ZEN Associates, Inc.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.