What ’ s your professional background and how did you end up at Fresno Unified ?
What is your favorite thing about your job ?
If you weren ’ t in this profession , what would you be doing and why ?
What have been some of your favorite projects since you ’ ve been with the district ?
ARMANDO ZINZUN
District Design Lead
Armando Zinzun is utilizing his background and passion for architecture to create spaces where students can excel in hands-on career skills .
What ’ s your professional background and how did you end up at Fresno Unified ?
I started my career at an established local architecture firm specializing in large institutional projects . Early on , I was assigned to work with Fresno Unified and I became very familiar with its expectations and design philosophy . I was eventually promoted to senior management in the firm and helped to successfully manage our firm for many years . After many fulfilling years in the firm , I found myself wanting to “ slow down ” so I could spend more time with my growing kids and all their activities . I was fortunate to be offered a position and found my “ new home .”
What is your favorite thing about your job ?
I really enjoy seeing the initial reactions of teachers , staff , students , and parents experiencing the spaces we help create for them . Knowing that what we do can positively affect and reach so many people in our community is very rewarding .
If you weren ’ t in this profession , what would you be doing and why ?
I think I would somehow find my way into this profession . The social and personal impact that architecture and well-designed spaces can have on people has always fascinated me . The unique mix of art , practicality and problem solving come together in our buildings and spaces that will be around for a very long time . I love being a part of that process .
What have been some of your favorite projects since you ’ ve been with the district ?
All of the projects I have worked on are special to me in one way or another . However , the front transformation of Fresno High School and the renewed celebration of Royce Hall are definitely architectural highlights for me . As far as planning and re-organization , Addams Elementary School and Del Mar Elementary School stand out as great projects with many challenges . I think the final solutions will absolutely have a positive impact on those sites and their families . Of course , being part of Herrera Elementary School and working alongside the many FUSD departments and Dr . Herrera in developing the function and identity of the campus is also a highlight and a great experience .