ANIMAL HABITAT DESIGN POWERED BY NEUROARCHITECTURE SHAPED FOR AGENCY
New facilities, upgrades, and master plans that give animals agency. I work with zoos, sanctuaries, rewilding parks, veterinary clinics, and private owners.
I’ll reply personally within 24 hours.
Animal architect with a science-based method
Animal Space Design is an animal centred studio that brings animal agency, neuroarchitecture, and sensory design into one clear project system.
The method is designed to improve animal habitats, reduce operational risk, and create parks that respond to everyone’s needs.
The method
Animal agency: Habitats designed for choice, control, movement, retreat, and regulation, with built in enrichment.
Neuroarchitecture: A science-led approach that designs for the animal and human nervous system to reduce stress and support calmer routines.
Sensory design: Shaping light, sound, materials, and living landscapes to reduce overstimulation, with orientation guided by symbols, history, and folklore.
I’m Nadia Riley.
Founder of Animal Space Design (formerly HAZKOBA) for over nine years.
My work is focused exclusively on animal architecture. My background is in History of Art and Architecture, with additional grounding in animal law, but the real expertise comes from years working in the sector and delivering projects internationally across different climates, standards, and constraints.
Projects have included gorillas, lions, tigers, polar bears, horses, and many other species, from master plans for rewilding parks to build-ready designs for zoos and veterinary clinics.
I take projects from early ideas through to construction, working with you, your team, zoological consultants, and builders to make sure the design works in real life.
When we work together, you work directly with Nadia Riley from start to finish, with every conversation, decision, and site visit led personally.
Quick Facts
years of
experience
international collaborations
delivered
projects
What guides my work
Animal agency, not just aesthetics
Safety and clear workflows for teams
Science led design using neuroarchitecture
Custom solutions, not templates
Direct collaboration from start to finish
Honest timelines and transparent communication
Creating habitats that work for animals and people
My Purpose
Create animal habitats where agency, safety, and clarity are built in from the start.
My Mission
Plan and design facilities and master plans that improve daily care.
My Vision
Animal parks designed with real species knowledge, clear operations, and respect.
What you’ll gain when we work together
Layouts that make keeper work easier and increase animal agency from day one.
Master plans that help secure funding, gain approvals, and set clear direction for years.
Documents delivered on time, easy to understand, and ready to share with boards, investors, and construction teams.
Why choose a specialist in animal architecture?
Most architects design for humans. I design for both.
Animals and the people who share their world.
What makes this different:
Built for the species
Every habitat is designed around what the animal actually needs.
Works for your team
Easy keeper routes, good sightlines, safety designed in.
Connects visitors to animals
People see and connect with the animals without stressing them out.
Backed by research
Every choice is based on animal behavior and science, not guesswork.
Thoughtful solutions
Years of focus means I know what works and what fails.
You work with me directly
No handoffs. I'm with you start to finish.
Trusted by teams who put animals first
“Nadia’s concept designs were of a high standard and were exactly what we required to proceed with our projects. In our experience, we have found Ms Riley to be well connected in the zoo world, efficient and prompt in the production of her promised work, and as such I would have no hesitation in recommending her to any prospective clients who wish to engage her.”
________
MARIUSZ LECH
Head of Zoology, Batu Secret Zoo
Ready to start a project that truly works for your animals, your team, and your visitors?
Let's talk about your goals, and how I can help. You'll speak with me directly.
I reply within 24 hours and we'll find a time that works for both of us.