Gavin Zirkle
Oakland, CA, USA
Project Assistant, Brick. Architecture and Interiors
Gavin joins the MRED+D program as a Bay Area local hailing from Oakland, California, and a recent graduate from UCLA, where he obtained a B.A. in Architectural Studies in 2024. From a young age, Gavin has always engaged in pursuits that combine creativity, entrepreneurship, and business. At the age of 15, he began working as a freelance photographer primarily in the music industry, where he worked for several artists, venues, and festivals, all of which culminated in him earning the position of Creative Content Director at local record label/media company, Thizzler on the Roof. After a few years working in the creative content field, he shifted his focus to architecture, prompting him to enroll in Diablo Valley College and then transfer to UCLA’s Department of Architecture and Urban Design (AUD).
During his time at DVC and UCLA, Gavin immersed himself in the field both academically and professionally. His experience at DVC allowed him to build a very precise and meticulous architectural acumen, which was then expanded upon in the contrasting environment of UCLA, which houses a program that is much more focused on contemporary design methodologies and mediums of representation. Apart from his coursework at UCLA, Gavin also co-founded the club, SPOT: (Space+Place+Object) Tank, whose focus was on design projects in and around UCLA AUD, as well as fostering a professional environment that better mirrors architectural practice in the real world compared to practice in school.
Apart from his education, Gavin also has several years of experience working in an office at local firm, Brick. Architecture & Interiors (now part of HGA), where he first discovered his interest in development. Although his work at Brick. was rooted in architecture, the nature of the work allowed him to frequently interface with project developers who helped clarify his interest in real estate development. While at Brick., he worked on several projects adjacent to development, such as feasibility studies and project budget management. Through his experience in both the office and school, he enters the MRED+D program with a grounded and holistic understanding of how projects come together from the perspective of multiple disciplines and is honored to be able to build upon and expand these skills at Cal this upcoming year. After completing the MRED+D program, he intends to continue in the field focusing on residential development, both in design and development roles.
Outside of his professional interests, he is also an avid foodie, a fan of mixed martial arts, and continues with photography on the side. On the weekends, you can find Gavin watching the Tottenham Hotspurs game, eating at his favorite restaurants such as Mensho or Picco, and going to new breweries.