Interview with Rezvan Yarhaghi

Design is my way of connecting with people and the environment. I’m motivated by the idea of creating meaningful spaces that improve human well-being and reflect cultural values.

I chose to become a designer. My passion for architecture grew naturally from my early interest in art and space.

I design residential villas, office buildings, and cultural spaces. I would love to design more projects that combine Iranian traditional elements with modern approaches, especially therapeutic and sustainable spaces.

They should deeply explore their cultural roots, be patient in their creative journey, and always seek meaningful connections between people and place.

A good designer meets the client's needs; a great designer elevates the experience beyond expectations and creates timeless impact.

A good design is one that solves problems while evoking emotions. It must be functional, sustainable, and inspiring.

Good design improves quality of life, fosters community, and adds long-term value. It's not just about aesthetics; it’s about enhancing experience and efficiency.

I would design a cultural-therapeutic center in my hometown of Kermanshah, integrating nature, traditional Persian architecture, and neuroscience principles.

A self-sufficient eco-village in Iran that blends smart architecture, sustainability, and Iranian design heritage.

Authenticity. I try to remain true to the culture, climate, and spirit of place while balancing modern needs.

Nader Khalili, Zaha Hadid, Peter Eisenman, and Rem Koolhaas

I truly find it hard to choose. As an architect, I find all great works of architecture deeply inspiring and thought-provoking. However, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater House and Guggenheim Museum always captivate me.

Taravat Villa. It combines traditional Iranian elements with modern warmth, using brick, tile, and thoughtful spatial storytelling.

Read, travel, observe, and reflect. I also practice spiritual presence and deep listening to context.

Probably a writer, dancer, or psychologist—still involved in creative and healing fields.

Design is the translation of meaning into space, form, and experience.

My faith in God and support from my inner circle, including a few professors and my spiritual partner.

Curiosity, resilience, and a constant desire to serve and inspire.

Financial limitations, societal expectations, and moments of self-doubt.

With clarity, storytelling, and emotional resonance.

Let’s keep it a secret for now—some things are more magical when they unfold in their own time.

To create spaces that heal, inspire, and connect people with themselves, each other, and the divine.

They expect vision, cultural sensitivity, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to excellence in every detail.

Design can restore harmony between humans and nature, foster inclusive communities, and elevate the human spirit through beauty and meaning.

I’m exploring a series of adaptable therapeutic environments based on mirror neuron stimulation and emotional resonance in spatial design.

My modern courtyard home and Taravat Villa both brought great satisfaction. They reflect my passion for blending tradition, nature, and well-being into everyday living.

I’d like to see deeper focus on emotional sustainability, fairer opportunities for women and minorities, and broader integration of spiritual intelligence.

Towards more intuitive, neuro-responsive, and soul-centered design—where AI assists but the human spirit leads.

Depending on the scale, anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Conceptual clarity and client trust speed up the process.

I start by listening—first to the land, then to the people. I study the context, culture, and energy before touching any tool.

Design as prayer, architecture as love

Timeless design sets the trends. It leads with vision rather than following fashion.

It’s a servant, not the master. It helps me explore forms, simulate environments, and express ideas—but never replaces soul.

AutoCAD, Sketchup, 3d Max, Adobe Photoshop, and I use AI to test conceptual ideas.

They are like poetry—setting mood, grounding the senses, and shaping the emotional atmosphere of a space.

I wish they’d ask, “How does this space make people feel?” or “What story are you telling here?”

I wonder what values and emotions shaped it. I also reflect on how it can teach me something new.

Yes. My ideal partner is someone who listens deeply, challenges me gently, and shares a spiritual and emotional design language.

My professors, a few mentors, my clients, and local Iranian artisans.

The Timeless Way of Building" by Christopher Alexander, "The Eyes of the Skin" by Juhani Pallasmaa, and the poetry of Hafez and Rumi.

hrough continuous learning, emotional reflection, and daring to bring vulnerability into the design process.

Rumi, Frank Lloyd Wright, Nader Khalili, and Leonardo da Vinci.

Recognition is meaningful, but I try not to attach to it. What matters most is staying true to my path and purpose.

Color: Clay red and turquoise. Place: Zagros Mountains. Food: Fast Food. Season: Autumn. Thing: My journal. Brand: I prefer handmade and local over big brands.

To be honest, I don’t have a particularly funny story that stands out. But if anything, I’d say the sleepless nights before deadlines—half-lost in sketches and renderings—are the kind of chaotic moments that make this journey unforgettable in their own way.

When I see light in a client’s eyes or find a design that just feels “right.” My motivation also comes from prayer, poetry, and gratitude

It was always clear that I would become an artist of some kind. I used to draw the best paintings in class, and creativity was part of my identity.

