Excellence in architectural design rests on architecture’s potential to transform space and place, creating classic structures that reflect the ideals and aspirations of the client. Christian Zapatka Architect, PLLC harnesses this transformative power in all of its work. From classical ethos to modern design, the firm’s expertise ranges from new builds to additions and renovations. Its extensive portfolio includes free standing houses, townhouses, and apartments in urban, extra-urban, and country environments, as well as commercial and mixed used projects. Skilled in the fusion of the traditional and modern, the firm has particular expertise working on historic structures.
This transformative power requires a holistic approach that considers not just the design of the building itself, but also the relationship of the interior to the architectural design and the relationship of the structure with the building’s site as a whole. This holistic approach underpins each of the firm’s projects. With focus on bespoke interiors that consider every detail down to millwork and design of exterior hardscape and landscape, a Christian Zapatka Architecture project is not an intervention on a site, but rather the creation of an expansive and harmonious relationship between architecture and the environment it occupies.
Christian Zapatka, AIA, FAAR
Founding Principal
An architect highly versed in the scholarly traditions of classical architecture and the modernist aesthetic, Christian Zapatka, AIA, FAAR has brought his rich understanding of the history of architecture and its power to transform place and space to his practice of architectural design since the founding of his eponymous independent firm in 2000. After studying American History at Georgetown University, Christian earned his Master’s Degree in Architecture from Princeton University. He apprenticed with the storied architect Micheal Graves and then transitioned to the academic realm for almost a decade, teaching architectural design and history at Princeton University, Columbia University, the University of Michigan, and Catholic University before opening his practice in Georgetown in Washington, D.C.
Christian’s deep foundations in the history and practice of architecture inform his approach to all of his work, from historic renovation to contemporary new design. Over the course of twenty five years, Christian and his team have designed an array of projects from urban interventions to country dwellings: new builds, renovation and additions, townhouses, apartment transformations, and accessory structures.
Christian has published two academic books and numerous articles. His work is featured regularly in local and national media. He has been the recipient of numerous accolades throughout his career. While at Princeton, he was the recipient of the Norton Prize for excellence in design. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Rome, having been awarded the Rome Prize for Architecture. His book, The American Landscape (Princeton Architectural Press) was awarded an AIA International Book Award. He was a recipient of the AIA Rowhouse of the Future Award. Most recently, he was a 2025 winner of the John Russell Pope Award in Urban Design. A monograph with Images Publishing is forthcoming.