Zero One Design was founded as a web design company in 1997, in Victoria, British Columbia. Right from the beginning, the partners envisioned creating a service that could present uniquely Canadian arts and culture: Zero One has been telling Canada's stories ever since.
The internet has the potential to introduce information and entertainment to a large audience, but it is important to ensure that the sites that reach the public are of a high educational and aesthetic quality. This is where Zero One excels. Clients want to share history and material culture important to their families, communities and organizations. By embracing the capabilities of technology, the team at Zero One infuses these Canadian stories with colour, interactive, educational games, quality media such as images and video and engaging writing.
From tales of artists to Pacific shipwreck, from the life of a work of architecture to the history of mining, the web sites of Zero One Design are renowned and recognized by the Canadian government, the internet industry, and an increasing group of educators and enthusiasts of Canadian culture and history.
Zero One continues to learn with every client. The vision they began with in the 1990s has become a firm mandate in the twenty-first century, and they have honed their experience and specialization in galleries and museums, both by representing established cultural institutions and by creating on-line exhibits of subjects that defy the boundaries of built displays. See the portfolio section for project examples.
The Zero One Design offices in Victoria provide a place to keep the server and computer equipment, but the company and its clients are free to plan, design and communicate wherever the stories they are telling may take them. Technology provides the tools but the communities of Canada provide the impetus. Partner Michael Chorka puts it this way: "I want to get to the point where I can create anything that I can imagine."
» Jonathan Lathigee, BA - Partner
Jonathan, a founding partner in zero one design and our database guru, has a degree in Pacific and Asian Studies and Political Science from the University of Victoria. He enjoys working in the fast-paced, ever-changing world of technology, but not nearly as much as he likes writing about himself in the third person. His background in communications, leadership and design is continually enhanced by ongoing education. Often the public face of Zero One Design, Jonathan has lived and worked in Asia, sharpening his sensitivity to cultural and communications issues.
» Michael Chorka, BSc - Partner
Michael Chorka brings a scientific mind and an athletic philosophy to Zero One. He has developed the critical thinking skills required for computer programming through training and hands-on work in the field since 1997. Like his favourite superhero Colossus, he values both physical and intellectual development: he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Guelph in Ontario and has had a positive influence on the people of Victoria by practicing kinesiology.
Associates
» Dave Freeman, BSc - Lead Developer
» Brendan Munro - Developer
Zero One maintains strong working relationships with associates that bring their knowledge and experience from a variety of backgrounds. Depending on the needs of particular projects and clients, translators, illustrators, writers and other experts are contracted. Zero One has developed a lasting working relationship with several of these associates.
» Marci Hotsenpillar of Zinc PR has twelve years experience in marketing communications and public relations with technology companies, government, arts and literary festival marketing, sports media, and publishing.
» Nicholas Tuele of Art of Art Consulting has worked in the cultural sector for over 20 years. His experience extends to government and public institutions, and he currently advises collectors, artists and institutions on matters of appraisal, research and conservation.
» Maleea Acker works in a variety of cultural, political and environmental sectors, writing and designing for government, non profits, arts organizations and her own publishing house. She has an MFA in Writing; her first book of poetry will appear in 2009 with Pedlar Press.
» Liz Crocker plans, designs and delivers educational and interpretive programs for parks and heritage organizations. She has a degree in archaeology and a post-baccalaureate diploma in cultural resource management. Her interest in connecting people to nature and culture is also expressed through research and writing.