Marco Zietsman: Reimagining Architecture As A Conversation Across Generations

Female Architects in Australia have a unique opportunity to blend generational legacy, faith, and humility to shape architecture that is both meaningful and enduring. Rooted in personal values and guided by our lived experience, our approach leads to designs that reflect identity, community, and purpose.

When design is grounded in tradition yet open to innovation, it has the power to inspire across borders and generations. Marco Zietsman, Principal of ZARCHITECTS, exemplifies these principles, crafting architecture that speaks with honesty, honours heritage, and elevates the human experience.

As Principal of ZARCHITECTS, Marco Zietsman brings depth, clarity, and a deeply rooted architectural legacy to her leadership. With decades of experience and a profound respect for people and place, she co-leads the boutique Brisbane-based studio with intention and heart. Marco is a seasoned mentor, mother, and teacher.

Her leadership is defined by careful listening, purposeful design, and commitment to relationships. Under her guidance, together with her family, ZARCHITECTS has become known for creating deeply personal, context-driven spaces that honor tradition while embracing innovation and lasting impact.

Below is an excerpt of Marco Zietsman’s exclusive interaction with the Global Woman Leader magazine.

Can you share your journey in the field of architecture? What have been your key areas of specialization, and how has your approach to design developed over the years?

My professional career in architecture began in 1992, shaped by early training under my father and older brother, who was also in the profession. That foundation in technical skills and design thinking led me to launch my practice abroad. Lecturing and examining deepened my ability to guide others. Relocating to Australia meant starting over, but global experience encouraged me to approach projects with an open-minded attitude.

With my son, I co-founded ZARCHITECTS in Brisbane, a practice rooted in honesty and a personalized approach. Over time, our design sensibilities shifted from form and structure to spaces to crafted places of meaning and personality, guided by our client experiences. Our projects became more personalised and explorative within the boundaries of the client’s vision.

Marco Zietsman designs with quiet strength, turning personal stories into timeless spaces that reflect grace, resilience, and generational wisdom

What inspired ZARCHITECTS' vision, and what are the main design sectors and typologies the studio primarily focuses on today?

We are personal, purposeful, and place-driven, grounded in the belief that great design starts with listening. Our vision is to create architecture with heart, spaces that reflect people, respect the environment, and meet real-world constraints. The typologies were explored and take on different forms depending on the challenges, such as residential, multi-residential, community, educational, commercial, and health hub projects.

The process we take is what excites us and is perhaps less driven by the type of building. Every design journey is collaborative, transparent, and brings with it a sense of humility behind the occupants that will inhabit it.

What principles guide impactful architecture, and how does ZARCHITECTS turn complex design challenges into meaningful built solutions?

It’s about creating spaces that hold meaning and reflect the values, culture, and aspirations of those who use them. Personal involvement is key, we listen closely and walk with our clients from the first sketch to the final handover.

This collaborative process builds trust and clarity. We also stay committed to continuous learning, embracing new design trends, materials, and methods. Every project brings unique challenges, and we see these as opportunities to create thoughtful, practical, and emotionally resonant spaces guided by empathy, expertise, and care.

What defining achievements mark your architec­tural career, and what guiding philosophy drives your success as a design leader?

Defining achievements is difficult to isolate because, as an architect, I always feel there’s more to explore and more time, more ideas. But if I must name one, it is the privilege of thriving in a male-dominated field, bringing empathy, resilience, and humility into leadership.

Designing the private residence of President Nelson Mandela and working on transformative projects for the University of South Africa and the Blue Bulls in South Africa were deeply meaningful. Relocating to Australia marked a turning point as I started over, grew alongside my son Milton, and built ZARCHITECTS from a shared passion and purpose.

My guiding philosophy is simple: leadership is service. Success is not recognition, it is the relationships, impact, and creating spaces that uplift lives. I’m still learning, still evolving, and that, to me, is the true reward.

How do you see architecture evolving in Australia, and what future role will ZARCHITECTS play in shaping it?

The future of architecture in Australia will be defined by sustainability, resilience, and a deep respect for context. As communities evolve, design must respond meaningfully, balancing environmental care, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. We see ourselves as part of that future.

Our role is to design with time in mind, and the purpose of our buildings is to have in the future. We are fortunate that the work we do lives on and therefore gives our cities an element of permanence within time. Ultimately, we want architecture to inspire, protect, and remain relevant, serving generations with care, clarity, and principle.

Marco Zietsman, Principal, Zarchitects

Marco Zietsman, Principal of ZARCHITECTS, is a South African, qualified architect with over three decades of experience. Mentored by her father and brother, she founded a successful practice before relocating to Australia. Today, she co-leads ZARCHITECTS with humility, purpose, and deep personal commitment to thoughtful, context-driven design and mentoring the next generation.