https://linearchitect.com

Provide a brief summary of your practice experience.

After 14 years combined academic pursuit/working in the US, I immigrated to Canada upon my graduation from Harvard University in 1983. I worked with architects Ron Thom, Arthur Erickson, Pellow, NORR and WZMH working on large and complex projects.

In 1990, I formed LINE Architect Inc. and have been responsible for all aspects of the practice, business (B.SC. Economics) and principal designer on pioneering projects: highly acclaimed award-winning Fleming College, Solete Apartments, Telus Switch Centers, TARIC and Imdad Community Centre receiving recognition for innovative, sustainable design from Enbridge, Ministry of Natural Resources, Canada Wood Council, and OAA. I received registration in Quebec and British Columbia for projects in Vancouver and Montreal, showcasing in Doors Open, University of Toronto, Metro Hall, city halls, IIDEX, Construct Canada, Toronto of the Future, and sustainable architecture conference in Oslo among 5 projects from Canada.

I have been a speaker since 1992 in conferences in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Riyadh, and Singapore presenting papers on sustainable architecture, ecological, future city models and urban Open Spaces in Toronto Waterfront Regeneration Conference in 2026. I was a presenter in ConEd sessions at OAA and AIBC conventions, IIDEX and construct Canada trade shows. In addition to articles in journals like SA&B, Building Strategies, Vision Vancouver, I authored a book in 1998 entitled Energy Efficiency in Architecture sponsored by Enbridge and have written a book review in Canadian Architect on Patrick MacLeamy’s book ‘Designing a World-Class Architecture Firm’ and presented the ‘C Suite for Architects’ in Montreal conference.

Provide a brief summary of your previous governance experience (boards, councils, committees, advisory groups, etc.).

I served as former Chair of the OAA Sustainable Built Environment, a member of the Practice Committee, and CAUSE Task Force. I also served as an OAA mentor for many years and a presenter in the OAA Continuing Education sessions at the OAA conventions and in 2030 Lecture series. I served on AIBC Professional Development, Environment Committees and as the AIBC representative at APEGBC's Environment Committee.

My other voluntary service includes advisor to Minister of Environment, and 1st Toronto Green Building Advisory Committee. I've also served as former president of the Conservation Council of Ontario, former chair of the Parent Council at Jackman and Glenview public schools.

At the Toronto Society of Architects, I've served as an Executive Board member, and in 2005 formed the committee named Friends of Sustainable Architecture (FST@TSA). With the aid of 17 volunteers, I organized lecture series at MTU, tour of first Strawbale home in Oakville (designed by Loghman Azar) and several travelling exhibitions of sustainable projects designed by Toronto architects. Traveling exhibition were featured in various public buildings and venues as well in IIDEX and Construct Canda trade show.

Why are you interested in serving on Council at this time?

With compounding changes facing us more than ever we need architects’ engagement in making plans. But plans do nothing unless there is a vision that guides the actions necessary. Good news is that challenges inherently lead to opportunities! The Council is Key in directing focus on positioning architects not only to serve the public interest but also to prosper in the process. Otherwise, without architects the world would be a different place.

If elected, I’ll work with Practice and other committees to focus on programs designed to improve public awareness of architecture and the role of architects in designing the made environment in harmony with nature. Wellbeing of architects, particularly small firms, are critical in times that fees are on the free fall!
The importance of architecture in cities is not recognized by those who hire architects. The selection and procurement process favors lower fees in private and public sectors as is evident in RFP’s. Clients use AI to design projects, and they run with it except perhaps in complex projects.

With education in architecture, economics, planning, urban design plus 40 years’ experience, I’ve gained multi-disciplinary skills in delivering projects from approval and construction. Hopefully, my background will be a welcome addition to complement diverse backgrounds of those who are forming the OAA Council.
I’m an immigrant architect with Persian origin; I can represent immigrant architects as well as others. I’ve worked on projects in different municipalities. There is a unique economic solution for different region and sector.

What do you believe are the key challenges or priorities for Council over the next one to three years?

Establishing priorities is what I hope to contribute if elected. There are many challenges facing our profession, whether caused by trade barriers or inflation, they have deep impact on the economy and construction industry.

AI is a powerful tool for everyone. It helps our clients to get a fully rendered design in minutes. The age-old problem with low fees is a chronic syndrome still hurting architects, especially small firms. It is understandable that overhead costs may be different, and perhaps there are many underpaid architects.
What is the right fee? Not everyone has the same answer. How is it possible that they quote almost the same fee, dentists, veterinarians, or even body shops fixing cars? We can once and for all work on not a schedule of fees, but a mechanism to make it acceptable. Clients’ procurement methods are all over the place and not very helpful either. Public education and awareness are certainly part of the equation for solutions. We can learn from other industries and professions. What is Apple, Google, Best Buy and Walmart doing to address pricing in economic uncertainties.

Problems are hardly unknown. The question is how to reconcile myriads of opinions. We need architects’ engagement to embrace a vision which is enriched by input from architects. We can learn from different approaches and methods at work in other countries. Hiring consultants is one approach, however, we need to invest in programs that increase architects’ engagement with the OAA more than ever before.

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