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Farzan Kholousi AIA, NCARB

Farzan Kholousi AIA, NCARB

Dallas,TX., US

 
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About 

SENIOR PROJECT ARCHITECT

PROJECT DESIGNER DESIGN DIRECTOR | TEAM LEADER

20+ years in high-quality professional design services. Specialist in aesthetic, technical, & functional design.

Unique combination of in-depth architectural knowledge and experience with natural artistry, creativity, and proficient problem solving strengths. Track record of building long-term loyalty with clients and producing remarkable facilities that catch the eye and interest of new clients. Proficient in GREEN and SUSTAINABLE buildings (restaurant, residential, commercial, retail, healthcare, office projects, apartments, senior housing). History of effective and efficient additions, renovations, retrofitting, new facility design/development, and coordinating complex room adjacencies based on functional requirements.

  • Strong cross-functional team leader; mentors and develops staff to excel, and provided constructive feedback & direction.
  • Relationship development specialist who collaborates with clients, vendors, contractors, internal/external teams, key stakeholders, and decision makers to consistently exceed project goals.
  • Reputation for extreme attention to detail and exceeding expectations for functionality, cost-efficiency, and quality.

Project Management • Solution Strategist • Budget & Cost Controls • Client Relations • Project Tracking & Status • RFPs • Prioritization, Marketing • Building Code (IBC)/Local Zoning Research • ADA/TSA Compliance • 3D Study • Creative Problem Solving • Deadline Driven Delegation • Client Loyalty • New Relationship Development • Strong Communication • Client Presentations • Design Services

Technical Snapshot: MS Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop Suite, AutoCAD, Revit, Sketchup, Speclink-E, MS Project Online

Employment 

Bush Architects, Addison, TX, US, Project Architect

Worked as Project Architect on construction documents of several commercial buildings such as Mercer Boardwalk, 5 buildings combination retail/restaurants, Farmers Branch, Founders Park, Euless, TX, buildings with total of 5 restaurants, several residential multifamily 5 stories/podium and mix-use projects located in Texas.

Jul 2019 - current
 

Apex Engineered Solutions, Dallas, TX, US, SENIOR LEAD ARCHITECT

Oversaw entire architectural projects in the firm, worked on land planning and consecutive buildings design for Dallas Executive Airport, Dallas, TX, construction document for Group ‘O’ addition Roanoke, TX, and QA & QC state of the art airplane paint booth renovation / upgrade for Sheppard Air Force Base, TX.

Sep 2017 - Nov 2018
 

Vandergriff Group Architects, Midland, TX, US, Project Architect/ Designer

Leveraged over two decades of diverse architectural project leadership, building long-term client relationships, and ability to synergize client need, cost efficiency, and best practices into well received buildings. Specialized in civic projects, high-end residential, office tenant space design, commercial and K12 institutional projects.

■ Developed expertise in IBC, building, zoning, and NFPA life safety code requirements. Identified relevant site constraints; conceptualized site improvements such as parking count
optimization, building location, etc.
■ Streamlined workflow and communication among stakeholders, clients, contractors, consultants,
and 3rd parties to ensure projects are completed within scope, budget, and deadline.
■ Ideated multiple strategies to overcome challenges such as office floor plan subdivides to maximize rental space. Personally requested to lead a high value project from one of the largest office management companies in the state due to strong leadership, track record of multimillion
dollar project success, and expertise in BOMA/building cod/safety requirements.

Select Projects:
■ Loan Star State Bank (drive-thru addition) Blending with existing 6 story office building. Developed layout and aesthetic composition.
■ ERP Properties $1M. 5500 sq. ft. Designed tenant layout; interior design cited for “excellent and illustrious design.”
■ Mewbourn Oil Company $260K, 6400 sq. ft. Designed tenant layout; fire sprinkler upgrade and asbestos abatement, located on 11th floor of Fasken Building.
■ Lamar Elementary School $1.6M. 2100 sq. ft. Administrative addition and renovation of main entry access corridor. Managed, completed CDs and determined building envelope configuration.
■ Midland County Forensics Lab $3M. 14K sq. ft. Adaptive reuse of existing building; unique lab requirements.
■ Salvation Army Shelter $7M. 15K sq. ft. Mix occupancy with retail store, office, cafeteria, and residential shelter. Performed pre-design research to comply with regulatory standards; published report on preliminary building code and life safety guide.

Nov 2013 - Nov 2016
 

N C Sturgeon, General Contractor, Midland, TX, US, Senior Lead Architect/Manger

Oversaw entire architectural department (sole licensed architect on staff) for a firm specializing in industrial oil company buildings, health-care clinics, retail and commercial buildings. Spearheaded project from initial client consultation to final sign-off. Quickly understood client needs and developed multiple solutions; continued to meet with key decision makers throughout the project to refine space usage, plan layout/design and continually improve design efficiency.

■ Coordinated complex room adjacencies and placement of rooms/department based on functional requirements.
■ Partnered with multiple client executives to understand department operation sequencing and gain consensus on final layout.
■ Worked on multiple pre-engineered metal one story office buildings.

N C Sturgeon, Architect of Record for Select Projects:
■ Midland Woman Clinic $2.9M 19K+ sq. ft. Retrofitted abandoned grocery store to establish a clinic with character; gained the attention of the Midland Pediatric Association to become a new client.
■ Midland Pediatric Assoc. $3M. 13K sq. ft. Influential in winning bid over 4 major firms. (Clinic design).
■ Andrews Fire Station $3.2M. 22K sq. ft. Produced RFP, attended city meeting and won over 4 established firms. Unique additional feature included a fire station museum room with curved roof, tinted glass and 10 apparatus bay.
■ Parks Legado Town Center Designed several retail tenants including Joe James Salon & Spa, and Fork & Pig Tavern restaurant.

Nov 2011 - Nov 2013
 

Synergy Architects, Omaha, NE, US, PRINCIPAL / SENIOR DESIGNER

Utilized an entrepreneurial mind-set along with extensive industry experience, and strong relationship development talents to build an individual practice; specializing in GREEN, SUSTAINABLE and passive design homes. negotiated SLAs and established fees.
■ Negotiated several high-end residential contracts; gained clients through word-of-mouth and marketing.
■ Conducted energy design analysis of building setup; explained various solutions to client to make an informed decision.

Select Projects:
■ Residential Home: $800K, 6338 sq. ft. 4 story home within 7 acre lot; exceeded LEED Gold requirements
■ Retail Store: $120K, 1100 sq. ft. Retail and interior design for local Parcel Plus Packaging & Shipping Store.
■ Restaurants: $155K, 1800 sq. ft. Multiple restaurant design, custom equipment layouts, and branding for local establishments including International Burger and Georges Greek Gyro.

Nov 2008 - Nov 2011
 

ITT Technical Institute, Omaha, NE, US, CAD/ Architectural Instructor

Taught architectural/engineering drafting related classes to a class of up to 30 students using AutoCAD 2008, Architectural Desktop, and Microsoft Project.
■ Improved student retention in architectural drafting department by 30%.
■ Provided lesson plans focused on drafting field using real world applications.
■ Motivated students to actively participate in all aspects of the learning process.

Jun 2007 - Oct 2008
 

Leo A. Daly, Omaha, NE, US, INTERMEDIATE PROJECT ARCHITECT/DESIGNER

Took on a diverse range of projects, particularly hospitals and medical facilities across the US. Proficiently analyzed criteria to prepare design drawings related to plans, sections, interior elevations, and exterior envelop design. Coordinated design issues with project engineers; worked on wall sections details, building master planning, and future expansions. Partnered with project stakeholders to develop and execute improvements/updates and new ideas.

Select Projects:
■ Lakeside Hospital $42M, 200K sq. ft. 5 story building. Provided exterior/interior design, construction documents.
■ Schriever AFB, CO $3.4M, 11K+ sq. ft. medical/dental clinic. Provided site design, architectural and engineering services.
■ Wentworth-Douglass Hospital $80M, 178-bed, 255K+ sq. ft. facility expanded to 450K+ sq. ft. Provided planning, architectural, and engineering services for multi-phased building expansion and renovation.

Apr 2002 - Apr 2005
 

Peters and Associates, Omaha, NE, US, Intermediate Architect

As a project architect worked on several assisted living, senior housing, and nursing homes within Iowa and Nebraska. Utilized Autodesk Desktop and Auto CAD 2002 to define each project from concept inception all the way through construction document.

■ Designed overall building plans, elevations and unit layout for multi-story residential.
■ Ensured all plans, zoning, health, and safety building codes met elderly institutional compliance regulations (Americans with Disabilities Act and IBC).
■ Presented series of design options for individual projects to ensure the widest range of choices for the client.
■ Executed business development strategies and provided consistent and accurate updates ensure design and implementation criteria continue to meet client expectations.
■ Coordinated projects with other engineering disciplines to verify compliance and complete all projects requirements.

Apr 2001 - Mar 2002
 

HDR, Omaha, NE, US, Project Designer/ Architect

Executed design for new construction, renovation and additions around the country.
■ Collaborated with Senior Designer /Design Director on conceptual designs, space planning, presentations, design development and production of CAM building.
■ Worked with design team to develop solutions for various types of medical architectural projects which included; NIST laboratory research center, ER department for the University of Missouri, University of Colorado Produced hand sketch and computer study model for design presentation.
■ Worked on multi-level parking structures within the downtown area.

Oct 1997 - Mar 2001
 

Archi+Tectonic Inc. Architects, 12/92-10/97,, Omaha, NE, US, Project Designer

Duties include:
■ Determined physical parameters that would most efficiently, productively and aesthetically meet the clients' needs.
■ Designed the entire layout of building, exterior and interior design in many cases, determined the building program according to owner's need.
■ Code (local and national) study, research and reviews with local officials at city hall
Accomplishments:
■ Met all design, building and subsequent operational and functional criteria that allowed achievement of highest productivity levels possible.

Dec 1992 - Oct 1997
 

Strang & Samaha Architects, 8/1990-8/1992,, Fairfax, VA, US, Project Designer

Aug 1990 - Aug 1992
 

Clark Tribble Harris & Li Architects 10/89-9/90, Washington, DC, US, Designer

Oct 1989 - Sep 1990
 

Weihe Partnership; 2/88-9/89, Washington, DC, US, Project Designer

Feb 1988 - Sep 1989
 

Education 

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, MArch, Architectural Studies

Master of Architecture degree
58 semester hours, GPA 3.3, major field: Architectural Studies.

May 1984 - Jul 1986
 

University of Nebraska-Lincoln, BArch, Architectural Studies

Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies.
78 semester hours total, GPA 3.4, major field: Architectural Studies.

May 1982 - May 1984
 

Awards 

Specialized Architectural Skills, Other

My prior education and architectural experience in design/architect has helped me to advance my expertise and skills in all aspect of design process as listed below;

Multiple Software skills as it related to Architectural work
Autodesk AutoCAD, limited Revit Autodesk 2009, Microstation, Sketchup, PhotoShop, InDesign and Illustrator. Significant experience preparing and executing project plans for major multi-million dollar projects from inception to completion, such as hospitals, commercial and office projects.

Early Building Code Review
Starting a good design head start by being equipped with knowledge of Building Code (IBC) and local zoning will assure design meets code, such as correct travel distances, number of door out of space base on occupancies and occupied load for a space with single door or multiple doors, number of stories and square footage etc. This knowledge helps with transition to CD from Design phase without big changes.

Disability Compliance
ADA/TSA Compliance as it could relate to design phase of the project (interior & site plan) for smoother transition to design development and construction document phase to assure design intention stay the same and minimize change in later phase of the project.

3D Study of Building
3D study of the form with software or hand sketch when integrated with of form, material, texture, and color brings together a cohesiveness, to create a better design aesthetic. Creative problem solving, concept generation and excellent presentation skill

Critical Thinking
Ability to think quickly and effectively for solution while working on multiple projects and exploring concept ideas that solves many problems simultaneously.

Prioritizing
Able to work on multiple projects, and prioritize projects based on importance, time allocation and urgency.

Independently Working
Ability to work both independently and on cross-functional project with team.

Client Interaction
Superb client interaction, communication skills, and record keeping based on previous experience.

Supervisory
Excellent supervisory skills and exceptional way to work with diverse group of people with mentoring and coaching junior staff.

Detail Oriented
Ability to complete tasks with accuracy, and with strong attention to detail while never losing the sight of overall end picture, achieving perfect execution in process.

2016
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills