DESIGN PORTFOLIO
Architecture & Interior Design By
Karim Asarzadeh
About Me
My name is Karim Asarzadeh, and I am an MFA Interior Design candidate at Virginia Commonwealth University. I already hold bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture and have hands-on experience in residential design.
With my background in architecture and current studies in interior design, I bring a holistic design perspective to my work. My foundation in architecture shapes how I think about space, form, and context, while studying interior design has deepened my understanding of materiality, user experience, and the human scale.
Sketching is a central part of my design process. I use it to explore and communicate design ideas, especially in the early stages of design. It allows me to think visually, iterate quickly, and refine concepts without being limited by digital tools. Additionally, I am skilled in AutoCAD, Revit, and SketchUp.
Table of Contents
Concept Sketches for Multifamily Residential Projects
During my time at Poole & Poole Architecture (2PA) in Glen Allen, VA, I was involved in the conceptual design phase of several multifamily residential projects. As part of this process, I created a series of sketches to explore how these projects could enhance the quality of life for residents while also engaging with their surroundings. The ideas included stepped terraces that capture more daylight and provide outdoor space, courtyards and stairways that promote social interaction, and public edges that connect the project with the neighborhood. Together, these sketches demonstrate various ways in which design can strengthen the relationship between architecture, community, and urban life.
Stepped Terrace Buildings
Urban Courtyard and Social Stairway
The Public Corner
Connected Courtyards
Through these studies, I explored how multifamily housing can create not only homes, but also places where community life can happen. They show how early design moves can help buildings become part of the larger city.
“ ”
Together let us desire, conceive, and create the new structure of the future.
- Walter
Gropius
Mid-Century ModernStyle Leasing Office 02
Location: Richmond, VA
Firm: Poole & Poole Architecture (2PA)
Year: Summer 2025
Type: Professional Project - Multifamily Residential, Interior Design
Role: Concept Design, Design Development, 3D
Modeling, Presentation Drawings
Software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape
Description: This leasing office was designed in a mid-century modern style, highlighting clean lines and a warm, inviting atmosphere. The space features wood flooring in a warm tone, wood panels that add texture, and sculptural pendant lights that serve as focal points. Mid-century modern furniture was carefully selected to create a sense of levitation, giving the pieces a light and floating appearance.
Mood Board - Mid-Century Modern Style
Leasing Area
Leasing Area
Front Desk / Reception
Corridor
Coffee Bar
Industrial-Style Clubhouse 03
Location: Nashville, TN
Firm: Poole & Poole Architecture (2PA)
Year: Summer 2025
Type: Professional Project - Multifamily Residential, Interior Design
Role: Concept Design, Design Development, 3D
Modeling, Presentation Drawings
Software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape
Description: This clubhouse was designed in an industrial style, with spaces arranged around a central courtyard that brings in natural light, greenery, and outdoor views. The clubroom and fitness room face the swimming pool to take advantage of poolside views, while the lobby, mailroom, and restrooms are located along the street side for convenience. The design features concrete floor tiles, exposed brick walls, and a coffered ceiling with a dark metallic finish. Lighting fixtures with dark metal accents were chosen to highlight the industrial character of the space.
SW 7069 Iron Ore
SW 6062 Vintage Leather
SW 6402 Antiquity
SW 7017 Dorian Gray
SW 7015 Repose Gray
SW 7006 Extra White
Mood Board - Industrial Style
Leasing Area / Lobby
Staff Break room
Mailroom
Kitchenette
Game Room
Traditional-Style Clubhouse 04
Location: Richmond, VA
Firm: Poole & Poole Architecture (2PA)
Year: Summer 2025
Type: Professional Project - Multifamily Residential, Interior Design
Role: Concept Design, Design Development, 3D
Modeling, Presentation Drawings
Software: AutoCAD, SketchUp, Enscape
Description: This clubhouse was designed in a traditional style, with a layout that emphasizes symmetry and organizes spaces by function. Restrooms, MEP, and storage closets are placed together, while the pool equipment room and staff breakroom are located side by side for efficiency. In the Great Room, wainscoting highlights the grand scale, paired with warm wood flooring. Carpet is used in the Game Room and corridor to create a softer, quieter feel. The design balances harmony and variety by using different lighting fixtures for each space, while keeping a consistent traditional style throughout.
Mood
SW 6243 - Distance
SW 6186 - Dried Thyme
SW 2837 - Aurora Brown
SW 7509 - Tiki Hut
SW 7533 - Khaki Shade
SW 7008 - Alabaster
Board - Traditional Style
Great Room
Kitchenette
Seating Lounge
Game Room
Staff Break Room
Game Room
Adaptive Reuse of Haxall Hydroelectric Power Plant
Location: Richmond, VA
School: Virginia Commonwealth University
Year: Spring 2025
Type: Academic Studio Project - Adaptive Reuse, Architecture, Interior Design
Role: Concept Design, Design Development, 3D
Modeling, Presentation Drawings
Software: Revit, Enscape
Description: This studio project reimagines the historic Haxall Hydroelectric Power Plant on Brown’s Island in Downtown Richmond, VA, as a cultural and social hub for the community to gather, enjoy riverfront views, and experience local art and events. A new structure is introduced inside the existing building, set back to preserve the character of both old and new. Inspired by the smokestack’s octagonal plan, octagonal forms are repeated throughout the design to create visual harmony. The rhythm of the original structure is also reflected in the landscaping through repeating water features and planters, connecting the old and new together.
Entrance Wheelcair Ramp
Canal Walk
Stepped Planters
Canal Walk
Entryway to the Canal Walk
Outdoor Market
Lobby and Performance Platform
View of Skylight from Below
Gallery Spaces
Modern Multifamily Residential Project with Vernacular Influence
Location: Rasht, Guilan Province, Iran
School: University of Guilan
Year: Spring 2014
Type: Academic Studio Project - Multifamily Residential, Architecture
Role: Concept Design, Design Development, Presentation Drawings
Software: AutoCAD
Description: This undergraduate final project, completed in Spring 2014, is a modern multifamily residential design located in Rasht, northern Iran. The project was developed through a step-by-step form-making process to create unity, order, and balance. Separate buildings are arranged around a central courtyard, providing private outdoor space, a connection to nature, and opportunities for community interaction. The courtyard also offers visual and spatial relief from the dense urban surroundings.
Regional Building Traditions
Opposite:
Vernacular Buildings in Northern Iran
Source: Rainer, R. (1977). Traditional building in Iran. Graz: Akademische Druck und Verlagsanstalt.
The project takes inspiration from the local architecture of northern Iran, using elements that reflect its character and climate. It incorporates materials that blend with the environment, pitched roofs suited for heavy rainfall, and features like loggias, terraces, balconies, and exterior staircases that support outdoor living. Traditional building methods, such as timber foundations, are also used to respond to challenges like humidity and flooding.
Design Intent
This project was designed to be inclusive for people of all income levels, offering a mix of townhouses, duplex apartments, high-rise units, and penthouses. An underground parking garage was added to make better use of the land and remove the need for surface parking. This not only improves pedestrian safety by keeping cars off the street level but also gives residents convenient access to their homes.
(804)
asarzadehk@vcu.edu
LinkedIn.com/in/asarzadehk
