Meet Our Founder — Vadim Zanko

Growing up, Vadim Zanko, founder of Lev Designs, never thought his fascination with construction would lead him where he is today. His family had deep roots in construction, and he remembers standing with his dad in an empty lot. His dad described where the home would sit, where the gates would be, what it would feel like to live on this land. He remembers the passion and energy as his dad described his vision. It was a pivotal moment that left a lasting impression on him.

“Witnessing projects materialize from mere ideas fascinated me from an early age,” he recalls.

While pursuing his education, Zanko aimed to become a developer while obtaining his real estate license. But he soon discovered that it was working with people that fueled his passion.

“I really found fulfillment in assisting clients to actualize their visions and guiding them through the design process,” he says.

Zanko went on to work a variety of construction jobs himself. In 2015, he launched Lev Designs from his kitchen counter, using funds he received as wedding gifts to purchase his first computer.

He was a one-man show until he met Max Povar in 2017, who became principal Designer. The pair continued to expand operations, with Zanko overseeing the business side of things and Povar focusing on the architecture and design.

Zanko said at the beginning, hiring their first employee felt daunting. The responsibility of providing support, ensuring ample work, and shouldering financial obligations created a sense of risk and, to some extent, the weight of responsibility.

“Reflecting on those early days, there was an inherent fear of failure and a realization of the substantial responsibility tied to employing others,” he says.

The team has since expanded to 30 individuals, including designers and architects. Zanko says not only does he trust in his team’s talents, he connects on a deeper level. He said forming a strong team goes beyond technical skills or experience, it’s also about character.

“Building the team is a bit like the cliché about meeting ‘the one’ —when you encounter the right person, you just know,” he says.

Throughout the business’s growth, Zanko has recognized that his strength is the ability to conceptualize a vision for the future of the company. With a strong team behind him, it’s easy to bring those visions to fruition.

“As our business flourishes, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by such incredible individuals,” he says. “I believe in finding the right people for the right positions, ensuring they feel fulfilled and creatively engaged. It’s not just about assigning tasks; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and contribute their unique talents without feeling like they’re just there to fill a role.”

In any industry, maintaining constant inspiration for moving a company forward can be challenging. Zanko is no exception. But, he says, his unrelenting drive to pursue an ever-evolving vision for the company is what moves him forward, no matter the setbacks.

“Maintaining inspiration consistently is indeed difficult, and the responsibility for fostering team spirit heavily rests on personal leadership and the ability to inspire others,” he added.

Zanko said he has learned a lot since founding his company nearly a decade ago. Honing his leadership style means focusing inward and being honest about his own abilities and goals.

“I’ve always appreciated that running your own business compels self-reflection,” he says. “The challenges it presents force you to confront yourself, fostering self-awareness. This is crucial for personal growth and inspiring others, especially when faced with significant responsibilities toward clients, employees, and partners.”

In fact, he said he believes his biggest competitor is himself. Striving to be a better version of himself personally and professionally, and never giving up on reaching his goals is actually what drives him to success.

To that end, Zanko is driven to grow his business. Although his initial focus was design, he wanted to expand into new markets, particularly multi-family housing. He reached out to Murray Duncan Architects, a long-standing architectural firm, and asked about their plans for the future. Surprisingly, they informed him that they were considering selling. So, without hesitation, Zanko acquired the business and now leads MDA Group, which specializes in multifamily and commercial work.

“The way everything fell into place felt almost magical, and the process flowed smoothly, making sense at every step,” he said.

The guiding principle for Lev Designs and MDA Group was a vision centered around delivering an exceptional product. Yes, the focus is on design, but it doesn’t stop there. It’s about functionality, meeting budget requirements, and adhering to deadlines. It’s also about people.

“Equally crucial is the interpersonal aspect—the people we work with. We want our approach to be all-encompassing, shaping the trajectory of our company moving forward.”

It’s been years since Zanko stood on that empty lot with his dad, envisioning the possibilities of what could be. But his ability to turn ideas into reality has only grown stronger over time. Whether Lev Designs or MDA Group, he continues to build a culture centered around a shared desire to help and support others. 

“Ultimately, it is all about people,” he said. “It’s about our clients, our team, and the people living in the structures we design.”