Motivated and detail-oriented architecture graduate with a passion for sustainable design and energy modeling. Shaped by cultural experiences in Iran, Armenia, and the U.S., I am dedicated to creating inclusive, humancentered spaces that foster well-being and environmental stewardship. Proficient in Revit and Rhino, I continuously explore new tools and methods to enhance my expertise in the Schematic Design and Design Development phases.
Master of Architecture | Iowa State University | Ames, IA Bachelor of Architecture | Azad University(Central Tehran Branch) | Tehran, Iran
EXPERIENCE
Research Assistant | Building Energy, Ventilation and Daylight Analysis | Iowa State University | Ames, IA
Aug 2023–May 2025
Sep 2017–Feb 2022
Aug 2023–Present
• Contribute to the IEDA Des Moines School Ventilation Project as a research assistant, analyze data and generate reports to improve air quality and lighting conditions in 6 schools, potentially impacting the health and learning outcomes of 10,000+ students.
• Integrate CFD data from the Mechanical Engineering team on diffusers and inlets with our energy, glare, and ventilation simulations to compare alternatives such as upgrading wall insulation or adding shading devices versus replacing diffuser motors.
• Coauthor a paper for the ASHRAE Conference, titled ‘Impact of Increased Ventilation Rates in Classrooms on Energy Usage and System Functionality in a Midwest Climate,’ scheduled for presentation in September 2025.
• Develop and evaluate thermal, glare, and daylight energy models for 6 Des Moines schools using Climate Studio in Rhino, achieving a potential 20% reduction in energy consumption while optimizing ventilation and maximizing natural daylight access in classrooms.
• Pioneer novel material layering approaches for building envelopes, leading to a potential 20% reduction in energy loss for walls, roofs, and floors compared to traditional construction methods.
Library Stacks Assistant | Iowa State University | Ames, IA
Jun 2024–Oct 2024
• Work in the stacking management section of the Iowa State Library, handle shelving, shifting, and transitioning books according to the call number system.
• Locate requested pages from books stored in the campus storage building, scan the selected sections, and prepare the files for electronic delivery to clients.
Teaching Assistant | Revit and AutoCAD Coaching/Practice | Iowa State University | Ames, IA
Jan 2024–May 2024
• Contribute to the Revit modeling of the iconic 150 North Riverside Business Center in Chicago, IL, as part of a base model for student use in the class, achieving an accuracy of 80%.
• Leverage my growing expertise in AutoCAD and Revit to offer in-classroom peer tutoring, support fellow students and hone my own teaching and communication skills. Regularly assist over 40 students in tackling software challenges, fostering a collaborative learning environment.
Architectural Intern | SD & DD for a House(Villa) | Four Architecture Studio | Tehran, Iran
Aug 2021–Jan 2022
• Design and 3D model a vacation villa in Damavand, Iran, from initial sketches to constructible drawings. Create over 10 detailed drawings in Revit and Rhino to ensure clear communication and efficient construction.
• Enhance clear communication with clients by providing thorough site analysis and initial design proposals, accelerating project progress by 60% within a 3-member team.
• Excel in creatively tackling complex design challenges, such as space constraints, historic building extensions, and interior design considerations.
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Live English to Persian Interpreter | Walsall Eclessia | Walsall, UK(Remote)
Oct 2020–Mar 2022
• Bridge language barriers for Iranian immigrants in the UK by providing live consecutive and simultaneous interpretation during online English classes at Walsall Ecclesia.
• Facilitate effective communication between instructors and students to ensure clarity and engagement in lessons.
• Empower immigrants by supporting their academic success and integration into the community.
