Business Details
29 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Design Partner in New Orleans
Established in 1997, Volume Zero is a New Orleans-based architectural design studio founded by Michael Cajski and Van Tran, a husband-and-wife team with decades of combined experience. Our principals hold advanced degrees from Tulane University's School of Architecture and bring specialized expertise in residential, commercial, and institutional projects. As LEED-Accredited Professionals, we integrate sustainable design principles while maintaining a strong commitment to historic preservation, evidenced by our award-winning rehabilitation work. Our approach emphasizes meticulous attention to detail, transparent communication, and creative problem-solving tailored to each client's unique needs. With extensive experience managing complex projects across Louisiana, we have built long-term partnerships with public agencies, educational institutions, and private clients.Our work has earned recognition from the New Orleans Historic District Landmarks Commission and consistent recommendations from construction partners for our thorough documentation and collaborative spirit. We maintain industry certifications including DBE, SLDBE, and LAUCP, operating under NAICS code 541310 for architectural services. Our philosophy centers on creating spaces that balance functional requirements with artistic vision, ensuring every project reflects both timeless principles and contemporary innovation in architectural design.
Services
Residential Design
Commercial Architecture
Government Projects
Historic Rehabilitation
Interior Design
Details
- Year established: 1997
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of architectural experience in Louisiana's unique building environment
- Our principals hold advanced degrees from Tulane University's School of Architecture
- LEED-Accredited Professional on staff for sustainable design expertise
- DBE-certified firm with proven success in public sector projects
- Award-winning historic rehabilitation work recognized by local preservation authorities
Associations and certifications
- LEED
- DBE
- SLDBE
- LAUCP
What people say
Extraordinary attention to detail
Professional and knowledgeable
Completed within timeline and budget
Creative solutions second to none
Wonderful team to work with
Services
Residential Design
Volume Zero creates custom residential designs that balance aesthetic vision with functional requirements. Our approach prioritizes spatial optimization, energy efficiency, and compliance with local building codes. We specialize in new construction and renovations that enhance livability while maintaining architectural integrity.
Commercial Architecture
We deliver commercial projects ranging from retail spaces to office buildings, focusing on code-compliant designs that maximize functionality. Our experience includes historic building adaptations like the Bank Caf renovation, demonstrating our ability to merge modern needs with existing structures.
Government Projects
With extensive experience serving municipal clients, we provide architectural solutions for law enforcement facilities, community centers, and public housing. Our DBE certification ensures compliance with federal contracting requirements while delivering cost-effective, durable designs.
Historic Rehabilitation
Our award-winning team specializes in preserving architectural heritage through careful restoration of historic elements combined with modern updates. This expertise is demonstrated in projects like the Ruby Slipper Caf renovation, which maintained original design features while meeting current safety standards.
Interior Design
We create functional interior spaces that reflect client needs, from residential layouts to commercial environments. Our approach integrates lighting, materials, and spatial flow to optimize usability while maintaining aesthetic coherence with the building's overall design.
People
Michael Cajski
Architect
Licensed in four states, Michael graduated as Salutatorian from Tulane's B.Arch program and holds a Master of Architecture. He has led numerous multi-million dollar projects and serves as a LEED-Accredited Professional with 25+ years of local experience.
Van Tran
Architect
Head designer and Tulane graduate, Van holds both B.Arch and M.Arch degrees with the Deans Honor Scholarship. A New Orleans native, she brings specialized expertise in space planning and historic preservation to the firm's projects.
Questions
What types of architectural services does Volume Zero offer?
We provide residential design, commercial architecture, government projects, historic rehabilitation, and interior design services tailored to Louisiana's building environment.
How does Volume Zero handle historic preservation projects?
Our award-winning approach combines code compliance with original design elements, as demonstrated in our Ruby Slipper Caf renovation recognized by local preservation authorities.
Are Volume Zero architects licensed outside Louisiana?
Michael Cajski holds architectural licenses in four states, enabling cross-jurisdictional project oversight while maintaining our New Orleans-based operations.
What certifications does Volume Zero hold?
We maintain DBE, SLDBE, LAUCP certifications and operate under NAICS code 541310 for architectural services with LEED-Accredited Professionals on staff.
How does Volume Zero ensure project timelines are met?
Through detailed pre-construction planning, thorough documentation, and proactive communication, evidenced by client testimonials citing timely project completion.
