Meet New Principal: Tom Zeigenfuss, AIA

Since joining Design Collective Inc. (DCI), Tom Zeigenfuss has applied his extensive expertise in design and high-rise design, programming, and facilities planning and development to transformative projects ranging from large-scale, mixed-use multi-family dwellings to university student housing.

On many of the firm’s most notable projects, Mr. Zeigenfuss has led and managed the complex process of taking a design from an initial concept to completion, keeping clients engaged, coordinating the efforts of consultants, and managing the needs of public and private stakeholders.

His knowledge of evolving construction technologies and project delivery methods makes him a valuable and sought-after partner to the DCI clients across diverse markets including residential, mixed use, transit-oriented development and higher education.

• Mr. Zeigenfuss was instrumental in the development of the Livingston Living-Learning Community at Rutgers University, an award-winning integrated student housing complex that has set a new standard among campus mixed-use communities.
• Under his leadership, the 19-story high-rise Pallas at Pike & Rose was completed in Rockville, Maryland, winning multiple awards for transit-oriented design excellence.  The striking building marks a prominent corner of the development and includes 319 residences with unique amenity and social spaces.
• A critical team member in the design, development, and construction of Domus, a mixed use residential project located adjacent to the University of Pennsylvania campus and the 33rd Street Station, containing 290 residential loft apartments, ground-level retail for both students and the wider community, cafes, restaurants, parking and art installations.
• Mr. Zeigenfuss helped lead the development of a 322-apartment tower planned at 1213 Walnut St. in Philadelphia’s Center City neighborhood. The building will rise 26 stories above a bustling streetscape of restaurants, pubs and businesses.
• At Hanover North Broad, also in Center City, Philadelphia, Mr. Zeigenfuss is creating a new mixed-use residential development that will transform the Callowhill neighbourhood of Center City. This vibrant project includes two complimentary buildings flanking North Broad Street, with approximately 340 residential units, extensive retail and parking.
• At Towson University, Mr. Zeigenfuss is leading the design on the complete rehabilitation and renovation of an existing high-rise residence hall; transforming it into a sustainable hub of student life with new living and learning spaces, a sustainable rain-screen exterior cladding and all new, upgraded residential units and interior finishes.

Mr. Zeigenfuss earned both his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in architecture at the University of Maryland, College Park, winning both the Dean’s Thesis Prize and the Alumni Design Award.