WORKSHOPS AND COURSES
Design Optimization with Kangaroo in Grasshopper | Prof: M. Esmaielbeigi | Online
From Sustainability to Regeneration | ETH Zürich | Online
Renewable Energy Projects | University of Colorado Boulder | Online
Parametric Modeling in Grasshopper | Prof: M.Esmaielbeigi | Online
PROFESSIONAL ENGAGEMENTS
Shaping the Next Generation of Passive House Tools | Passive House, New York, NY
Durable & Resilient Retrofits with Stone Wool Insulation| Passive House, New York, NY
RESEARCH INTERESTS
Jun 2023–Aug 2024
Jun 2023–Aug 2024
Jun 2023–Aug 2024
Feb 2023–Apr 2023
Jul 15th 2023
Jul 29th 2023
Sustainable Architecture | Parametric and Computational Design | Daylighting Optimization and Glare Mitigation | Building Energy Efficiency | Architectural Form-Finding | Glare Analysis and Visual Comfort | Space Programming| Building Circulation and Functional Flow Analysis | Community-Oriented Design and Social Inclusivity | City Revitalization | Carbon Sequestration
• Impact of Increased Ventilation Rates in Classrooms on Energy Usage and System Functionality in a Midwest Climate
REFERENCES
Ulrike Passe | upasse@iastate.edu | Professor of Architecture and Director to the ISU Center for Building Energy Research | RA Supervisor and Professor Angela Koppes | akoppes@iastate.edu | Associate Professor of Interior Design | TA Supervisor Ayodele Iyanalu | aiyanalu@iastate.edu | Associate Professor of Architecture | Professor Yousef Salehi | fourarchitecturestudio@gmail.com | Architect and Principal | Employer/Supervisor Jacob Eddy | jaeddy@iastate.edu | Library Supervisor
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THE BRIDGESCAPE
Community,Living and Work Center
Design Studio 2(M.Arch) - Spring 2024
THE INTERTWINED CENTERS
Tech Exhibition & Recreation Center
Design Studio 6(B.Arch) - Spring 2022
THE SENSE OF UBIQUITY
Vacation Villa
Internship- Fall 2021
IEDA DES MOINES SCHOOL VENTILATION PROJECT
Research: Improving Ventilation, EUI, Daylight and Glare
Research Assistantship - Fall 2023- Spring 2025
THE STEPPED DWELLING
Residential Building
Design Studio 5(B.Arch) - Spring 2021
DIGITAL FABRICATION
Exploring Minimal Surfaces
Digital Fabrication - Fall 2024
MASTERING THE FLOW
Research: A Solution to Soil Erosion
Design Studio 1(M.Arch) - Fall 2023
THE ENFOLDED CORE
Cinema Museum
Design Studio 3(B.Arch) - Spring 2020
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THE BRIDGESCAPE
Community,Living and Work Center
Academic(M.Arch)
Design Studio 2 (Net Zero Project), Spring 2024
Rock Island, Illinois, U.S
Professors: Ulrike Passe and Chengde Wu
Email: upasse@iastate.edu
“The bridge between Rock Island and Davenport already existed. Our goal was to create a building within Rock Island that bridges the gap between community needs and its residents. This would help Rock Island stand out, much like Davenport, and reduce too much reliance on the facilities on the other side of the actual bridge.”
Rock Island, Illinois, has faced significant challenges, leading many young residents to commute to Davenport for employment and community engagement. In response, our design team sought to transform an underutilized site along the Mississippi River, strategically located near the connector bridge to Davenport, into a vibrant hub that fosters community interaction.
We proposed a mixed-use development that balances work, living, and community needs. The first two floors would feature community-oriented and tech-driven co-working spaces, while the upper floors would offer home offices for remote professionals. This design promotes a harmonious coexistence of diverse functions.
To enhance user experience, we established distinct circulation paths for public visitors and private residents. Sustainability was a core focus, integrating elements like a Sun Space, Atrium, and Courtyard to optimize daylighting and energy efficiency. By employing stack and cross ventilation techniques and maximizing glass surfaces in spaces like the Sun Space, we effectively controlled climate for both heating and cooling seasons.
Softwares used: Revit, Rhino, AutoCad, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Lumion Group Work: Rihanna Esfandiari and Derenik Mahmoodi
Site and the Surroundings
Context: Revitalizing a vacant brewpub and unused lot
Sun Space
- Maximizing heat gain through the southern transparent face during winter
- Providing the locals with the opportunity of gardening
- Blurring the boundry between indoor and outdoor by operable walls during summer and getting the most engagement with the adjacent park
Maintaining Identity:
Reusing Bricks of the Brewpub: 25300 bricks extracted from existing building, each 4” * 2 2/3” * 8”.
