--- title: "ZEN Associates, Inc. — Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/zen-associates-inc-pfvwus-pf~1921484954 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1921484954.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "ZEN Associates, Inc." category: ["Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/61d3ea9b01a8bd9c_3949-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "10 Micro Dr., Woburn, Massachusetts 01810, United States" latitude: 42.6496 longitude: -71.1565 phone: "(800) 834-6654" website: http://zenassociates.com/ rating: 4 review_count: 8 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 221 last_updated: 2026-09-02 --- # ZEN Associates, Inc. Original Houzz profile: [ZEN Associates, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/zen-associates-inc-pfvwus-pf~1921484954) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers - **Location:** Woburn, MA - **Serves:** Boston, Cambridge, Newton, Brookline, Arlington, Salem, Andover, Lexington, North Andover, Gloucester, Wellesley, Belmont, Wakefield, Reading, Winchester, Marblehead, Sudbury, Concord, North Reading, Wayland, Lynnfield, Weston, Middleton, Georgetown, Boxford, Rockport, Groveland, Dover, Carlisle, Wenham, Cape Cod & the Islands, Chestnut Hill, Manchester by the Sea - **Houzz rating:** 4.0 out of 5 (8 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2024), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves ZEN Associates, Inc. is a Landscape Architectural and Interior Design firm that provides design and build services to homeowners, corporations and institutions that value our technical expertise and comprehensive approach to every aspect and detail of a project. Founded in 1980, we have grown to become a leader in contemporary landscape architecture while always maintaining our specialty in Japanese design. From conceptual and schematic design to construction, interior design and long-term maintenance, ZEN Associates is the choice for clients who appreciate distinctive environments that combine practical function and aesthetic appeal. ### Services Provided - Landscape Design - Hardscaping - Site Planning - Custom Fire Pits - Custom Water Features - Swimming Pool Design - 3D Rendering - Construction Drawings - Interior Design - Masonry - Master Planning - Outdoor Kitchens - Outdoor Lighting - Rooftop Gardens - Rooftops - Universal Design ### Areas Served - Boston - Cambridge - Newton - Brookline - Arlington - Salem - Andover - Lexington - North Andover - Gloucester - Wellesley - Belmont - Wakefield - Reading - Winchester - Marblehead - Sudbury - Concord - North Reading - Wayland - Lynnfield - Weston - Middleton - Georgetown - Boxford - Rockport - Groveland - Dover - Carlisle - Wenham - Cape Cod & the Islands - Chestnut Hill - Manchester by the Sea ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | ZEN Associates, Inc. | | Address | 10 Micro Dr., Woburn, Massachusetts 01810, United States | | Phone | (800) 834-6654 | | Website | http://zenassociates.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 221 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [ZEN Associates, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/zen-associates-inc-pfvwus-pf~1921484954) - **Website:** http://zenassociates.com/ - **Phone:** (800) 834-6654 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Boston Home Magazine Best of Landscape Design North, NorthShore Magazine's 'Best of North Shore' for Landscape Design, Pools and Water Features, New England Home's 5 Under 40 (2013)Boston Society of Landscape Architects - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2015–2024), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [American Society of Landscape Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/american-society-of-landscape-architects-pfvwus-pf~2014062207) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.0 out of 5 — 8 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 10.0 - Communication: 10.0 - Value: 10.0 ### All 8 reviews **★ — Anonymous, Dec. 2025** > Horrible. No work done despite promising things getting started quickly (over a year of waiting) and over charge for things that should be standard. Had to back out of our contract because prices were exorbitant and the fees kept piling on. We gave an initial payment for initial work/designs and then subsequently a deposit for materials and to start work. Because of their stagnation, we asked for a partial refund back two months later (prior to any work being done or items being ordered) because they made no movement on ordering anything or even putting in applications. > > It took us months and a lawyer to get any of our money back (and of course not all of it was returned). The owner (Peter) seemed like this wasn't his first rodeo to have this happen and clearly knows how to make his contracts difficult to break out of. **★★★★★ — Barnes Custom Builders, March 2019** > We have worked on a number of residential projects over the last few years with Zen and are constantly blown away by their incredible designs. They consistently create outdoor spaces that provide the homeowner with a place to entertain, relax, enjoy family and take in the natural surroundings on their property. