Long-time builder Zak Parpia of Himalaya Homes joined the Building Industry Association of Washington (BIAW) Hall of Fame during a special ceremony on Nov. 11, 2025.

“For decades, Zak Parpia has championed affordable housing and strengthened the communities where Washington families live, work and thrive,” said BIAW 2025 President Kent Arola. “BIAW proudly celebrates Zak’s Hall of Fame induction and the extraordinary contributions he has made to our industry and our state.”

Born and raised in Bombay, Parpia discovered his passion for building while working summers for his uncle, an architect. Frustrated by corruption in India’s construction industry, he moved to the US to pursue new opportunities. He earned his master’s degree from Washington State University in just two semesters, writing a thesis on the critical path method for home construction and gaining hands-on experience on Spokane jobsites.

After graduating in 1976, Parpia managed RC Construction in Spokane, growing it into the area’s largest home builder. In 1979, he founded Himalaya Homes, launching a lifelong commitment to building high-quality, affordable housing for first-time buyers. His company’s model—maintaining close, long-term relationships with homeowners—reflects his belief that affordability and quality can coexist and that builders help shape lasting communities.

Parpia quickly became a respected industry leader and one of the association's top membership recruiters, serving as president for the Spokane Home Builders Association (SHBA) in 1983, BIAW in 1986, and Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish County (MBAKS) in 1997—making him the only person known to have led all three associations. A two-term member of the Washington State Building Code Council and a Rotarian since 1982, Parpia’s influence extends beyond construction into civic leadership and philanthropy.

Recognized as Builder of the Year by the SHBA, BIAW, and MBAKS, Parpia’s legacy includes pioneering work in affordable housing, transformative leadership within BIAW, and a commitment to strengthening both the industry and the communities it serves. With decades of service, he has inspired builders across the state, expanded association membership, and helped elevate the public image of the homebuilding profession.

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