Faust was architectural design director for the Zoological Society of San Diego for more than 30 years. In addition to hundreds of zoological related drawings and paintings, Faust’s innovative and unique designs for buildings, enclosures and exhibits helped place the architecture of both the San Diego Zoo and the Zoo’s Wild Animal Park (near San Pasqual) on the international scene. 

Charles Faust showing a concept for the Penguin House at the San Diego Zoo.

Faust is especially recognized for his planning and design of the Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, now known as Safari Park, His design is in an African motif, based on information gained after visiting several African nations to better understand the area’s architecture and culture. He also established the overall guiding principles for Safari Park. Unlike the San Diego Zoo, which is offered in a traditional zoo caged format, visitors at Safari Park are “corralled,” and the animals are free to roam.

The San Diego Zoo Safari Park used Faust's designs to make the most authentic visitor experience possible.

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