Interview with Zach Sunderland of Haven Design|Build in Durham, NC

Dirt NC

Dirt NC
Interview with Zach Sunderland of Haven Design|Build in Durham, NC
Aug 21, 2025
Jed Byrne

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Summary: Zach and I talk about the Design Build Process, housing affordability, and big ideas.

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Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development, you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!
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Big Takeaways:
- How to design and build a home well.
- Reducing project risk through community engagement.
- How community organizations can leverage their resources to impact the community through housing.
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About Zach:
Zach Sunderland, AIA, NCGC, is the co-founder and Executive Director of Haven Design|Build. As a licensed Architect and General Contractor, Zach leads Haven’s design and construction teams and manages overall operations and visioning for the firm at large. 

With an extensive background in the architecture and construction industry, he has worked on projects at every scale within multiple sectors and takes every opportunity possible to spur conversations on practice management and community-based design.

Zach is passionate about working alongside communities to create exceptional places to live, work, and play where each individual can flourish.

Connect with Zach: Website | LinkedIn 

Mentioned in the show:
- [PDF] Affordable Housing Pocked Guide by Haven Design|Build
- About B Corporations
- Harper’s Home
- [BOOK] Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City
- [BOOK] There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America

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Sponsor: This show is supported by the Top Five Newsletter. If you want a simple and to-the-point update on Raleigh commercial development, you can subscribe to the Top Five. It’s free if you want it to be!

Show Notes:
Welcome to Dirt NC, where we talk all about the places and spaces of North Carolina and the people who make them awesome. I am your host, Jed Byrne.

Throughout my career in engineering, construction, finance, and development, I have worked on nearly every aspect of the land use ecosystem. This show provides an opportunity for me to share what I've learned with you, as well as introduce you to some of my friends, both new and old, who are doing transformative work.

With each episode of Dirt NC, my goal is to make sure you walk away learning something new about land use. I promise to keep it simple and straightforward.

As always, I am grateful that you have chosen to share this time with me! If you have comments, questions, or suggestions about Dirt NC or any land-use related matter, you can connect with me at www.oakcitycre.com.

Until next time, thank you!

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