Zach Michell – Avana

Avana has emerged as a true leader in Saskatchewan’s rapidly evolving real estate landscape, which is known for its innovation, community impact, and remarkable growth. Since its founding in 2014, this female-led, family-owned company has revolutionized residential development across the province. With recognition on Canadian Business and Maclean’s prestigious Growth Lists in 2020 and 2023, Avana’s growth story is a testament to its commitment to excellence. Avana’s heart lies in its dedication to enriching communities. Closing in on close to one billion in assets under management, the company remains focused on purpose-driven initiatives, including affordable housing development and charitable giving.

At the forefront of Avana’s success is Zach Michell, the company’s director of planning and construction. Michell is a visionary leader who has had a powerful impact on the company and the communities it serves. Under his guidance, Avana has executed projects in Regina, Saskatoon and Edmonton, where he leads a team of nearly 30 professionals committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable housing solutions. Michell’s leadership ensures that Avana continues to set new standards for residential development while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

“Every project we take on is a chance to raise the standard for what a community can be. It’s exciting to be part of a team that’s not just building housing but creating opportunities for people to thrive,” Michell says.

Building communities one milestone at a time

Under Michell’s guidance, Avana consistently achieves remarkable milestones. The company nears completion of 1,000 housing units annually, a feat that underscores his strategic prowess and commitment to excellence.

One of Michell’s most notable accomplishments is the Westerra development in Regina. This ambitious 158-unit project exemplifies Avana’s mission to create communities that blend urban convenience with suburban tranquility. Strategically located in a high-growth area, Westerra offers diverse housing options, from cozy single-family homes to modern apartments. Enhanced by green spaces, retail hubs, and a nearby business park, Westerra is more than a residential development; it’s a lifestyle hub designed to help residents achieve the perfect balance of living, working and leisure.

Michell’s innovative approach significantly accelerated the project’s timeline, reducing construction time by nearly 50 percent. This success reflects Avana’s dedication to delivering quality housing efficiently and effectively.

Beyond Westerra, Michell has overseen five large-scale projects across Western Canada, each comprising over 150 units. These initiatives reflect Avana’s ability to manage a $400-million annual construction budget while maintaining its hallmark quality and sustainability standards. Avana’s growth trajectory includes expansions into Manitoba, Alberta, and potentially British Columbia, signaling an exciting chapter of increased market presence and community impact.

“Seeing a project come to life is incredibly rewarding, but what matters most is knowing we’re creating places where people can build their futures. That keeps me motivated to make every community we work on better than the last,” Michell says.

A leadership style rooted in values

Michell’s leadership philosophy aligns with Avana’s family-oriented and purpose-driven values. As a servant leader, he prioritizes his team’s well-being and professional growth. Michell fosters a supportive work environment, emphasizing work-life balance and empowering employees to excel. His efforts ensure that each team member feels valued, inspired and equipped to contribute to Avana’s vision of real estate as a force for good.

Recruiting and retaining top talent in the competitive construction industry is no small task, yet Michell has implemented strategies to overcome these challenges. He ensures his team remains motivated and engaged by aligning hiring practices with Avana’s mission, investing in employee development, and cultivating a collaborative culture.

Michell’s impact at Avana extends beyond construction sites. His ability to navigate the complexities of rapid growth while maintaining the company’s high standards has been pivotal. Leveraging advanced project management tools, cloud-based platforms, and emerging AI technologies, Michell has streamlined operations, enhanced efficiency, and enabled his team to focus on creating exceptional communities.

Michell is enthusiastic about Avana’s ambitious plans for 2025 and beyond, including the company’s largest Westerra project to date. With a vision to positively impact the lives of over 100,000 people by 2030, Avana, under Michell’s leadership, continues to redefine residential development in Saskatchewan and beyond.

A passion for construction from a young age

Michell’s passion for planning and construction began in his university summers, where he worked with his uncle in the construction industry. While studying business at the University of Regina, these hands-on experiences sparked his interest in residential and commercial development, setting the stage for his career.

After graduation, Michell launched his own homebuilding company and later expanded into commercial and real estate development, focusing on revitalizing underused buildings. This work transformed spaces and helped businesses thrive, which he finds incredibly rewarding.

In March 2022, Michell joined Avana as a senior project manager, bringing years of experience and a fresh perspective. His leadership quickly gained recognition, and by February 2024, he was promoted to director of planning and construction. In this role, Michell oversees projects focusing on innovation and collaboration, combining technical expertise with a human-centered approach.

Outside of work, Michell is a proud husband and father of two daughters. His discipline, teamwork, and resilience, honed through his university years as a high-level basketball player with a full sports scholarship, continue to influence his professional success. His family and passions drive him to lead purposefully and inspire those around him.

“Working in construction has always been about solving challenges and seeing the results come to life. From revitalizing spaces to creating new communities, every project is a chance to build something that matters,” Michell says.