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Parinaz Behbahani

Parinaz Behbahani

Laguna Niguel, CA, US

 

About 

I have completed my Masters degree in Architecture (MArch1) from Cal Poly Pomona in June. As you already know, Cal Poly Pomona is also known for emphasizing on sustainable design. In my mind, a good design should consider: energy, water, waste & construction. Accounting for these elements, makes good design equal to a sustainable design.
I have been very lucky to be involved in a real carbon neutral project before graduating from school. In March 2011, our design (P+Dzn, a team of two), was considered as a wining solution to the Pamo Valley Carbon Neutral Project, a design competition to replace homes that were destroyed by 2007 wildfires near San Diego. In summer 2011, HMC Architects has volunteered to help develop the construction documentation and in fall 2011 the house is scheduled to be built. Once the house is built the performance of sustainable strategies will be tested and analyzed. For more details of the project please visit: http://pamovalley.com/category/winning-solutions/  , http://polycentric.csupomona.edu/news_stories/2011/06/destroyed-wildfires-rebuilt-students.html & http://blog.hmcarchitects.com/designing-for-a-carbon-neutral-world/
Transit Oriented Development is also promoting green lifestyle. One of the projects included in my portfolio is the Anaheim Metro District. In order to design this TOD project, the population and circulation of the present was compared to the expected population and circulation of the future. Once the future needs were specified, an urban masterplan was designed to reflect the future needs.
I have always been fascinated with commercial projects, projects that deal with specific human activities. For this reason, I chose to do an Art Therapy Center for my thesis project.
Intensive research on Art Therapy was the core of the project. Once the therapy process was fully understood, the needs and requirements of space were established. The first aim of the project was to avoid an institutional appearance that most healthcare facilities have; not being inviting, locking patients in and blocking the public out. Having successfully completed my thesis project, I truly believe that architecture can change people’s perception on different environments.
Prior to perusing my master’s degree in architecture, I had approx 4 years of experience in Architectural/Interior Design and AV. I hold a CTS certificate, Certified Technology Specialist from 2008. My background as an Interior and AV designer has given my architectural designs a depth that shows profound thinking; not just designing shape and concept but also considering use and lifestyle. In fact, understanding lifestyle and culture of different societies has always been my passion. I have lived in four different countries and have traveled to over thirty cities worldwide. 
 

Employment 

Cibola Systems, Inc., Designer

Cibola Systems is an audiovisual design and integration pioneer of thirty years. The title called for the marriage of design and technology. As a designer I was involved in two main phases of the projects; Conceptual design, which included schematic drawings, studying architectural impact of specific communication technologies and the design development phase, including drawings that document architectural requirement for the design team. Also, Custom details, delineated furniture and fixtures with integrated technology. Finally, once the project was completed, preparing specification books for equipment, fixtures and materials.

May 2008 - Sep 2008
 

Yuri Bast Interior Design, Inc., Interior Designer

Worked directly with Yuri Bast, a professional & experienced designer in Commercial, Hospitality and Residential designs. I mostly focused on Clubhouses, Sales Information Centers, Professional Offices & Model Homes, performing the full range of Interior Architectural Design services. Programming and Concept Design, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents(using AutoCAD), Interior Lighting Design, Budgeting, Art & Accessories, Purchasing, Installation & FF & E Specification Books.

Jul 2006 - Apr 2008
 

Education 

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, MArch, Master of Architecture

Sep 2008 - Jun 2011
 

Awards 

Winning Solution of the Pamo Valley Carbon Neutral Project, 1st Place

Winning Solution of the Pamo Valley Carbon Neutral Project, spring 2011. Lead by Professor Dr Pablo La Roche.

The Pamo Valley Project was a collaboration between Cal Poly Pomona, HMC Architects, and the city of San Diego to replace homes that were destroyed by 2007 wildfires near San Diego. The Design incorporates low-cost systems for water, energy and waste, including passive solar heating and cooling and renewable energy sources.

2011
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills