210: Navigating an International Architecture Firm with Alireza Razavi of Studio Razavi

Sep 8, 2023

Alireza Razavi, an architect with international experience, discusses the challenges of running a design-led architectural firm and the practical elements of keeping high-design projects profitable. Topics include setting up a global architecture firm, leadership differences between boutique and corporate firms, the frustration of unbuilt designs, succession planning in architecture firms, and reflections on business advice and design priorities.

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Introduction

00:00 • 3min

Setting Up a Global Architecture Firm

03:25 • 20min

Navigating the Challenge of Being Involved in Every Project

23:09 • 1min

Leadership Differences: Boutique vs. Corporate Firms

24:35 • 9min

The Frustration of Unbuilt Designs

33:18 • 18min

Succession Planning and Cultivating Leadership in Architecture Firms

51:21 • 2min

Reflections on Business Advice and Balancing Design Priorities

53:01 • 2min

Reflections on the Personal Decisions and Cluelessness in Architecture Practice

54:46 • 4min

Today I have the pleasure of speaking with Alireza Razavi, a registered architect in France (DPLG 1996), a licensed professional in the USA (Registered Architect NYS 2005), and a Chartered Architect in the UK (RIBA 2016).

Alireza holds a Master's Degree from Columbia University in New York (MSAAD 1998) and a Master's Degree from the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs in Paris (Aii 1997).

Early work collaborations include Eisenman Architects, Agrest & Gandelsonas, Shigeru Ban Architects, François de Menil Architects and senior project manager at FTL-Happold in New York. Alireza Razavi is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Alireza's firm, Studio Razavi Architecture, is one firm with three offices (Paris, New York, and London). Their portfolio of works spans from Europe to the Americas and includes residential, corporate, hospitality, civic, transportation, and mixed-use projects.

Selected as an AD100 Best Designer for 4 consecutive years, their reputation is built on their ability to translate a client's needs, aspirations, and budget constraints into memorable designs. They believe that a long-lasting experience is a measure of excellence.

In this episode, we will be discussing:

The business lessons and challenges Alireza faced
The Genesis of his practice
The practical elements of how to keep a high-design project profitable

To learn more about Alireza and Studio Razavi Architecture visit their:

Website: https://studiorazavi.com/about/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studiorazavi-architecture/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/studiorazavi/

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