Zen Architects — Garden Design in Richmond, VIC

We engaged Zen to renovate our 1920s weatherboard bungalow. Our brief was to create spaces for our family to come together, to enhance our connection to the outdoors and to make better use of natural light. We liked quality workmanship, an earthy feeling and eco-friendly design. Luke and Meagan instinctively understood what we were going for. They were highly creative in their use of space and light, and had outstanding attention to detail. They created an extension to the home composed of rammed earth, polished concrete, spotted-gum and copper cabinetry and north-facing glazing. We were building in a post-COVID period where costs were skyrocketing. Sadly, our first builder went under. Ric and Luke helped us find a new, trusted builder to complete the project. We are now about six months into life in our new home. We love the feel of the materials and the flow of the spaces. The family does naturally come together and meet in the shared living spaces. We enjoy being able to open the entire back of the home on a pleasant day (even in winter), and we do really feel like we are living in the garden. Thanks for a terrific result!

Oct 2025

Ric, Luke and Katerina worked with us to create the most amazing home that we couldn’t be happier with. The communication & collaboration was excellent, and made the whole process very easy. Our Zen home is so unique and a joy to live in, and really captures the best elements of where it sits in the landscape: the sunlight, the views to the garden and trees, the way the house is heated and cooled through the sun and the breeze. We’ve hardly turned on a heater in winter, or used the air-conditioning. It’s a super stylish and super clever house. Absolutely recommend the team to create something special. Thank you! Luci & John

Oct 2025

In 1990 we were introduced to modern architecture by Tom Paciocco and RicZen, resulting an award winning home for our family. Way before sustainable design was a trend and necessity, Ric is already in the forefront of this concept. Using this knowledge, he built us another award winning home in 2000. In collaboration with our shopfitters, his contribution to the brand experience inspired many to follow. In business, we have dealings with many architects. Our experience with other building projects gives us an even greater appreciation of the passion and enthusiasm that Ric has put into each project. He has just finished an extension and renovation for our daughter. The extra effort, patience, and time he willingly dedicated to ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the project certainly made this project an outstanding achievement. Ric has delivered more than we have imagined…..ZEN. No picture or word can adequately convey the ambient of this space. Unsurprisingly, we are in the process of working together for another project – our retirement.

Sept 2025

I would highly recommend Zen architects. They worked with us to merge 2 single fronted terrace houses into 1 large family home, taking into consideration heritage overlays and council restrictions. Luke was great to deal with, always approachable and collaborative, offering ideas and solutions to ensure an end result that is unique and a complete pleasure to live in.

Sept 2025

We have used Zen Architects 3 times over the last 20years. First was to do an extension to our home in Northcote. They were able to create great flexible living spaces that maximised the use of controlled natural light as the seasons changed. They offered creative design options and would listen and collaborate to get the best outcome within budget. After our first renovation we got them back to design a 2 Storey studio to accommodate our changing family needs - again a great success incorporating sustainable design and clever, artistic use of tight spaces. We also got them to design a veterinary clinic which is the first vet clinic to be certified carbon neutral in Australia. I would have no hesitation in recommending them for your new build or renovation.

Sept 2025