Mehrdad Yazdani

Mehrdad Yazdani joined Dworsky Associates in 1994 as a Design Principal,and was subsequently named Director of Design. Mehrdad brings to his projects over a decade of innovative architectural design experience.His philosophy for design is based on maintaining an environment of exploration in the design studio, tempered with a realistic sense of each client's needs and the importance of the pragmatic details.

Mehrdad's current design direction is most evident in Dworsky Associates' recent on-the-board project series, which includes the Federal Building and United States Courthouse in Las Vegas, the Sinai Temple and School Expansion in Los Angeles, the University of California, Riverside Alumni and Visitors Center, the El Sereno Recreation Center and Indoor Pool in Los Angeles, and the Metro Red Line Station at Cesar Chavez and Soto Street. Credited as a catalyst in the Los Angeles design revolution, Mehrdad has received much attention for producing a new generation of public buildings that combine stimulating design and practicality. In 1994, The Los Angeles Times Magazine featured him as one of the ten leading architectural talents in Southern California.

Mehrdad received his Bachelor of Architecture degree with highest honors from the University of Texas at Austin in 1984. Upon graduation, he was awarded the Henry Adams Certificate for Scholarship and Professional Promise from the American Institute of Architects. Mehrdad continued his studies at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, receiving his Master of Architecture degree in 1987. His designs were featured in two publications, GSD News in 1986 and Student Works 1986-1987 in 1987.

Mehrdad joined the Los Angeles office of Ellerbe Becket, Inc. in 1987 as project designer. He completed designs for the Metro Red Line Station at Vermont Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard, the Central Distribution Headquarters Administration and Warehouse Building and Fleet Service Building in Los Angeles and Valley Distribution Headquarters Administration and Warehouse Building in Van Nuys for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, all award-winning projects. His acclaim on these projects led to his being named one of the top emerging young architects in the world by Progressive Architecture magazine in 1990, signaling his recognition as a strong talent with a unique vision and the ability to implement innovative design while addressing real-world constraints.

Mehrdad's work has been featured in both national and international publications such as A+U, The Los Angeles Times, Progressive Architecture, Architectural Record, l'ARCA, Architectural Design, GA Houses, Architecture, Kenchiku Bunka, The Architectural Review, Metropolitan Home, and Art in L.A.; and has been exhibited in major museums and galleries in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York. His work is currently part of the permanent collections for both the New York and San Francisco Museums of Modern Art.

He has judged various American Institute of Architecture Awards and has lectured at the University of Southern California, Woodbury University, Art Center College of Design, North Dakota State University, the Los Angeles Forum for Architects, and several other institutions.

Yazdani Studio of Cannon Design

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