Atrium
- Centrality of atrium provides an improved wayfinding and more streamlined function programming around it.
- Three extruded edges bring diffused light into the building and help with stack ventilation in the summer.
Maximizing Space:
Merging the existing pub with the vacant lot for initial mass.
Sloped Roof
- Bringing the project to a human scale in southern face where there is the most interaction with locals.
- PV panels’ efficiency.
- Southern, western and eastern facades’ reduced height helps reduce uncontrolled heat gain and glare.
Courtyard
- Providing residents of the building with a semiopen and private space.
- Enhancing the air quality of corridors around the courtyard.
- Adds transparancy to the central atrium
Offsetting first floors’ walls on the northern and western faces
- Providing more space for pedestrians to interact with the building
- Extending the pub and the community kitchen seats to the added space outdoor.
Restrooms(19.75%) + Watering and Microfarming(7.51%)
Distribution Space Programming Diagram
307,059
THE INTERTWINED CENTERS
Tech Exhibition & Recreation Center
Academic(B.Arch)
Design Studio 6 (Final Design Project), Spring 2022
District 22, Tehran, Iran
Professor: Behrouz Mansouri
Email: beh.mansouri@iauctb.ac.ir
Located in Tehran’s district 22, the tech exhibition revitalizes a less developed region compared to its neighbors. District 22 is primarily known for its recreational centers and facilities, including Chitgar park, Opark water park, and the Persian Gulf artificial lake. My decision to incorporate a multifunctional museum into this neighborhood was inspired by the adoption of these recreation-themed spaces within this region. As opposed to the previously built landmarks in this area, which mainly focused on recreation, the proposed tech museum focuses on a variety of functions. The museum has an exhibitive section on its upper level and also several recreational spaces on its lower level. Layers include areas such as a theater, cafe, library, and cycling lane. The creation of these spaces blurs the line between exhibits and recreational activities.
Topographically, the project’s site borders Chitgar park’s eastern side, with a 6-meter elevation difference between the park and the project’s site. From Chitgar park to the site’s surface on the street’s side, a bicycle/pedestrian ramp skirts the four building parts to deal with this distance and enhance circulation. Visitors and passersby are encouraged to tour the museum, or at least its outer space, when they leave the park’s eastern side, thanks to the ramp passing through the building’s core. Also, the Expo sector is an independent zone that does not require an official entrance like other exhibition rooms and is accessible via the ramp. As they head to the city’s hustle and bustle, people can enjoy cutting-edge project spaces and discussion tables.
Making parallel lines with the two adjacent streets
Slightly rotating the roofs
The environment is better integrated
Reducing the amount of material used
Extrusion split into four parts
Creating a better environment for sun penetration and wind flow
Creating active circulation on the ground floor
Referring to the four phases of the development of a form
Putting up the two huge concrete walls
Making the split visible from almost any angle while emphasizing its impact
Providing a ramp-holder by allowing the ramp to pass through walls’ cuts
Providing a ramp for cyclists as well as pedestrians
Connecting Chitgar Park with the city
Providing visitors and passers-by with a free, streamlined temporary exhibition experience
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Installing curtain walls in places that require sunlight Assembling the model with random but measured cubic touches
Kalzip structure
Kalzip
Compound clip
Kalzip rock wool insulation
Kalzip vapour control layer
Structural deck
Plate for holding curtain wall
IPE 500 Beam
Top rebar mesh
Bottom rebar mesh
Plastic cobiax balls CBCM-S160
Concrete precast part
Curtain wall structure
Double-glazedglass
Iron plate with holes
UPVC mullion
Plate for holding curtain wall
Retaining wall thickness 10 cm
Shear wall thickness 40 cm
Membrane
Vapour insulation
+5.22
Lattice girder
Cobiax structure
Kalzip detail on slope
Cobiax and floor detail
Kalzip
Compound clip
Kalzip rock wool
Kalzip vapour
Structural deck
IPE 500 beam
Epoxy grout
Ceramic tile
Epoxy mortar
Top rebar mesh
Lattice girder
Plastic cobiax balls
Bottom rebar mesh
More involvement with the circulation From merely watching the exhibits to taking step within the
Form development diagram
THE SENSE OF UBIQUITY
Vacation Villa
Internship Experience
Internship at 4 Architecture Studio, Fall 2021
Damavand, Iran
Supervisor: Yousef Salehi & Sadegh Afshar
As part of my internship, I designed a vacation villa for a client in the Damavand region northeast of Tehran. On vacation, he and his wife preferred villas with unique and different features over villas that looked like apartments. To them, this meant creating a flow between key public spaces, such as the kitchen, main hall, and living room. They felt that these three spaces were incredibly critical, and they wanted a connection between them that improved flexibility. They wanted to avoid feeling isolated from anyone in any of these areas, so, for example, the person cooking in the kitchen could participate in fun events with people in the main hall and not feel left out.
