Jacob Zikmund

Founder / Architect at BLOK Studio

St Paul, Minnesota, United States

About

I am an architect shaped by rural roots, hands-on work, and a belief that good design should feel honest and effortless. I grew up in a small farming community in Northeast North Dakota, where building things was part of everyday life. That early experience taught me discipline, craft, and respect for materials. Today I lead BLOK studio, a modern practice focused on thoughtful, ambitious projects that push beyond the expected. Our work is grounded in clarity and restraint, yet unafraid to take on the complex and unconventional. In parallel, I co-founded Black SNO, a design studio dedicated to furniture and object design. What began as an exploration of material and form has become an extension of my architectural philosophy at a more intimate scale. Architecture shapes how we move through space. Furniture shapes how we inhabit it. I am drawn to simplicity with depth, influenced by my Nordic background and a lifelong pursuit of design that feels clear, intentional, and quietly bold. I approach every project with curiosity, technical rigor, and a sense of play. My goal is simple. Create work that feels good, functions beautifully, and leaves people with a moment they remember.

Experience

  • Co-Founder at Black SNO
    Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

  • Owner / Architect at BLOK Studio
    Aug 2019 - Present · 6 yrs 11 mos

  • Design Professional at Alliiance
    Jun 2017 - Mar 2021 · 3 yrs 10 mos

  • Designer at DSGW Architects
    Apr 2014 - Jun 2017 · 3 yrs 3 mos

    Facilitate project coordination from schematic design through construction administration Prepare rich media as well as video animations BIM and integrated design

  • Server at 7West Taphouse
    Jun 2014 - Jun 2015 · 1 yr 1 mo