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a professional and highly qualified landscape architect firm. **★★★★★ — SSG Pools & Spas, Inc., Jan. 2019** > We've worked with ZEN Associates on numerous projects across New England. Their vision and ability to expand upon customer's desires has made it possible for us to easily build unique and beautiful pools for their customers. Their staff has high end design skills with prompt attention to detail and honesty. **★ — romosio, April 2016** > We didn't move beyond "design services" with Zen. Good design, questionable business practices in our experience. Not the professionalism one would expect from a top notch firm. Timelines were consistently missed. And the company billed twice the agreed upon amount for "sketches". We made the mistake of trusting them and signing a design services contract with them. **Comment from ZEN Associates, Inc.:** > We are sorry that you had a bad experience. Your input, and the feedback from all of our clients is vitally important to us and we always want client expectations to be met. If you would like to call our office at 781.932.3700, we would be happy to discuss your concerns in detail. Thank you. **★★★★★ — smalt62, Oct. 2014** > Having been to Kyoto in the fall of 2013, I was inspired to imbue my small, city garden with the design features of a Japanese tea house and accompanying Zen garden. I discussed this goal with Peter White, reviewed photos of possible elements with him and approved a design plan that encompassed new structural and masonry features, renewal of garden soil. some plant replacement as well as preservation of several of the larger shrubs and trees and garden ornaments. We also designed new lighting and improved irrigation. Working in a small space where every square inch required attention in some form or another was challenging, but the team got it done within the deadline. My neighbors all commented on how polite and accommodating the crew was despite some heavy lifting and a lot of noise from stone cutting equipment. I love my new garden and after a few punch list items get finished we look forward to bringing a bit of the serenity of a Japanese garden into our city home. **★★★★★ — tfschneider, Sept. 2014** > Zen Associates did a fantastic job in transforming my yard from a mundane space to a lush paradise with really nice areas to gather with friends and family. They did an excellent job with rock settings around a beautiful patio and a copper/granite water feature. They also set some beautiful boulders around our fire pit area that actually make perfect places to sit. Peter White, who oversaw our project did a great job in selecting trees and bushes - there is always something in bloom in our backyard space. I highly recommend these guys. They are not cheap, but either is their work. **★★★★★ — Christine Tuttle Design, Sept. 2014** > I brought in Peter and the team at Zen to work on a project in 2013 in Wellesley, MA. Their designs were perfectly in keeping with the client's and the design team's wants yet they elevated the concept to the highest design level. Highly professional, responsive, reciprocal in the design process, it was a pleasure to work with them. **★★★★★ — Flavin Architects, March 2014** > Flavin Architects has worked with Peter White and his team at Zen Associates on four significant projects, ranging from a small urban garden in Boston's South End to a pool and pool house on Boston's North Shore. In addition to their specialty in Asian influenced design, they are also versatile designers, able to work in the modern idiom as well. Their design-build capability is a great strength, and I HIghly recommend them. ## Selected projects - [Farmhouse Reimagined](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/farmhouse-reimagined-pj-vj~7806405) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [River Views](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/river-views-pj-vj~7806390) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Along the Coast](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/along-the-coast-pj-vj~6303531) - Location: Wellfleet, MA - Photos: 12 - Description: High up on a bluff overlooking Wellfleet Harbor and the Cape Cod National Seashore we designed the clients program to include – swimming pool, spa, outdoor kitchen and bar area, multiple fire features, outdoor shower, and a relaxing lounge area protected from the elements. We were responsible for strategically navigating through a complex permitting process including conservation. We also had the pleasure of working with a dynamite team of subcontractors for the electrical, lighting and pool ins… - [Calm Reverie](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calm-reverie-pj-vj~7257143) - Location: Annapolis, MD - Photos: 12 - [Cool Pools](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cool-pools-pj-vj~246637) - Location: Rockport, MA - Photos: 30 - Description: A swimming pool can be a simple shell filled with water placed in the middle of a backyard. Or a swimming pool can be a sculptural element in the landscape that offers both practical enjoyment and visual beauty every day of the year. The most successful pools are those that solve all safety and practical concerns, while responding to the adjacent architecture, context of the site, and the surrounding landscape. The size and shape of the pool shell, color of the tile and finishes, lighting, and m… - [Outside Interests](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outside-interests-pj-vj~5541256) - Location: Brookline, MA - Photos: 13 - Description: This contemporary, elegant Brookline retreat was designed to create several different outdoor rooms for the client's very active family. The design uses a combination of complementary materials and textures such as stone, corten steel, layers of lush vegetation, lighting both functional and beautiful. The overall design includes a custom pool, waterfall feature, outdoor kitchen, heated dining area, fire pit, and chef's garden. - [Chic City Living](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chic-city-living-pj-vj~5633127) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 20 - Description: High Design meets High Tech in a Chic Boston Condo. Our clients didn’t just want an open layout with strong design elements; they also wanted every hint of clutter and technology banished behind