Zane has a long-standing passion for contemporary design, well-being, travel, and cultural explorations. Her work is shaped by a deep interest in how architecture can reflect place, history, and personal narratives. Across more than two decades of international practice, she has developed a design approach that blends sensitivity to context with client transformation stories—creating spaces that not only serve but elevate the lives, identities, and goals of those who inhabit them. Through FNDF, Zane focuses on high-end private villas, hospitality environments, and nature-based resorts. Each project is a response to place and purpose, balancing spatial beauty with functionality and emotional resonance. Her work consistently centers on clients and integrates architectural storytelling, wellness strategies, and cultural insight.

Zane is the co-founder and creative director of FNDF, bringing more than 20 years of experience working on projects throughout the US, Europe, and Asia. Her completed work includes urban and landscape design projects, buildings at all scales, including high-end residences, hospitality projects, wellness nature resorts, commercial, office, mixed-use, as well as cultural venues. She has participated in LEED-certified projects in the U.S. as well as collaborated with international design professionals across various disciplines. Her work has earned recognition through both local and international competitions and awards, and has been internationally published.

Zane approaches design and planning as means to enhance quality of life, create a sense of place, and deliver exceptional user experiences through innovative, sustainable, thoughtful, well-executed user-centered design. Her strong asset lies in her ability to deliver beautiful, unique, and comprehensive project solutions, combining strong conceptual designs with meticulous attention to detail and practical building construction solutions. With expertise in both design and construction, she focuses on delivering comprehensive solutions that blend creativity with practicality while meeting client expectations.

She is a Registered Architect in Latvia, a member of the Latvian Architecture Association, the American Institute of Architects, and the Urban Land Institute. Zane has received a Master’s Degree in Architecture and Urban Planning in her native Latvia. She has received a Sustainable Cities Specialization, City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning, from The Johns Hopkins University, USA. She also pursued postgraduate studies as a Fulbright scholar in the US at the University of Illinois, Chicago, and as a Quota Program fellow in Norway. She was the only young professional in the U.S. ever to receive both the Schiff Award of The Art Institute of Chicago as well as the SOM Travelling Fellowship for design excellence in architecture. While working in the U.S. for many years, she held the O1 visa reserved for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences and arts.

In addition to practice, she has always been passionate about teaching. She has taught architecture design studio at the Riga Technical University and the University of Illinois at Chicago and served as a guest critic at the Illinois Institute of Technology.