Ray Zando and Ken Martin, both architects, and Monty Milstead, a mechanical engineer, left Martens Associates to form a new architectural and engineering firm in Charleston, West Virginia.

After completing many smaller commissions, Zando, Martin, and Milstead was selected to provide architectural and engineering services for the new state office buildings - the largest office structure in West Virginia at 510,000 SF.

A new 300-student highrise dormitory with dining and conference space was developed to meet the expanding needs of Concord University.

The engineering capabilities of the firm were instrumental in being awarded more than 150 commissions at the Union Carbide Technical Center and Plant in South Charleston. Projects ranged in scope from small office and laboratory renovations to new offices and pilot projects testing facilities.

The first major federally funded project awarded to ZMM was the Fruit Research Station in Kearneysville, West Virginia. This 70,000 SF Facility, managed by USDA, provides research to improve crop production and quality.

After successfully completing the design of the 210,000 SF Town Center store, ZMM was commissioned to design 34 additional facilities (new and renovated stores) for Sears throughout their Eastem United States region.

ZMM was selected by the West Virgina Regional Jail Authority as the architect/engineer to design ten new regional jails in West Virginia, replacing the 55 antiquated county facilities in existence at the time. These jails ranged in size from 200 to 400 inmate capacity.

After 32 years in our original office space, the firm, due to an expanded client base as well as increased staffing, moved to the present location at 222 Lee Street West. The new facility provides double the area for design and engineering activities. Space exists in the new office to increase staffing, as needed, to respond to client demands.

ZMM was selected to design two new training facilities for the National Guard at Camp Dawson in Preston County, West Virginia. The success of these projects has led to seven additional commissions with the National Guard including the Joint Interagency Training and Education Center (JITEC), a major addition to the Regional Training Institute (RTI) at Camp Dawson.

The consolidated Lincoln County High School combined four antiquated facilities in the county into one state-of-the-art facility that has become an educational, recreational, and social focal point of Lincoln County. Lincoln County High School is one of the first sustainable schools in West Virginia.

ZMM has helped to support cultural and artistic organizations within West Virginia since its founding. Since 2005, nearly $500,000 has been pledged to the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra to sponsor the ZMM Pops Series Concerts.

As a major higher education facility located in Beckley, West Virginia, the Erma Byrd Center consolidates the resources of several colleges and universities in southern West Virginia into one facility that can meet the diverse needs of the Beckley population. This 33,000 SF facility contains 12 instructional spaces/laboratories and a lecture hall.

The current Ownership team of Bob Doeffinger, David Ferguson, and Adam Krason assumed management responsibility for the firm.

The new design complemented the existing Highland Hospital, and was coordinated with a variety of community organizations, as well as the City of Charleston Planning Department.

ZMM won an AIA Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture in Sustainable Design for Edgewood Elementary School. Edgewood Elementary has been designated as the state’s first “School of the Future.” The school provides space for hands-on exploration, technology, small group projects, and still retains space for direct teacher-led instruction.

ZMM Architects and Engineers is selected as part of a design-build team to expand and improve the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center.

The Explorer Academy receives a Merit Award from the West Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. This project was the first expeditionary learning academy in West Virginia.

ZMM Architects and Engineers and OWPR Architects and Engineers joined forces to provide integrated design services across Virginia and West Virginia, creating a regional design firm that employed more than 50 highly-skilled professionals.

ZMM transitioned from a traditional board of directors to an expanded senior leadership team focused on driving strategic growth. The new model is designed to enhance communication, improve operational efficiency, and support ZMM’s continued expansion. This will continue to address the evolving needs of the business and guide the firm through its next phase of growth.

The Design Studio embodies ZMM’s dedication to collaboration, innovation, and the incredible people driving the firm’s success. This workspace was shaped by the voices that matter most – the ZMM team. From seasoned professionals to the next generation of architects and engineers, their feedback was instrumental in creating a space that inspires creativity, fosters collaboration, and enhances client partnerships and connection.

ZMM’s partnership with Signal Hill Equity Partners provides the opportunity to grow a national architecture, engineering, and design platform.

ZMM was recognized with three AIA West Virginia awards, bringing the firm’s number of awards received since 2005 to a total of 27, an achievement unrivaled in West Virginia. Clendenin Elementary School received a Merit Award for Achievement in Architecture. Coopers Rock Stargazing Cabins received two awards – an Honor Award for Excellence in Architecture and an Honor Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship.

ZMM was named to the 2025 Hot Firm List by Zweig Group, ranking #26 among the 100 fastest-growing architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) firms in the United States and Canada.