Today we’d like to introduce you to Ferial Sadeghian.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in Iran. In 1996, I moved to the United States after receiving my masters in architecture. I feel extremely privileged to have been able to study architecture in my home country. The expansive cultural and architectural history of Iran allowed me to see and touch everything I was studying and become connected to the profession.
Growing up, my family and I traveled a lot, most often exploring Europe. My father was a military man and a Diplomat in Baghdad. After the revolution he left the military and went into business, which opened a new world for our family. This transition in his career led us to more travel and incredibly unique experiences that helped shape me into the person I am today. Our travels were filled with everything from meeting with business owners and locals, to driving up to a special castle in Austria for a famous strawberry cake, to visiting a distinct restaurant outside of town that specialized in cooking pork loin in a fireplace. All of these experiences exposed me to amazing architecture and food, which have both been my passions throughout my adult life.
In 2012 I joined and became a partner at iDGroup, a design-build firm in West Hollywood, owned by Jeff Vance. I came to iDGroup with similar design build experience and was thrilled about the opportunity to work with the team on award-winning buildings and iconic architecture projects. Very quickly, my role moved into managing the firm, designing in the after hours over wine with our architecture team, and finding vintage one-of-a-kind furniture to furnish these incredible properties in any free minutes of the day or night.
Real estate is another area of business that has always been an interest of mine. iDGroup, is involved in all aspects of the acquisition, design and build process; from finding the property, to designing and permitting, building, furnishing, landscaping and selling or managing the properties. Since I started at iDGroup, I have been completely engulfed in all aspects of the business; however, I was still looking for more.
During my travels a few years ago, I explored hotels that were situated on their own hills and managed and owned by the Executive Chefs. These unique hospitality sites were unpretentious, yet the food and service were unexpected and truly went above and beyond.
It was this unique experience which left us yearning to do more than just create one-of-a-kind lifestyles for our few clients. Instead we were triggered to push ourselves to create experiences that could be enjoyed by many more through food and hospitality, while still delivering the unexpected in design. Which lead Jeff and I to purchasing Cuyama Buckhorn, located in New Cuyama, California in 2018.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I am a single mother of two, juggling two extremely fast-paced, demanding businesses, so my adult life has been challenging. As a mother it has always been imperative to me to provide my girls with the same wonderful experiences I grew up with, which means pushing them and providing them with the resources to explore the world and become capable, independent women. I wear many hats and managing time is definitely a struggle, but I love what I do and I always wish I could do more.
Now that we are tackling a new industry, hospitality, I have the added challenge of learning a new business and all that comes with that, but it is extremely exciting to me. My moto is that standards don’t change, no matter what area of business and or life I am managing, and as long as I hold myself to high standards, I believe I can succeed.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Cuyama Buckhorn and iDGroup – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
iDGroup – Design-build firm:
iDGroup, Led by Jeff Vance, has been recognized for both residential and commercial architecture, locally in Los Angeles and abroad. With over twenty years of experience in the industry, we specialize in the acquisition, development, design, construction, and management of unique, luxury real estate properties.
With a combination of intense dedication and expansive vision, iDGroup seeks out seemingly impossible spaces to build or rebuild and make them feel like home. Our work can be found everywhere from Bel Air, to the Bird Streets and overseas from Japan to Panama.
iDGroup is comprised of a talented team of multidisciplinary individuals led by founder Jeff Vance. Jeff has a very unique and strong vision on architecture, which we would like to incorporate into the creation of some timeless buildings. We are a small, yet highly diverse team, that comes from a multicultural background. This allows us to encompass a global array of styles and sensibilities, which shows in our unique projects. Each team member brings their own particular skill set to the table. We then work in tandem to create a theoretical idea, which we transform into an enduring, one-of-a-kind structure. Going beyond expectations to bring dreams to life with absolute attention to detail is what we pride ourselves on.
Interesting fact about our firm is that we are a “design and construction” office mostly made up of women. The majority of our architects, project managers, and accountants are all female, which is highly unique for the industries iDGroup touches and we are very proud of this.
However, what I am most proud of, is the thoughtful designs we create from site to site, by focusing on every detail, pushing boundaries, and running a tight ship. This way of business allows us to take a property from the bare bones (literally dirt) all the way to setting a beautiful table filled with lit candles by completion and mastering all aspects of the process.
CUYAMA BUCKHORN – Hospitality property in New Cuyama, CA:
Cuyama Buckhorn was founded in 1952 as a roadside stop for weary travelers to enjoy a meal in good company and rest up before continuing on their journey. More than 60 years later, Cuyama Buckhorn has become a historic establishment, nestled in The Hidden Valley of Enchantment, filled with wonderful memories for locals and travelers alike.
Under our new ownership and management, the property is undergoing a full renovation that will breathe new life into the Buckhorn and the entire Cuyama Valley. We are drawing on the classic Mid Century design, wonderful local community, and an extensive history to revive this establishment and make it more vibrant and welcoming than ever. Whether it’s to fuel up at the coffee shop, grab a bite at the restaurant, saddle up for a drink in the bar, or get a good night’s sleep in one of our cozy rooms, we hope to make this property an inviting gathering place for people from all walks of life to come together for a uniquely charming and memorable experience.
Jeff and I purchased Cuyama Buckhorn in March of 2018, so it’s still in its infancy in terms of where we plan to take the property, but this first year has been an eye-opening, amazing experience for us and we are thrilled about the future of this property. We are taking a “motel” in a rural community and giving it new life and energy, by focusing on farm-to-table cuisine, creating memorable experiences and working to strengthen the sense of community in the valley. Our approach to this involves using thoughtful design to create a welcoming and beautiful space where we hope to bring everyone to the table to connect over food and conversation.
I feel being an architect has helped me identify the different areas of this massive project from the micro to macro levels and my design background has added a lot to our overall branding for the new Cuyama Buckhorn, which will be cohesive with the aesthetic of the property renovations.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
For iDGroup, our plan is to complete at least five new, iconic buildings in the LA area
as well as add in hospitality design as a major piece of our business. For Cuyama Buckhorn, our end goal it to operate as a full resort with additional accommodations and farm-to-table cuisine, all while creating amazing, memorable experiences for everyone who visits this highly unique establishment. But, stay tuned because we are always looking for more and we don’t see that changing anytime soon.
Contact Info:
- Address: iDGroup: 8335 Sunset Blvd. Suite 400, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Cuyama Buckhorn: 4923 Primero Road, New Cuyama, CA 93254 - Website: www.idgrouplive.com / www.cuyamabuckhorn.com
- Phone: iDGroup: 323-337-9009
Cuyama Buckhorn: 661-766-2825 - Email: [email protected] / [email protected]
- Instagram: @cuyamabuckhorn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cuyamabuckhorn52/
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