HISTORY
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A Zen Haus began as an answer to our father’s lifelong challenges with ADHD, a condition that, while it presented countless struggles, also gifted him with an extraordinary ability to hyperfocus and learn independently. For him, life with ADHD meant a constant battle to manage the daily tasks many people take for granted. These challenges meant that his success didn’t follow the traditional paths; instead, he forged his own, driven by an unwavering dedication to creating something meaningful.
From a young age, our father felt compelled to build—both to create functional spaces and to solve the unique issues he encountered in daily life. Without formal education, he tapped into his innate creativity and adopted a self-taught approach, mastering complex skills in construction, design, and architecture. This path, while unconventional, allowed him to develop an approach to home design that’s rooted in intentionality. Guided by his autodidactic nature, he discovered how purposeful design could simplify life’s challenges, creating spaces where even a restless mind could find calm.
A Zen Haus embodies this philosophy in its purest form. Our father’s vision transcends traditional homebuilding; it’s about crafting sanctuaries that serve as refuges from life’s distractions. The calm begins the moment you arrive, often before the home itself comes into view. Thoughtfully designed to complement the landscape, the exterior invites you forward, merging harmoniously with light, form, and surroundings. Inside, meticulously planned layouts and intentional design elements guide you effortlessly through the space, creating a natural flow that aligns seamlessly with movement. As he often says, “A well-designed space puts you on autopilot,” easing the body, mind, and spirit. This guiding principle shapes each of his homes, designed for those seeking a profound connection to nature and a lifestyle grounded in simplicity.
Our father has always been committed to a purpose beyond personal gain. While he could have prioritized financial success, he chose instead to make A Zen Haus a mission-driven venture focused on helping others find peace in their living spaces. He believes his purpose is to create homes that offer the same clarity and focus they have brought him, fostering environments that truly support well-being. This ethos has shaped his life’s work and is the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
His legacy, however, isn’t solely tied to A Zen Haus. Throughout his journey, our father has encouraged us to pursue formal education, hoping we’ll achieve things he couldn’t in the academic world. By fostering our opportunities, he envisions a future for us that’s unbound by the obstacles he faced. For him, true success isn’t measured by buildings or accolades but by the positive impact he leaves behind. As he often says, 'The truest measure of success is the good you leave behind for others'—beginning with us, his children, and extending to every person who finds solace in the spaces he’s designed and the spaces we now continue to create through A Zen Haus.
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A Zen Haus has a simple motto: "The perfect life begins with the perfect home".​
THE TEAM
Managing Partner: Ryan Vickery
After graduating from Vandegrift High School Ryan became a full-time student at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (UMHB) in Belton, Texas, Ryan is deeply involved in his community through Austin Baptist Church. Growing up alongside his father, he gained hands-on experience in real estate development. Ryan envisions collaborating on unique development projects with his younger brother Jacob, who aspires to graduate with a degree in Architecture.
Partner: Jacob Vickery
As a senior at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas, Jacob is the first student to take architecture courses for three consecutive years. He plans to attend college in the fall of 2025, aspiring to fulfill the architectural dreams shared by his father and grandfather. A talented artist with a strong collaborative spirit, Jacob excels in leading large-scale projects from concept to completion. His commitment to personal and professional growth is also reflected in his community service with Austin Baptist Church.
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Consultant: John Vickery
John has been involved in the design & construction industry since the early 1990's, collaborating with organizations like the USGBC, NKBA, and NAHB. He possesses a diverse skill set, including computer aided drafting using Vectorworks. As a consultant for A Zen Haus, he leverages his extensive knowledge to guide his sons through business complexities, and while he doesn’t manage daily operations, his insights and expertise are integral to the company’s vision and growth.
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Licenses & Certifications: Residential Contractor License, Commercial Drivers License, FAA Commercial sUAS Pilot, USGBC Certificates & more...
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Consultant: Rachel Vickery
Rachel is a graduate of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Medical Technology. After spending a decade in the medical field, she transitioned to a professional business role. Her experience in finance, accounting, and day-to-day operations for a multimillion-dollar company has been instrumental in shaping A Zen Haus into the thriving family business it is today.
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We proudly use the following products/services to design and build homes.
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