Based on this notion, I designed my primary concept around allowing residents to share responsibility by connecting spaces in a flexible manner. As a result of this feature of flexibility, I began to envision a sense of ubiquity, where one’s view would not be hindered by unnecessary walls. Thus, I began reducing the number of walls to the bare minimum. Furthermore, I tried to incorporate glass material as much as possible since it reinforced the concept by providing transparent views. The action I took, however, was not sufficient and I was looking for more significant changes. It was at this point that I began to consider the staircase in the villa, not as just another elevator, similar to those we see in most buildings with their compact landings. I decided to view it as a way to create significant spaces when arriving at each landing. With the first landing assigned to the living room, all other spaces began to fall into place like puzzle pieces throughout the staircase.
Contributed to: Concept development and design process, 3D modeling, diagram production, detail drawing (contribution 80%)
My colleagues contributed to: Rendering and visualization
1 For building codes, the lot coverage has not exceeded 300m2. Therefore, unnecessary parts have been removed.
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7
2 Defining and reinforcing the relationship between the kitchen, the hall, and the living room by exerting a level difference.
5 Assembling two vertical boxes along the main staircase, one for the elevator and one for the
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3 Creating the second main interior staircase leading to a landing and the pool.
6 Planning the placement of terraces in bedrooms and gameroom.
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Adding a third main interior staircase to the private level.
tree.
Converting surface edges into walls and railings by extruding them.
Connecting the different parts of the extrusion to the ground through exterior staircases.
Adding curtain walls to parts of the building that require direct sunlight.
Views plan diagram-level 1
Views plan diagram-level 2
Avoiding west sun light for the bedrooms
Doors/windows rectangular profiles section
Sun control and shading mesh
Folding door
Kitchen - view 1
Kitchen - view 2
IEDA DES MOINES SCHOOL VENTILATION PROJECT
Research Assistantship
Des Moines, IA, U.S
Supervisor: Ulrike Passe
Team Members: Emily Hatch(Architecture), Jack Farrar(Civil Engineering), James Afful(Mechanical Engineering)
The COVID-19 pandemic brought building ventilation into the focus of the public health discussion about mitigation of virus spread. Ventilation in the Iowa climate is directly related to energy use due to the extreme cold winters and warm and humid summers. As the Des Moines school district is considering ventilation upgrades, knowledge about related energy use increase is lacking and best practices are not yet studied with the Iowa climate specifics and the Iowa school typologies in mind.
This project uses the Des Moines schools as case studies for best practices to efficiently enhance ventilation and then extrapolate to statewide upgrades and implementation. The project assesses the spatial and HVAC needs of ventilation upgrades for 3 - 5 major school types in the Des Moines school district as a basis to extrapolate the need in Iowa, as well as define possible improvements and costs benefit analysis. The outcome of this project is a typological best practices manual, which will allow the Des Moines school district to apply and dedicated relief money to the facilities side of K-12 schools.
In the following pages, I showcase one of the many tasks our team has undertaken for these six classrooms. This example focuses on my analysis of the classroom A, where I developed energy, daylight, and glare models. The process involved making separate energy and daylight models, assigning materials based on available collected data and running simulations for the classroom in its default configuration and after applying shading devices. Effective shading solutions resulted in reduced ASE, minimized glare, and improved energy efficiency.