Design will become energetic—spaces will shift dynamically with our emotions and needs, and architecture will help elevate human consciousness.

Every line I draw is a prayer for peace, a whisper of beauty, and a tribute to my homeland. I design to reconnect.

i work as a freelance architect that blends traditional Iranian architecture with modernist principles. I collaborate with both local and international clients on residential, commercial, and cultural projects. Although I do not operate from a formal office space, I manage all aspects of the design process independently and often coordinate with engineers, craftsmen, and consultants remotely

Design is a medium to connect soul, space, and society. It’s not just about function or aesthetics — it’s a moral responsibility to serve people, history, and nature.

I enjoy designing homes and public spaces that reflect cultural identity while serving contemporary needs. Therapeutic and spiritual spaces, especially those inspired by Persian architecture, are my favorite.

One of my favorites is a courtyard home inspired by Persian traditions, featuring stained glass, colorful tiles, and a peaceful central garden. It represents a harmony between past and present.

The first thing I designed for a client was a residential renovation project for a private client, not a company. It was a freelance commission to revitalize an old house, incorporating traditional Iranian elements with functional modern updates. This project helped me explore how cultural identity and contemporary needs can coexist harmoniously in architecture

In the spirit of Kheshtineh, where traditional Iranian architecture meets modern design, I favor brick for its cultural depth and aesthetic warmth. I utilize SketchUp and AutoCAD for drafting and modeling, Revit for BIM workflows, and Midjourney to visualize poetic atmospheres that inspire my architectural concepts

Late at night, when silence reigns and the world sleeps. I’m a night owl; my mind is most active when I can connect inward.

I focus on context, emotion, and materiality — how a space feels, how it engages the senses, and how it responds to climate and culture.

A mix of excitement, wonder, and deep presence. Designing is like entering a meditative flow state.

A deep sense of fulfillment and humility. It’s powerful to see people inhabit and interact with a space I once imagined

A design is successful when it uplifts human experience, honors its environment, and resonates with its users.

Authenticity, contextual sensitivity, and emotional resonance.

Designers must be guardians of culture and nature. We have a duty to create spaces that are inclusive, sustainable, and soulful.

Design is becoming more interdisciplinary. The future lies in smart, sustainable architecture rooted in tradition but driven by innovation.

I haven't held a formal exhibition yet. However, I have shared my works through online platforms and portfolio reviews.

Nature, Persian poetry, historical architecture, and conversations with people. I constantly study cities and traditional Iranian buildings.

A fusion of minimalism and mysticism — I call it Neo-Persian. It’s characterized by arches, courtyards, earthy tones, and cultural narratives.

I live in Kermanshah, Iran — a city rich in cultural and historical heritage. The traditions, textures, and rituals here deeply influence my architecture.

As a freelance architect, I usually work independently and collaborate directly with clients rather than companies. However, when I do partner with companies, I begin with conceptual sketches and moodboards to align our vision. I value transparency, clear communication, and shared design goals throughout the process

Trust your designer, but also communicate clearly. Look for someone who listens, questions, and interprets your needs creatively.

My process starts with empathy — understanding the user. Then I move to sketching, modeling, prototyping, and refining.

A mirror

A rug

My desk

A water mug

A lamp

My day starts late, with herbal tea and journaling. I sketch, research, or meet clients in the online. At night, I work on digital models and reflect.

Stay curious. Draw every day. Respect tradition. Listen to people. Design with love.

Positives: creative freedom, purpose, constant growth. Negatives: uncertainty, emotional burnout, and undervaluation.

Design from the inside out — human experience first.

Empathy, spatial intelligence, visual literacy, storytelling, and patience.

SketchUp, AutoCAD, Photoshop, Revit, hand sketching tools, books on Iranian architecture, and poetry by Hafez and Rumi.

I work in focused bursts, following the Pomodoro method. I also reflect weekly to adjust my pace.

It varies — from a few days to months, depending on complexity and scale.

Can you make it more traditional yet modern?

My most important job experiences include the restoration and renovation of residential homes, the design of modern villas incorporating traditional Persian elements, and a conceptual design for a gold market. Each of these projects allowed me to explore different scales and functions while staying rooted in my architectural philosophy.

Clients include homeowners, local developers, international firms, and artists.

Cultural and residential projects — because they allow deep storytelling and emotional connection.

I’m applying for a PhD in architecture in the U.S. and aim to publish research on the intersection of neuroscience and architecture.

I usually start alone or sometimes with one of my confidant friend, then collaborate with engineers, artists, and sometimes AI tools.

Yes — a villa that blends Persian tiles, arches, and smart architecture in a warm climate region.

My Gmail address:ryarhaghiii@gmail.com, my Instagram page- my LinkedIn and my website