For Michael Ziman, homebuilding has always been a family affair—and a personal calling. Growing up on New Jersey’s Long Beach Island, he watched his father build spec homes and became captivated by the process: the design, the numbers, the creativity.

That early exposure laid the groundwork for what would eventually become Ziman Development, a custom homebuilding company rooted in tradition, but driven by forward-thinking ideals.

When the pandemic hit, Ziman saw an opportunity to rethink what luxury living should mean in a changing world. For him, the answer was clear: sustainability. Today, Ziman Development is leading a quiet revolution in beachfront construction, crafting energy-efficient, eco-conscious homes that prove high-end and low-impact can go hand in hand.

We asked Ziman to share his journey, how the industry has shaped him and why building responsibly isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good business.

Tell us a little about yourself. What is your industry story?

I grew up watching my father build spec homes and was fascinated by real estate—the process, the economics and the creativity involved. While studying at the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan from 2002 to 2003, I developed a business plan that refined and expanded on my father’s approach.

After graduation, I began implementing that plan on Long Beach Island (LBI), focusing on building beautiful, low-maintenance custom homes. Over time, I became increasingly focused on sustainability, driven by a personal desire to minimize my environmental impact. The pandemic gave me space to reflect deeply on my values and I realized I wanted my business to align more closely with those principles.

I began researching and integrating more sustainable materials and methods, prioritizing local sourcing to reduce transportation-related emissions. We also began using maintenance-free materials with recycled content, reduced HVAC use through passive design strategies and explored electrification. I even built a home using Passive House principles to test their effectiveness in our market.

Another passion project is the OneTreePledge initiative, which we launched to offset greenhouse gas emissions. To date, we’ve planted more than 200,000 trees—and counting.

What inspired you to establish your company? How has your founding mission evolved over time?

I’ve always loved the act of building—taking something from an idea to a tangible, beautiful result. What began as a passion for craftsmanship quickly evolved into a broader mission: to build homes that not only delight clients but also respect the environment.

That evolution led to a deep focus on sustainability—integrating eco-conscious materials and methods into everything we do, without compromising on quality, beauty or functionality.

We want to build more homes and make more families happy, especially those creating multigenerational memories at the beach. 

Describe the signature style or characteristics that define your residential projects.

Our homes reflect our clients’ visions. Architecturally, our exteriors range from classic to contemporary⸺styles that endure. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a shift toward more contemporary interiors, moving away from the traditional elements that dominated the last decade or so.

What types of residential projects do you specialize in? What market segment do you primarily serve?

We exclusively build beach homes on Long Beach Island at the Jersey Shore. Our deep experience with the unique challenges of building on a barrier island—salt air, high winds, storms, hurricanes—allows us to choose materials and methods that are both durable and climate-appropriate.

What has been your most challenging project to date? How did overcoming those challenges shape your approach?

Some of our biggest challenges come from indecision. When clients are unsure, we bring in one of our trusted interior designers to help guide the process. That partnership helps streamline decisions and keep things on track.

Of course, not every request is feasible. One client wanted a waterslide from their roof deck into the pool below. After consulting with a waterslide engineer, we discovered the required safety splash zone (over 20 feet) wouldn’t fit on the property. We explained the safety and structural concerns, and the client understood. Our rule of thumb: If it’s legal and safe, we’ll figure out how to make it happen.

Can you share details about your favorite completed project and what made it meaningful or successful?

One standout was our first large oceanfront with an attached guest house—located at 1095C Long Beach Blvd. At 7,000 square feet, it featured a pool overlooking the ocean and was highly visible from the main road.

Completed in 2012, it was my biggest project at the time and marked the moment when people began asking us to build custom homes for them, not just spec homes. That project helped open the door to our client-based custom homebuilding work.

More recently, I completed a personal home in upstate New York as a test case for sustainable building. It incorporates Passive House principles, including airtight construction, superior insulation, high-efficiency windows, and locally sourced sustainable materials. Built to use just 10% of the energy of a conventional home, it’s now serving as a live experiment as we evaluate its long-term performance.

