Karim Asarzadeh
Richmond, VA | (804) 803 -6175 | asarzadehk@vcu.edu |Linkedin.com/in/asarzadehk |Portfolio
Architectural & Interior Designer
Highly motivated designer with training in both architecture and interior design, and experience in residential projects. Brings a holistic design approach that integrates architectural thinking with interior design sensitivity.Passionate about hand sketching for visual thinking, concept development, and design communication. Skilled in :
• AutoCAD
• Revit
• SketchUp
Experience
• Space Planning
• Schematic Design
• Design Development
• Sketching (Award-Winning)
• 3D Modeling
• Visualization & Rendering
Interior Design Intern Feb 2025 – Aug 2025
Poole & Poole Architecture | Glen Allen, VA
• Developed interior design concepts for multifamily amenity spaces and residential units
• Assisted in design development, refining layouts, materials, and finishes
• Prepared presentation materials for internal reviews and client presentations
Entry -Level Architectural Designer April 2023 – July 2024
Sharestan Consultant Architects | Tehran, Iran
• Conducted site analysis and researched local building codes and design standards
• Developed conceptual and schematic designs for residential projects
• Refined designs during design development, updating layouts, finishes, and details
Education
MFA, Interior Design
Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA
Master’s Degree, Architecture
Art University of Isfahan | Isfahan, Iran
Bachelor’s Degree, Architecture
University of Guilan | Rasht, Iran
Awards & Honors
Expected May 2026
July 2018
Sep 2014
• Winner , AIA Richmond Alice Lehmen Sunday Prize (Freehand Sketch Category, 2025) – Recognized for excellence in graphic expression, conceptual sketching , and design thinking
• Winner , Architectural Record ’s Cocktail Napkin Sketch Contest (Student Category, 2025) – Awarded for creativity and quick hand sketching skill in architectural design
Lectures , Reviews & Workshops
• Guest Reviewer , Virginia Commonwealth University, Dep artment of Interior Design (2025) Critiqued graduate studio projects and provided design feedback
• Guest Lecturer , Virginia Commonwealth University, Dep artment of Interior Design (2024 –2025) Led sketching demonstrations, delivered lectures on color theory, and presented an overview of Persian architectural styles , from prehistory to the 18 th cen tury
Publications & Presentations
• Accepted Conference Presentation , “Interiors in Context: Influences and Collaboration,” Interior Design Educators Council (IDEC) Annual Conference, Chicago, IL (2026)
• Co -author , “An Investigation into the Impact of Daylight on the Perceived Color of Façade ,” Color Research & Application (2019). https://doi.org/10.1002/col.22344
Languages
• Persian (Native), English (Professional), French (Elementary)