Shiva Aghababaei

VICE CEO AND DESIGN DIRECTOR TARH VA AFARINESH

Shiva Aghababaei is an architect involved in design and construction of large-scale projects, especially in the field of tourism and hospitality. With an M.A. of architecture from Art University of Iran, Shiva established Tarh Va Afarinesh Architectural and Engineering Consultants Company, in 1998. Her approach to architecture is a combination of love, perfection, and creation; and these three principles are reflected in the selected name back in 1998, “Tarh Va Afarinesh” means “Design and Creation”.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos? I rather not thinking of a specific style in my works. I would like my works to be independent of time and place. Generally I follow my feelings in design; yet, depending on the clients’ requirements and the main theme of the projects – that is sourced in surrounding conditions – I have done works in modern, contemporary, or even traditional styles.

What led you to this career path? I chose to study Architecture more than 25 years ago, when most of students in my country tended to continue their higher education in medical courses, and other engineering courses were also more popular than architecture. I was good in mathematics, but I was not much interested in engineering fields. I was not an artist, but engineering seemed too though to me. I liked to help the people and influence the society, but I was not inherently a doctor. I referred to my ideals, the most important of which was influencing my society. I wanted to make a poem of a tangible essence, and give a new look to the ancient myths that I knew. I wanted to present the life to the people, I wanted to be influential, and finally I wanted to be creative; and Architecture shone like a gem amongst all other choices and fields of study; a hidden gem. To me, architecture seemed like creation, and this was what I sought for.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success? Kandovan Cave Hotel is one of the projects I am the most proud of; because in a visit I had to this project after many years, I noticed its positive effect on economic, cultural, and social growth of the region.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date. I do believe that design and construction of Ibis-Novotel (IKIA), which is a 500 room cluster hotel operated by Accor Group of France, and challenges associated with this project has been a highlight of career for me as architect and interior design of the project as well as my team; especially because this project has been recognized by the international architecture and design circles by titles such as winner of SBID Design Excellence Awards 2015, winner of A’Design Awards 2015, winner of

International Hotel and Property Awards 2015, honourable mention of IDA Design Awards 2016, and representative of Iran’s contemporary architecture in Venice Biennale of Art 2015. The moments I was called to receive these awards have been the most precious moments of my life.

What inspires you? It is preliminarily the site and surrounding that inspires me. As soon as I step into the place I can close my eyes and imagine all corners of the place being designed. Seeing, touching, and knowing different materials can be remarkably inspiring as well. Above all, I am inspired by love; love to my job, to the people, and to the place I create.

Where and how do you find support? From the beginning of my career, the person who has supported me the most, has been my main partner in the company, Mr. Mohammad Nemati. He is a civil engineer and his constant and unconditional supports have always lead to realization of my designs and made it easier to me to carry on my way in spite of all difficulties.

Has the recent global pandemic changed your outlook? To a great extent! I realized how insignificant are the things that once sounded too important to me; and how limited our capabilities are despite of our apparent power. I was reminded how I could enjoy the small things, and my expectation of future was limited to having a small pack of tranquillity instead of enjoying countless facilities.

How will it change the global design sector? It will certainly change the design sector. The current restrictions are influential enough to affect the people’s approach and their definition of the places.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now? If you really love design and creation, this profession shall pave the way for you to reach your dreams; so step forwards firmly.