About Black Swan

We’re not your typical insurance brokerage... and that’s the point. At Black Swan Insurance Services, we specialize in insurance and risk management for architects and engineers.

That’s all we do, and we love it.

We believe in clarity over jargon, doing the right thing even when it’s hard, and making sure our clients actually understand their coverage. Because this work matters — to you, and to us.

Our Mission Our Vision Our Core Values

Our Mission

We care about people.
We do what’s right.
We take care of our team, and our team takes care of our clients.
We value simplicity and transparency.
We know growing a design firm is tough, reserved for the determined few.
We do the heavy lifting for our clients.
We fight every day for their dreams to become reality.

Our Vision

Our vision is to redefine insurance for architects and engineers—providing not just policies, but partnerships.

We aspire to be the trusted ally that firms rely on to protect their practice, anticipate challenges, and seize opportunities.

With clarity, integrity, and relentless dedication, we aim to elevate every client we serve, becoming the premier insurance brokerage and risk management partner for design professionals across the United States.

Our Core Values

Excellence for the Few - We only serve architects and engineers. We don’t aim to be right for everyone but to be perfect for those who share our values.
Simplicity & Transparency - Insurance can be complicated—we make it simple. We believe the truth works, even when it’s hard, and we’re not afraid to say what needs to be said.
Proactive Risk Management - We take pride in doing the heavy lifting for our clients, saving them time, money, and frustration. Risk management isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in their future success.
Integrity Over Profit - We’re proud of what we say no to, valuing ethical business over opportunistic gains. Greed has no place here.
Commitment to Our People - We over-invest in our team, offering exceptional training, benefits, and support. Our employees aren’t numbers—they’re partners in our mission.
Fighting for the Underdog - We know the deck is often stacked against architects and engineers, with constant pressures to cut corners or absorb blame. We fight every day to even the playing field and protect what matters most to them.
Preparation & Attention to Detail - Success isn’t an accident. We believe in extreme preparation, attention to detail, and relentless follow-through—qualities that set us apart.
Mutual Business Fit - We work with firms that believe what we believe. If a firm prioritizes price over partnership, they’re not the right fit for us—and that’s okay.

/ˈblak ˈswän/

An unpredictable event with potentially severe consequences; event is characterized by extreme rarity, severe impact, and the widespread insistence it was obvious in hindsight.

Our name was inspired by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a finance professor and former Wall Street trader, that wrote about the idea of a "black swan event" in reference to the financial crisis of 2008. We believe that effective risk management practices can offer Design Professionals protection if a black swan event were to occur.

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Meet Zach

As the founder of Black Swan, Zach Waters always ensures our clients are looked after. He takes the time to listen and make sure clients feel safe and secure with their insurance and risk management strategy.

He is an active Board Member of The Architectural Foundation of San Francisco, a non-profit with a mission to educate and empower young folks interested in a career as a Design Professional. He also hosts The Leadership Blueprint Podcast on the secrets to running a great design firm.

Zach lives with his wife and daughters in Northern California. He enjoys cycling and Crossfit and is a die-hard Cal football fan.