Shani Zana

Shani Zana Sacks joins ODA as a Junior Architectural Designer. Originally from Israel, she served as an adjutant officer in the Israel Defense Forces before pursuing architecture. She began her Bachelor of Architecture at Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem and completed her B.Arch at Pratt Institute in New York, graduating with highest honors. While at Pratt, she received the Best Degree Project and Excellence in Academic Achievement awards and completed multiple summer internships, including two at ODA.

Most recently, Shani worked as a Building Envelope Associate at L+M Development Partners, where she gained an owner’s-side perspective that informs her interest in improving residential and urban living through design. Her work approaches architecture through a wellness lens — creating sustainable, human-centered environments inspired by local history and culture, enhancing everyday urban experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring global architecture and landscapes, discovering new cuisines, and practicing yoga.