoyable as possible. This is accomplished by presenting meaningful alternatives to you in a clear fashion, and using our extensive expertise and experience when guiding you through your decision-making process.

Our projects are worked on from a team approach, utilizing all the various skill sets and strengths of individuals, under the guidance and management of the principals in the firm. Every project will be assigned a team, headed by a principal who will manage and guide the project from inception to completion. This experience at the helm will de-mystify the process for those who have never worked with an architect before. For those who have built before, they will immediately recognize partner-level project management as superlative and necessary.

TECHNOLOGY

Our philosophy on technology is simply a matter of the right tool for the right job, and understanding when to use each.

Z+ Architects still can draw with a deft hand, as well as wow with the most cutting edge of technology. We incorporate the hand sketches of how architecture has classically been delivered, seamlessly alongside the latest software and visualization techniques emerging today. Our approach acknowledges that each phase in the design process has the most-appropriate tool or technique to help deliver information clearly to our clients.   It is no more appropriate to employ a computer’s hyper-accuracy when trying to loosely explore spatial relationships and adjacencies than it is to provide a limited, two-dimensional sketch when a 3D rendered perspective can more clearly help our clients understand building shape, form, and material.

We are proud to place our clients’ needs first when approaching technology, and artfully bridge the gap between hand drawings and emerging 3D technologies. We aren’t intimidated by the pressure to identify or choose between the two; rather, we welcome the breadth of features that each “school’ provides that the other simply can’t.  Nearly a decade ago, we invested in state of the art 3D modeling software that has continued to develop and revolutionize how architecture is delivered. Since then, we have been fully committed and versed in applying these ever-evolving, cutting edge software systems to all of our projects, no matter the size or complexity.

THE TEAM

Mike Scro

PRINCIPAL, AIA, LEED AP

Mary Fitzpatrick-Scro

PRINCIPAL, AIA, LEED AP

Michael received his Master of Architecture from Yale University and Bachelor of Architecture from The Pennsylvania State University. He founded Z+ Architects in 2001 and is a licensed Architect in the State of New Jersey. Michael is a co-founding partner of Z+ Interiors and shares a passion for integrating design from architectural concepts through the finest details of interior finishes. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is a LEED AP professional certified in green, environmentally conscious projects. He is NCARB certified, allowing licensure in most of the 50 states.

His work experience includes The Hillier Group in Princeton, NJ, and several mid-size firms where he served as Project Architect for dozens of projects ranging in all scales, both commercial and residential. He has taught Architectural Design Studio at Penn State University in State College, Pennsylvania, as well as abroad in national architectural design programs in Rome, Italy. He has appeared in front of a broad array of Planning/Zoning Boards across the state with a nearly perfect record for securing variances and use approvals.

Mary received her Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech. Her extensive work experience at the Hillier Group in Princeton, NJ and Ronald Schmidt and Associates in Englewood, NJ has given her broad experience in architecture, across all scales and types of projects. Her time donated to Allendale’s Planning Board, commencing in a co-chair position, has brought a rational, balanced approach to her strengths of bringing sides together in compromise. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, is a LEED AP professional, and NCARB certified.  She is licensed in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Virginia, and Vermont.

Combining exceptional organizational, management, and coordination skills with a sophisticated design sensibility, Mary helps bridge the gaps between all members and facets found in our projects.  Her adeptness for full integration of architecture and interior design results in a seamless, functional and stunning design impression made by our private residence and commercial projects. 

Anna Abrashina

Architectural Designer

Jésus Mones

Project Architect

Ioana M. Curovic

Interior Designer, NCIDQ

Julie Scutaro

Office Manager

Addie Rabold

Architectural Designer

Collin Erickson

Project Architect & Designer

Danielle Lim

Junior Interior Designer

Anna Zaat

Architectural Designer

Stephen R. Staronka

Project Architect

James Lischick

Interior Designer

Alexandra Hernandez

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