Regarding the classroom’s characteristics, the school A is a single-story building, and the analyzed classroom has windows located on the southern façade.
Softwares used: Rhino, Climate Studio, Grasshopper, Photoshop, Illustrator The documents on this and the following page present collected data, while the subsequent two pages showcase a part of my contributions to the team effort.
Classroom
Classroom’s point cloud model
School’s Plan
Classroom’s location
Daylight simulation result - Default settings
sDA: 86.8% ASE: 13.7%
Daylight simulation result - Shadings added
sDA: 52.4% ASE: 6.1%
Glare simulation result - Default settings
Views with disturbing glare: 31.3%
1.5 ft deep overhangs added for the lower windows and horizontal louvers installed for the upper windows.
Glare simulation result - Shadings added
Views with disturbing glare: 10.3%
Glare
THE STEPPED DWELLING
Residential Building
Academic(B.Arch)
Design Studio 5, Spring 2021
District 3, Tehran, Iran
Professor: Vahid Shaliamini
Email: vah.shali_amini@iauctb.ac.ir
The project site is located in an area mainly occupied by residents and business enterprises. The key to integrating a mixed-use building well into the neighborhood has been to take design-based actions that can create an interactive relationship between these alleged perceived counterpoints. As a result of climatic, environmental, and traffic factors, the commercial area is built around two main streets that intersect at a busy roundabout, surrounded by dense populations. In the meantime, the residential area has undergone a setback and is split into two distinct areas separated by a void and mass greenery. This contributes to better sunlight and wind circulation. For residents’ privacy, I assigned each unit its own terrace. These terraces led me to design a stepped shape for the building, which offers a panoramic view and more sunlight on the balconies. Since both types of developments (commercial and residential) are located in high-demand spots, neither stands out nor diminishes the importance of the other. Together, they have been able to blend in rather than compete.
Another goal was to highlight Persian architecture’s symbolic impact throughout the building. The project incorporates sky and greenery, two key elements of Persian architecture. There is a reflection of the sky element on the turquoise-tinted prominent columns, and there is a reflection of greenery on the verdant surfaces throughout the building, from the central green space for residents to the smaller green spaces on the terraces.
Model alignment with main streets and creating a greenery void in the center of the solid model
Shortening the height of the model where it meets the main streets and allocating the shrunk part’s first floor to commercial use
Creating a triangular circulation system for residents and visitors that facilitates access and circulation
Semi -open terrace
2Bedroom
3Bedroom
2Bedroom
3Bedroom
2Bedroom
3Bedroom
2Bedroom
Digital Fabrication
Exploring Minimal Surfaces
Academic(M.Arch)
Digital Fabrication, Fall 2024
Professor: Shelby Doyle
Email: doyle@iastate.edu
In a digital fabrication project utilizing the Formlabs 3D printing machine, I explored minimal surfaces and their unique property of zero mean curvature. These surfaces minimize area while balancing curvatures at every point, resulting in efficient and elegant geometries.
A compelling aspect of this study was the computational representation of minimal surfaces. They are typically approximated as a mesh of triangles with straight edges that collectively form a smooth, curved surface. This approach is integral to computational tools, which simulate physical behaviors—such as the stretching and settling of soap films into minimal forms—to optimize geometry.
Two iterations were created during this exploration:
First Iteration: An inward-facing shape with bent curves, intuitively designed but lacking structural and material efficiency.
Second Iteration: Using a script for computational simulation, the principles of minimal surfaces were applied. The same base proportions were defined, but the geometry was allowed to “relax” into a minimal surface through simulation, achieving zero mean curvature.
The results were revealing. While the second geometry required more support material during 3D printing due to its complexity, the structure itself—excluding supports—used significantly less material than the arbitrary curvature of the first iteration. This demonstrated how minimal surfaces, by reducing total area under given boundary conditions, can enhance material efficiency.
This experiment underscored how computational design can integrate mathematical principles, aesthetics, and sustainability— an approach I am eager to continue exploring.
Soil erosion is a common problem in many parts of the world. It can have a devastating impact on people’s lives, causing loss of fertile land, reduced crop yields, and increased sedimentation in waterways. In some cases, soil erosion can even lead to displacement, as people are forced to leave their homes due to landslides or flooding.