How do you integrate sustainable building practices into your construction process?

Sustainability is central to our building philosophy. We start by sourcing locally whenever possible to minimize transportation emissions. We also prioritize materials that are non-polluting, durable, low-maintenance and made with recycled content.

Here are some of the specific eco-conscious materials and systems we use:

• Siding: We use NuCedar siding, which is 100% recyclable and manufactured in Massachusetts, helping reduce transportation-related emissions. It features a solar-reflective coating that minimizes heat absorption—reducing cooling costs—and is resistant to rot, insects, and water damage, making it exceptionally low-maintenance.
• Windows: Our homes are fitted with Andersen A Series windows. These are ENERGY STAR® Certified, PHIUS (Passive House Institute U.S.) Certified, and Indoor Advantage Gold Certified. They also incorporate pre-consumer recycled glass and wood fiber content for added sustainability.
• Roofing: We install GAF energy-efficient asphalt shingles that reflect sunlight and reduce attic heat buildup, improving overall energy efficiency. GAF also integrates recycled materials into its shingle products.
• Decking & Trim: We use Azek trim and deck boards, made from recycled water bottles, to create a durable, low-maintenance and environmentally friendly exterior finish.

All of these materials contribute to a high-performance, lower-impact home that doesn’t compromise on quality or aesthetics. We’re continually researching new innovations to improve sustainability across every aspect of our builds.

What sets your company apart from other residential contractors in your market?

We lead by example. I’ve seen other builders begin to use the same materials and adopt similar practices after we’ve implemented them, and I welcome that. If others copy us in the name of sustainability, the whole industry wins. We see it as a positive ripple effect.

How do you balance client design preferences with structural integrity and code requirements?

Safety and code compliance always come first. That said, we pride ourselves on our ability to creatively incorporate client preferences into the design. When we encounter structural limitations—like the need for support behind large walls of glass—we use techniques such as steel reinforcement to maintain both aesthetic and structural integrity. Most clients understand these trade-offs and trust us to deliver lasting, well-built homes.

What emerging trends in residential construction are you most excited about?

Sustainability continues to excite me, especially the fact that we no longer need to compromise on quality or cost to build sustainably. I’m also intrigued by natural materials, like an insulation product made from mushrooms that strengthens over time. Innovations like these are game-changers.

How do you approach collaboration with architects, designers and other professionals?

We love collaborative work. Our process typically starts with meetings between the client and the architect, and as the project progresses, we bring in interior designers and other specialists. It’s a team effort, and we value the insights and expertise each party brings to the table.

What values drive your day-to-day operations?

We believe in doing things right the first time. That means showing up every day with integrity, accountability and a commitment to top-tier craftsmanship. We’re not perfect, but we always strive for perfection. And when something goes wrong, we make it right.

What trends are you seeing in the residential construction market today?

Home automation is big—clients want smart lighting, integrated security, remote blinds, and eco-friendly thermostats. We’re also seeing more interest in work-from-home functionality, even in beach houses, as people look to combine vacation and productivity.

What are your goals for your company’s growth and impact?

We want to build more homes and make more families happy, especially those creating multigenerational memories at the beach. At the same time, we’re committed to leading the charge in sustainable construction, identifying emerging materials and continuously refining our building practices. Shows like IBS are invaluable for discovering what’s next—and we’re excited to stay at the forefront.

One-on-One with…Michael Ziman

There’s no such thing as a typical day—and that’s what I love. I usually start by visiting job sites to check progress and support our project managers before heading into the office.

Each week kicks off with a full team meeting to align on schedules, selections and client updates. Beyond that, I split time between business development, design, quality control and researching new building methods. No two days are the same.

I love hearing from clients how much they love their home and the experience we provided—that’s what makes it all worth it.

Never settle. Keep your focus, keep researching and keep acting until you find the solution. There’s always a way to get it right.

The best thing I client ever said was, “Our home is the glue that brings our family together—we always look forward to making memories here.”