The Riza Living Story
The Riza Living was born from a deep desire for originality and an insistence that spaces should feel as personal as the lives lived within them. Founded in Lagos, Nigeria, our studio began as a passion before it became a practice. Fascinated by beautiful objects, thoughtful arrangements, and the quiet power of intentional design shaped our philosophy long before our first client. Creativity expressed itself through many forms. We were always creating foods, bags, or objects shaped by form and detail guided by an instinct for beauty, balance, and intention. That instinct naturally extended into spaces. We began designing personal sanctuaries, because we believe design begins with how you choose to live.
At The Riza Living, we saw a gap. Too many spaces felt rushed, or disconnected from the people they were meant to serve. We felt the need to offer something different: Designs rooted in authenticity, wellness, and cultural depth spaces that restore the body, calm the mind, and reflect the soul. Today, The Riza Living stands as a studio redefining African luxury for a global audience. Our work bridges Africa and the world, honoring craftsmanship while embracing modernity. Every space we design is a one-of-one expression never repeated, never generic, always intentional. We are here to create living legacies. At The Riza Living, we believe a space is more than walls and furniture it is a story waiting for the right voice. We design spaces that speak. Spaces that whisper culture, celebrate identity, honour craftsmanship, and elevate the human experience.
Whether shaping private residences, penthouses, boutique hospitality destinations, or commercial spaces, each project is conceived as a distinctive expression of the people, stories, and experiences it is meant to serve. Our approach is defined by precision, intention, and a deep understanding of how thoughtful design transforms the way people live, work, and feel. Every project is guided by originality, wellness, and emotional resonance because beauty alone is never enough. With a growing presence across the continent and beyond, The Riza Living is redefining luxury for a new generation intentional, soulful, and deeply personal. We are more than a design studio. We are a movement of inspired living.
Zoe Iyebutemeh
Mission Statement
To redefine African interior design on a global stage by creating one-of-one spaces that are timeless, authentic, and deeply meaningful. Rooted in craftsmanship and cultural resonance, our work nurtures wellbeing, celebrates identity, and transforms the way people live, feel, and connect with their environments.
About the Founder
The Riza Living is guided by the creative vision of Zoe Iyebutemeh, a designer driven by originality, emotional depth, and care for how people live. Every space is approached as a personal journey thoughtfully shaped to ease living, restore balance, and feel deeply human. With an intuitive eye for proportion, texture, and form, Zoe leads the studio in creating environments that feel both elevated and grounded.
Guided by a multidisciplinary creative background including formal culinary training and experience in bag design Zoe’s approach to interiors is deeply informed by craft, materiality, and process. Her work is driven by the belief that design is not decoration, but a powerful tool for wellness, peace, and self-expression.
Equally important is her commitment to growth. Zoe remains a student of design, continually learning, expanding her field, and refining her craft with curiosity and intention, believing that excellence is a practice, not a destination.
Through The Riza Living, she leads a collaborative studio of designers, artisans, and craftsmen, delivering spaces that feel elevated, human, and enduring.
Committed to continual growth and learning, Zoe views design as an evolving practice one rooted in care, originality, and intentional living.
The Workforce
This allows us to deliver seamless, well-executed projects grounded in collaboration and excellence.