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studio

the zma story

The practice was founded in 2017 by Zara Moon and Paul Beneduce who brought together the skills of a Chartered Architect and a luxury property developer to form ZMA.

Our office base is in Whalley, Lancashire with our projects being predominantly across the Ribble Valley, Pendle, Greater Manchester and beyond.

We are a small boutique practice with a unique set-up – we all work on every project together as 1 team which allows us to work efficiently and to everyone’s individual strengths creating a strong team work environment. Being a small studio allows us to provide a highly bespoke and personal service to our clients, when we are able to create unique schemes individually tailored to our client’s needs.

we are passionate straight-talking northerners who care about your project as much as you do.

who works on your project

find out more about each of us by reading our full bio.

zara moon
architect director
paul beneduce
managing director
robyn pilling
associate architect
isabella robinson
architectural assistant

why would you choose to work with us?

1

we care

2

specialists in sensitive sites

3

planning success rate of 96%

4

unique combination of in-house expertise

5

full team on your project working with you collaboratively

what planning officers say about our projects…

“The proposal incorporates an attractive design which has commendable architectural merit and is befitting of a rural setting with its effective us of materials and form. The style and use of the surrounding topography ensures that it is a subtle addition to the landscape. Officers have given great weight to the quality and innovation which can raise the bar for design in the area.”

Planning Officer – The Cedar HouseHyndburn Council

“An application that meets all of our policies as the planning officer states, has got a design which is well thought through, no issues whatsoever – I think the design is fantastic for that area and we have to look at more modern and contemporary properties – not everybody wants a nice red brick house with some render and some dormers on the roof.”

Planning Committee Councillor - The CroftChorley Council

“It has been very refreshing to deal with something with stellar architectural merit, so kudos there!””

Planning Officer – The Cedar HouseHyndburn Council

“Contemporary high quality and sustainable design is commended, and I acknowledge that your practice is well regarded in delivering on this.””

Planning Officer – Howorth HouseBurnley Council

“Overall, the proposal would conserve the landscape and scenic beauty of the area. It would not conflict with the relevant development plan and national policies.”

Planning Officer – Blacko Bar RoadPendle Borough Council

“The design is an acceptable one and the use of matching materials would ensure that the extensions blend in with the original dwellinghouse. Whilst the proposed extensions are large they will replace other similar sized extensions with the exception of the rear two storey projection and rear terrace which will provide level access to the lower level garden space and would not be overly prominent or excessive given the extent of the original property.”

Planning Officer – White HillRibble Valley Council

“The proposed development would accord with Local Planning Policy and would be compliant with the guidance set out in the Framework. The development therefore complies with the development plan. There is a positive presumption in favour of approving the development and there are no material reasons to object to the application.”

Planning Officer – Gisburn RoadPendle Council

“The site is within a remote area of open countryside, though outside the AONB. On plan the replacement Higher Newfield Edge appears large, but a proportion of the ground floor will be subterranean with a grass roof, and whilst modern the frontage will be fairly modest in its design and respect the vernacular. It is considered that overall, the impact will not be significant or harmful. Following discussions with the architect, visualisations were provided which demonstrate the impact and it is considered that it will not have a detrimental impact on the landscape and the replacement dwelling will incorporate various eco-friendly design features.”

Planning Officer – Higher Newfield EdgeRibble Valley Council

“I am satisfied that the proposal scheme represents acceptable development that is neither harmful to the character of the host property, the amenity of neighbouring residents or the character of the surrounding street scene and therefore complies with the local plan policies.”

Planning Officer – Valley RoadNorth East Derbyshire District Council

“Notwithstanding that the site is within the Countryside, the proposed development will be immediately adjacent to the Urban Boundary and make a small, but useful, contribution towards meeting the housing needs of the Borough in a sustainable location. Subject to the conditions, the proposal will not detract to an unacceptable extent from the Goodshaw Fold Conservation Area, visual and neighbour amenity or highway safety.”

Planning Officer – Goodshaw FoldRossendale Borough Council

“It is considered that the principle of development is acceptable, and the proposal will not harm the purposes or openness of the Green Belt, the character and appearance of the area, nor will it detrimentally impact the amenity of neighbours or the highway network. The development is in accordance with the relevant policies of Bolton's Core Strategy, the guidance contained within SPD General Design Principles and the NPPF.”

Planning Officer – BowstoneBolton Council

“In considering the proposal, a wide range of material considerations have been taken into account to inform a balanced recommendation that is considered to demonstrate compliance with the aims and objectives of the Local Development Plan and the NPPF.””

