Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and raised by Canadian parents, Gavin Rea’s design career has always centered around curiosity, craft, and creativity. He began his academic path in industrial design at the College for Creative Studies, where he honed his skills designing consumer products and educational toys for children. His early career included a role at KiwiCo, where he helped bring hands-on learning to life through imaginative kits and interactive design. Gavin later shifted his focus to the built environment, earning his Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado Denver and contributing to the reconstruction of a NOAA Antarctic field camp through the university’s hands-on Design Build program. He also contributed to the design and development of a modular housing system focused on affordability and efficiency in his Modular Architecture Internship with Impact Housing, supporting prefabrication, documentation, and interdisciplinary coordination. 

At Z Group, Gavin applies his multidisciplinary background to deliver high-performance, cost-conscious architectural solutions. A Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD), he is deeply invested in sustainability, constructability, and modular building practices. Gavin states, “Housing affordability and sustainable design are the key issues of our time. I’m passionate about applying design as part of the solution.“ With experience in detailing, fabrication, and energy-efficient systems, Gavin evaluates every project through the lens of performance and purpose—balancing innovation with simplicity. 

Outside of architecture, Gavin is an avid builder, athlete, and adventurer. His hobbies range from crafting tiny homes and DIY campers to leading ultimate frisbee teams and exploring the Rockies by bike or boat. Since moving to the valley in 2024, he has embraced the region’s tight-knit community and rugged beauty, actively volunteering and participating in local sports leagues.
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Education

University of Colorado, Denver, CO
Master of Architecture, 2024

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College for Creative Studies, Detroit, MI
Bachelor of Industrial Design, 2019
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Certifications

Certified Passive House Designer (CPHD)

Design-Build Certification – CU Denver Design-Build Workshop, fabricating an Antarctica Research Station for NOAA

​Toy Designer, Kiwico

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Community Affiliations

Volunteer Organizer, Elk Mountain Ultimate

Member of local sports teams (ultimate, hockey, volleyball)