One example of a place where soil erosion is a major problem is the Korail slum in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This slum is home to over 200,000 people, and it is located on the banks of the Banani Lake. The lake is a popular recreational spot, but it is also a source of erosion for the slum. The heavy rains that fall during the monsoon season wash away the soil from the higher levels and then bring it lower, closer to the lakeshore. This erosion is particularly severe in the lower part of the lake, where there is more accumulation of water. Rainwater and lake water flooding are more strongly correlated in this area.
For the first half of the semester, I studied the use of totora reeds to prevent soil erosion in the Korail slum. I conducted a case study of the Uros people of Lake Titicaca, who have used totora reeds for centuries to protect their islands from erosion. I also conducted a crystallization test with sugars to simulate the growth pattern of totora reeds. This test showed me that totora reeds grow in a geometric pattern that creates a sort of voronoi form inside them. This pattern helps to trap sediment and slow down the flow of water.
Image 1- Uros Floating Islands, LakeTiticaca, Peru
Image 2-Uros Floating Islands, LakeTiticaca, Peru
Image 3- Korail, Bangladesh
Map of Korail, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Precipitation
Section 1: Unprotected and Exposed (High Erosion)
Precipitation
Section 2: Nature’s Defense: Vegetation as Barriers (Medium Erosion)
Section 3: Living on the Edge: Elevated Homes and Reduced Erosion (Low Erosion)
The fertile topsoil is scoured by the rain water and accumulated on the lakeshore.
Precipitation
The fertile topsoil is scoured by the rain water and mostly blocked by the trees and plants- less soil is accumulated on the lakeshore.
The fertile topsoil is scoured by the rain water and mostly deflected by the stilts- least amount of soil is accumulated on the lakeshore.
Rainwater Impact Zone
To translate my research into tangible action and code, I needed a solid foundation. I began by identifying the area of Korail’s site most impacted by rainwater. This led me to the lower reaches of Banani Lake, where water accumulates to a significantly greater degree compared to other parts of the shoreline.
This strategic choice aimed to understand how rainwater behaves near the water bodies, enabling me to identify optimal locations for deflection and flood mitigation. Lakeshore areas are particularly vulnerable to rainwater-induced flooding and soil erosion, making them a critical concern for Korail. Therefore, I specifically targeted the lower section of the lakeshore, where heavy rainfall accumulates the most.
To effectively analyze the flow, I divided the land into five distinct sections. Within each section, I meticulously distributed points, establishing a robust network for my vector calculations. Subsequently, I incorporated X and Y directional vectors into my Grasshopper workflow. By averaging these vectors first with each other and then with the spin-influenced vectors from the stilts, I derived the final set of vectors. These final vectors served as the basis for simulating how stilt-based deflection would impact rainwater flow across the Korail lakeshore.
This design is located in Laleh Park, which is a significant urban park in Tehran due to its proximity to numerous facilities. According to the Site Plan, the central fountain is the most prominent feature of the park because it created all the paths diverging from it, including the largest and most distinctive one. In my design, I have repeated this successful example on the southeast side of the park, but on a smaller scale, in order to avoid a discordant connection between the park and the museum. In reproducing the fountain layout, the original’s significance has been preserved. Even the right side of the park is adorned with an entrance similar to the left side of the park, adding to the impact of the central element.
Similarly, the model also features a central core (representing the central fountain) surrounded by three layers (representing the three key milestones in cinema history). The first and second layers contribute to the establishment of museums’ interior circulations. As soon as visitors enter the first layer, they are taken on a journey through three eras of cinema history. Its fourth layer, however, provides visitors with a wide range of amenities. One of the primary goals of the design process was to regulate the ramp. Thus, each corner of the triangle offers not only circulation but also a short passage between layers. Every corner of the exhibition offers the opportunity to move to the facility layer to use different facilities, such as eating a meal in a restaurant or relaxing on a canape. The facility layer is characterized by a kinetic facade made of steel pipes. This facade provides natural light for offices and other spaces that require sunlight and also enables them to open and close according to their needs.