A saunterer of nature and explorer of the aesthetic, Zach's primary research interests involve studying the organic fundamentals of the human condition within remote alpine and maritime environments. Hailing from a small farm in an isolated corner of the rural Midwest, he has adventured solo to some of the wildest places on Earth. His expeditions are navigated in a humble attempt to connect with the landscapes and cultures found in remote regions, therefore yielding an exceptional perspective into unique economic development strategies.
His experience includes volunteering & worked professionally with various stakeholders in multiple community design capacities, including contributing to the design of a progressive multi-use residential neighborhood & designing a community pedestrian trail plan, among other projects. His design experience has seen him work alongside both public & private entities including professional architecture and engineering firms, private design firms, non-profits, community design leaders, and various municipalities including local and state governments, community groups and task forces.
A selection of his photography appears throughout this site, all images shot with absolute minimal, rarely any, post-processing applied in an attempt to capture the essence of place in its raw form. His work capturing landscapes has been featured professionally and exclusive prints are available as a one-of-a-kind, original piece. Exactly one hard copy of these pieces exist, with a percentage of each sale funding the Ecological Design Endowment, project-accelerator fund administered by this institution, which seeks to enable projects of exceptional ecological value.
Additionally, Zach offers professional consultation on sustainable economic development and integrated community design strategies. For solicitation of his services, or a more comprehensive selection of his photography portfolio, please contact him here:
Bellow— old “Explore” language from 4.39.21
Zach Wentzel founded the Ecological Exchange to synthesize rural design and landscape conservation. This initiative intends to broker awareness and inspire action, thus serving as a forum for ideas, funding and collaboration.
A rural renaissance swiftly approaches: our countryside possesses a vast disproportion of Earth’s natural capital, and its conservation must be intrinsic to future development strategies.
An unprecedented opportunity exists to reimagine the rural condition and nurture harmony within our open spaces and wild places. By manifesting a dynamic and sustainable rural ecosystem, the strain on the burgeoning urban system be eased. Landscape conservation will gracefully merge with ecological design -first regionally - and then at scale within the broader context of urban development strategies.
Bio
A saunterer of nature and explorer of the aesthetic, particularly as it relates to the human condition at the intersection of alpine and maritime environments. Searching for the essence of place in raw form.
Zach resides on a farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley.
zach@ecologicalexchange.com
Services:
Consultation on sustainable rural theory and development strategies + landscape photography commission