2022 Ones to Watch: Zachary Silvia, Associate at Dennis J. Swart Architecture, PC

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? The recent project I am most proud of is the renovation of a six-story building located at 10 Winthrop Sq. in Boston. Our client, Chevron Partners, provided clear direction to blend the “old” with the “new” emphasizing the character of the existing brick, wood beams, and cast-iron columns. We worked with Adige Design, who specified and provided the flooring, kitchen, glass walls, marble, stone, and more to complement the existing features of the building. Attention to detail was imperative from concealing the new duct work, systems, and conduit to plaster crown molding details and imported Italian iron work. I was the primary lead on the project for our firm and now have the opportunity to work with our client on the tenant improvement projects within the building.

What led you to your current profession? An introductory AutoCAD drafting class and conversation with a teacher in high school was the first “formal” introduction to my career as an architect. I generally did well in school, but did not have a career path in mind. The conversation led me to exploring the fields of construction and architecture. After being accepted into the Architecture program at Roger Williams University there was no looking back. I cannot credit my love for Legos as a child for my career path to becoming an architect, but I’ve always had an interest in building. During college I worked summer construction jobs to familiarize myself with the details/designs that I was learning about in school and cannot overstate how the experience of working in the field impacted my career and approach to projects.

What are the top 3 items on your bucket list?

1. Travel with my wife 
2. Design/substantially renovate my own home 
3. Create a bucket list

What are you doing when you aren’t working? Sports with my daughter and building forts with my son.