About Me
I'm Zachary Zabawa, a designer, researcher, and builder with a deep appreciation for the intersection of craft and technology. My journey spans hands-on experience in fine woodworking, cabinetry, and lighting design, as well as academic research in collaborative systems, decentralized technologies, and archival science.
At ZabauHaus, my design and fabrication house based in Montana, I bring together my diverse background in project planning, custom fabrication, and research to create innovative, functional, and beautifully crafted spaces. Whether it's designing and building high-end cabinetry, integrating dynamic lighting solutions, or developing new ways for people to collaborate on complex projects, I am committed to thoughtful craftsmanship and practical problem-solving.
Bridging Craft & Technology
My academic research, shaped by my PhD work in Information Science, focuses on decentralized collaboration and knowledge systems. I explore how technology—whether through semiotics, archival systems, or blockchain-driven governance—can enhance creative and production processes. This influences how I approach design and fabrication, incorporating precision, adaptability, and efficiency into each project.
Building with Community
I see design and fabrication as inherently collaborative. Whether working with architects, homeowners, businesses, or fellow makers, I prioritize clear communication, iterative design, and attention to detail. ZabauHaus is more than a fabrication studio—it's an evolving experiment in how design, technology, and craftsmanship can intersect in meaningful ways.
If you're interested in working together on a project—whether it's custom cabinetry, a lighting installation, or an experiment in collaborative design—let's connect.
Experience
Three practices, one integrated approach
Fabrication & Design
Custom cabinetry, millwork, and functional design
Fabrication & Design
Custom cabinetry, millwork, and functional design
Experienced designer, fabricator, and project planner specializing in high-end woodworking, cabinetry, and functional design solutions. Adept at blending craftsmanship with modern technology to create durable, functional, and aesthetic pieces for residential and commercial spaces.
Education
MSc. Forest Resource Management (Honors)
The University of British Columbia — CAD/CAM, Wood Production, Community Resource Management
Experience
Founder & Lead Fabricator — ZabauHaus, Montana | 2023 – Present
- Full-service design and fabrication house: custom cabinetry, furniture, and architectural elements
- Integrated digital fabrication (CNC, laser cutting) with traditional woodworking
- Design-to-installation process ensuring high-quality craftsmanship
Cabinetmaker & Millworker — Dovetail Designs, Billings, MT | 2022 – 2023
- Custom furniture including wine barrel reception desk and boardroom tables
- Managed entire build process from design through installation
Finish Carpenter & Project Lead — NCCS, Big Sky, MT | 2024 – Present
- Residential and commercial carpentry for high-end resort renovations
- Material take-offs and project planning
Skills
Lighting & Audiovisual
Immersive lighting, projection mapping, and interactive installations
Lighting & Audiovisual
Immersive lighting, projection mapping, and interactive installations
Innovative lighting designer and audiovisual technician with over five years of experience in creating immersive lighting and visual environments for live performances, events, and commercial spaces. Expertise in projection mapping, LED installations, and interactive lighting systems using advanced software and custom hardware solutions.
Education
PhD (In Progress) — Information Science
The University of British Columbia — Digital collaboration, decentralized systems, interactive media
MSc. Forest Resource Management (Honors)
The University of British Columbia — CAD/CAM, Statistical Analysis, Grant Writing
Experience
Lighting Designer & Technician — ZabauHaus Designs, Vancouver & Bozeman | 2018 – Present
- Sound-reactive lighting and projection mapping for festivals, concerts, and events
- Resolume, Madmapper, and TouchDesigner for real-time visual effects
- Custom LED and DMX lighting solutions for live performances
Cabinetmaker & Lighting Installer — Peregrine Retail Design, Vancouver | 2017 – 2020
- Architectural lighting for high-end commercial spaces
- Custom lighting fixtures with metal, glass, and acrylic
- Notable: vodka tasting freezer for the Vancouver Canucks
AV Technician & Event Specialist — Freelance | 2015 – Present
- AV setup for live performances, private events, and corporate functions
- Interactive light sculptures and digital art installations
Skills
Research & Technology
Decentralized collaboration, archival science, and participatory technology
Research & Technology
Decentralized collaboration, archival science, and participatory technology
Interdisciplinary researcher focused on decentralized collaboration, archival science, and participatory technology development. Background in blockchain, digital knowledge systems, and collaborative design frameworks.
Education
PhD (In Progress) — Information Science
The University of British Columbia — Decentralized governance, Peircean semiotics, participatory research
MSc. Forest Resource Management (Honors)
The University of British Columbia — Indigenous Rights, Community Resource Management
Experience
Doctoral Researcher — UBC School of Information, Vancouver | 2019 – Present
- Blockchain applications for archival decentralization
- Published research on DAOs and digital governance
- Semiotic theories in archival systems and knowledge transfer
Researcher & Project Lead — St'at'imc Knowledge Mapping, Lillooet, BC | 2015 – 2018
- Participatory research with Indigenous communities to map knowledge systems
- GIS and database tools for land use planning and cultural preservation
Communications Coordinator — Peter Wall Institute, Vancouver | 2018
- Public academic discussions and multimedia knowledge dissemination
Selected Research
Decentralized Archival Systems — Framework for decentralized record-keeping in Indigenous contexts
Blockchain & Knowledge Commons — Published paper on DAOs for digital collaboration
Collaborative Technologies — Participatory design models for deliberative governance platforms
Skills
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