ZABEL + PARTNERS: streamlined design with SketchUp

April 1, 2025

SketchUp Team

Seoul, South Korea

From corporate offices, hospitality, and retail space to high-end residential projects and university lounges, ZABEL + PARTNERS architects (Z+P) have made SketchUp the centerpiece of their creative workflow.

Render of a commercial office space showing two meeting rooms with glass doors and a TV on the wall.

Render of a commercial office space.

The firm has successfully completed over 100 projects in over 10 countries in Asia, Europe, and the Pacific. The team at Z+P has one key mission: to understand their client's needs on the deepest level and provide the highest-quality solutions. We sat down with Z+P founder and CEO Ralf Zabel to learn more about how he and his team bring their projects to life with SketchUp.

Q. Can you tell us about ZABEL + PARTNERS and your approach to design? 

ZABEL + PARTNERS architects (Z+P) is a Korean-German architecture firm I founded in Seoul in 2008. Our approach blends the precision of German architecture with the creativity needed for diverse projects across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. We focus on efficient project management and asynchronous collaboration, ensuring seamless workflows across teams, no matter their location.  

We strive to create functional, sustainable, and adaptable environments. Our focus is on the user experience, ensuring that each project not only meets but exceeds the expectations of those who will experience the final product. We take a hands-on approach from concept development to final handover, staying involved in construction, operation, and maintenance to ensure the design vision is realized at every stage. 

Render created in SketchUp showing an open plan office space with a kitchenette, lounge, and brainstorm board on one wall.

From vision to reality: A lounge space designed for Alibaba Group.

At Z+P, we prioritize functional innovation, streamlined workflows, and adaptability to diverse cultural influences and design standards. Each project is tailored to meet the unique needs of its users while respecting the cultural context. Successful design is a balance of creativity, practicality, and collaboration. 

Q: Does everyone in the company now use SketchUp? 

We initially used various software tools employees had learned in school or their previous roles. However, this led to inefficiencies and duplicated efforts. Files weren't compatible, and workflows became fragmented. 

To solve this, I asked one of our interns, unfamiliar with 3D software, to evaluate different tools. The goal was to find a central solution to streamline productivity and support a unified filing system. The intern picked up SketchUp quicker and more effectively than any other tool. This ease of use convinced the rest of the team to make the switch.  

Adding Trimble Connect to the mix, sharing files and implementing real-time changes became seamless. SketchUp's intuitive interface made the transition smooth for the entire Z+P team. The 3D modeling program proved highly adaptable, allowing everyone to focus on the design rather than the software. 

SketchUp render of a small wall-mounted bench with pillows, a side table with a vase of flowers, and a wall with curtains.

Every inch matters — this cozy corner was the perfect final touch to this design.

Q: What role does SketchUp play in your workflow at Z+P? 

Every project—whether it's a Tesla showroom or an office layout, begins in SketchUp. Its versatility allows us to iterate ideas quickly, test spatial layouts, and visualize designs before delving into technical details.

Beyond concept development, we use SketchUp alongside other tools for Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). An integrated approach ensures our Z+P team collaborates effectively with our clients and contractors in real-time, enhancing project accuracy and reducing errors.

Q: How does SketchUp make your team's work faster and more practical? 

Its simplicity and speed set it apart. Unlike traditional drafting or more complex software, SketchUp allows us to create, modify, and visualize models in minutes rather than hours. Visualizing perspectives is quick and intuitive, saving significant time compared to traditional rendering workflows. 

If there are conflicts between structural elements and plumbing, electrical wiring crossing through plumbing routes, or HVAC systems interfering with walls or ceilings —we can spot them instantly. This real-time detection prevents costly mistakes and delays that typically arise when these issues are discovered later. It also helps us save hours reviewing and correcting detailed drawings. By enabling everyone — designers, engineers, and clients — to work from a shared platform, SketchUp keeps the process efficient and responsive to changes.

Q: Has SketchUp helped with collaboration and client engagement? 

Absolutely! Clients, contractors, and consultants can all engage with 3D models from the outset, ensuring alignment with the project's vision. This eliminates the traditional back-and-forth of interpreting static 2D drawings. 

A commercial conference room with a large U-shaped table, a TV on the right wall, art and cushioned bench seating parallel to the table.

Render of an office conference room.

The intuitive interface also makes it easy for clients to grasp ideas without having technical expertise. They can explore models, suggest changes, and provide real-time feedback. For our team, this means fewer misunderstandings and faster decision-making. This collaborative approach ensures smoother execution and better results.

Q: Any advice for other firms considering integrating SketchUp into their workflow?

SketchUp proves that efficiency, creativity, and precision can go hand in hand without requiring overly complex software. 

For firms like Z+P, operating across diverse geographies and project types, having a practical tool like SketchUp is a game-changer. It's fast, accessible, and cost-effective—perfect for modern architectural practices. 

Rendering of a modern luxury hotel lobby bar using dark colors and ornate metal work around the bar.

Rendering of a modern luxury hotel lobby bar.

Trimble SketchUp gives creatives everywhere the confidence to turn visions into reality with ease. Increase efficiency, enhance collaboration, and take your visuals to the next level with SketchUp.

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 About ZABEL + PARTNERS architects

Ralf Zabel is the Chief Executive Officer of ZABEL + PARTNERS architects (Z+P) and brings over 15 years of experience in architecture and design to the firm. His journey to Korea began in 2005 when he participated in a visiting research program at Seoul National University. During this time, he developed a deep appreciation for Korea's vibrant culture, which inspired him to establish Z+P and merge the precision of German architecture with the creativity needed to address the diverse demands of projects across the Asia-Pacific region. 

ZABEL + PARTNERS architects is an international architecture and interior design firm headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in designing corporate offices, technical facilities, commercial showrooms, and hospitality projects. With a team fluent in various languages, ZABEL + PARTNERS delivers innovative, functional, and culturally adaptive design solutions. Their approach blends precision with creativity to meet each client's unique needs, ensuring seamless collaboration across multicultural teams.