Planning Officer – The Woodland HouseBurnley Borough Council

“The proposed additions/extensions, whilst giving the property a more modern feel with the glazing and timber cladding, are not so dominant that they would detract from the character and appearance of the existing house and surroundings. The proposal complies with the development plan and would improve the economic, social and environmental conditions of the area. It therefore comprises sustainable development.”

Planning Officer – Two Brooks LaneBury Council

what our clients say about working with us…

“Thank you for everything that you and the team have done and continue doing for us. We want you to know we really appreciate all your hard work.”

Andy & SamanthaGisburn Road, Blacko

“It really has been a pleasure to work with Zara Moon Architects on the recent changes we have made to our home…From initially tasking them to work on a number of new concepts to our Farm House we have been amazed at the designs presented to us. Working with a demanding brief and a limited area to create our dream concept they managed to overcome some of these areas and create different options of space in keeping with our property style. The process of planning also went a lot smoother than we anticipated due to the professional guidance from Zara. What a difference it has made to our family life. The new open space has created a whole new way of living and given us an area we can as a family all enjoy together.  The design has also given us the added luxury to connect the indoor/outdoor space perfectly.  We really couldn’t have asked for a more beautifully designed space to add to our home!”

Emma & Anthony WhiteheadStoops Farm, Whalley Banks

“ZMA produced the designs for the redevelopment of our family farm and our dream home. Zara and her team were amazing, so welcoming, patient and really listened to what we wanted. Through the process they created a scheme that was inventive and in keeping of the original buildings and their heritage. I could not recommend Zara and her team highly enough, they have taken our vision and made it 10 times better.”

Liz CummingsBrockhall Farm, Old Langho

“ZMA created an absolutely stunning design for our 'forever' home. They listened carefully to our design brief and ticked every box, exceeding our hopes and expectations.”

Paul RobinsonBoundary House, Hawkshaw

“Personal service, detailed and knowledgeable planning strategy and application assistance.”

Christine & Ian WinstanleySlack Laithe Farm, Trawden

“We were struggling to reimagine the space in our farmhouse renovation and had a wish list of elements we wanted for modern living. Zara, and her team, listened to our requirements and understood how we want to utilise the space in our home. We now have a home that incorporates our wish list, is practical, flows beautifully, looks amazing and is perfect for a growing family. I would not hesitate to recommend Zara Moon Architects. I felt like they really cared about our project as much as us and the finished plans were everything that we had hoped for, and more.”

Rachel FinlayCocker Hill Farm, Foulridge

“We are delighted to have been granted planning permission, thank-you. This will enable us to modernise and re-configure our home to a layout which will far better serve our family’s needs and wants, whilst staying right in the heart of the city we love. The team at ZMA have transformed our home into an beautiful property which will enhance Abbey Avenue.”

Philip & Lucy NealAbbey Avenue, St Albans

“Working with ZMA has been a pleasure from our first phone call.   Just a few phone calls and a site visit to our house later, and the team knew exactly what Laura & I were looking to achieve.  Planning was all managed seamlessly by Zara. I have already have recommended Zara and would 100% do so again. Thanks Zara and team.”

Sam JoyceValley Road, Dronfield

“ZMA are highly professional, truly listen and communicate, have impeccable standards, tremendous creativity and fantastic ideas. They are personable and responsive - What set them apart from other professionals we spoke to was their sheer enthusiasm for what we wanted to achieve with our full renovation project. This outcome will be down to ZMA’s fabulous architectural expertise coupled with their very strong desire to work collaboratively with their clients on their requirements.”

Ferndale Avenue, Whitefield

“Talented young Architect team”

Brian Newman

“ZMA worked closely with us to blend our ideas with their design skills and inspiration, which evolved throughout the design period. Even when we faced changes in our family circumstances, they ensured our new house was future proof. The final design has fulfilled our specification to make the best use of space, views and natural light. Their professional and friendly approach made them standout.”

James and Fiona TremlettFall Bank Barn, Helmshore

“ZMA was recommended to us by a friend and we are really pleased we chose Zara Moon Architects for our project. We have found them to be great communicators, they listened to what we wanted which was complimented with their own ideas and together we arrived at a design we were really happy with. We were impressed with how smoothly the planning permission process was handled. The project plans were excellent in quality, it has also been great to see the team and our contractors collaborating so well. The team have been a pleasure to work with, we have no hesitation in recommending Zara Moon Architects.”

Alex and Jane RaymondHolcombe Road, Greenmount

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