closet and cabinet doors. We worked to balance the clean geometric lines of the open floor plan with the softness and warmth of natural materials to create a serene environment in the middle of busy Boston. Our use of materials included walls of walnut and mosaic stone, quartzite kitchen counters, and ri… - [Perfect Harmony](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/perfect-harmony-pj-vj~3153082) - Location: Tidewater, VA - Photos: 26 - Description: A serene, modern retreat forges a seamless connection to it's riverfront setting on the Chesapeake Bay. What we love about this project is that by designing both the interior and exterior it allows us to approach the design as one, creating a seamless flow in and out. The garden sets the tone for the house communicating both serenity and drama through its use of stone and water. The interior design reflects a contemporary Asian-inspired aesthetic appealing to the client's request for sleek, clea… - [City Rooftop Retreats](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/city-rooftop-retreats-pj-vj~5812691) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 15 - Description: These rooftop retreats high above the city provides the calm and serenity hard to find in the city. - [New England Poolscape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-england-poolscape-pj-vj~246432) - Location: Arlington, MA - Photos: 9 - Description: Rather than tearing down this New England farmhouse, the Owner was interested in restoring the building and creating a fun and dynamic pool and spa garden. The landscape architects worked with the architects to create interior spaces that extend out into the landscape, allowing for seamless travel between the spaces. The resulting house and garden maximize use of the spaces in all seasons - and offer a terrific venue for parties. The glacial pond upon which this house and garden sits was once th… - [Eastern Point Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eastern-point-retreat-pj-vj~246437) - Location: Gloucester, MA - Photos: 6 - Description: This contemporary pool, spa and pool house rest serenely upon Gloucester’s rocky shores, achieving the client’s dream of a retreat set apart from the main house, yet joined with nature. The owners of this coastal estate approached ZEN Associates to design a swimming pool, pool house and year-round spa for entertaining and exercising. Together, we explored different ways to integrate it all into the property, making sure that the new structures would blend seamlessly from the main house to pool h… - [Contemporary Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-estate-pj-vj~246420) - Location: Brookline, MA - Photos: 15 - Description: ZEN Associates is the landscape architect and landscape contractor for this modern and wonderfully detailed residential retreat, incorporating a lap pool, several spas, outdoor grill stations, tennis court, zip lines, music and more. A perfect space for living and entertaining all year round- all day and night! - [Modern Interior Design](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-interior-design-pj-vj~246486) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Contemporary Boston Unit](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-boston-unit-pj-vj~1211996) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 11 - Description: This chic, modern space is located 37 stories above the Boston city skyline. It's filled with rich materials, complex textures, and smooth transitions for a cohesive and luxurious space. - [Modern Residence, Boston MA.](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-residence-boston-ma-pj-vj~1212553) - Location: Boston, MA - Photos: 14 - Description: Filled with natural wood tones and complementary soft tone textiles. - [Japanese-Influenced Estate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-influenced-estate-pj-vj~246422) - Location: Clarks Summit, PA - Photos: 13 - [Japanese Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/japanese-gardens-pj-vj~246436) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Contemporary Ski House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-ski-house-pj-vj~2349579) - Location: Aspen, CO - Photos: 10 - [Weekend Escape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/weekend-escape-pj-vj~2349545) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Contemporary Florida Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-florida-home-pj-vj~2349570) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 [See all 28 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/landscape-architects-and-landscape-designers/zen-associates-inc-pfvwus-pf~1921484954) ## Ideabooks - [Highland Burke](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/180871138/list/highland-burke) — 49 ideas - [Sullivan](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164969397/list/sullivan) — 9 ideas - [Elspeth](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/143777599/list/elspeth) — 2 ideas - [Mark - pool building](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/125541982/list/mark-pool-building) — 7 ideas - [Cool Pools](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118460740/list/cool-pools) — 7 ideas - [Fire Features](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118428916/list/fire-features) — 7 ideas - [Rooftop Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110874209/list/rooftop-ideas) — 21 ideas - [Stone Wall materials](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59543493/list/stone-wall-materials) — 19 ideas - [Landscape Lights](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11755663/list/landscape-lights) — 8 ideas [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/zenassociates1) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-02.*