Today we’d like to introduce you to Shadan Mirzaei.
Hi Shadan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Dubai to a Persian family, and my early education took place across borders, from Dubai to the British International School in France. That multicultural upbringing had a profound influence on how I see the world now, especially how people relate to and are shaped by their environments.
I came to the U.S. to study psychology and art at UC Santa Barbara, with the goal of building a strong foundation in human behavior, neuroscience, and visual thinking. I was particularly drawn to understanding how people perceive and interact with space, and how those environments influence mental and emotional well-being. After graduating, I went on to pursue a Master of Architecture at the University of Southern California, where I focused on healthcare design and environmental psychology. My thesis explored the healing potential of architecture in cancer-care settings.
Today, I’m an Architectural Designer and Research Lead at Atelier West, an architecture firm based in Los Angeles that specializes in custom residential work. In my role, I design homes tailored to individual clients, develop evidence-based design strategies, and continue expanding my research. Outside of architecture, I also enjoy painting and drawing — creative outlets that keep me inspired on a personal level.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road, but I wouldn’t have expected it to be. Architecture and psychology come from two very different academic and professional worlds, so trying to bring them together has meant figuring a lot out on my own. One of the biggest challenges has been combining them in a meaningful research-driven way while working in practice. Most research in environmental psychology happens in academic settings, not at architecture firms, so carving out space for that kind of work in a professional design environment has been difficult.
That said, being a practicing designer has actually strengthened the research side of what I do. I’m able to test ideas and theories in real-time, with real projects; it’s allowed me to ground theory in lived experience, which wouldn’t be possible in a purely academic context. Even though it’s been challenging, it’s made both the design and research aspects of my work much more meaningful.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m currently an Architectural Designer and Research Lead at Atelier West, a residential architecture firm in Los Angeles. I design custom homes tailored to the needs and lifestyles of individual clients, from early concept through detailed development. My work is grounded in human-centered design, creating spaces that don’t just look good, but also feel good to live in. With a background in psychology, I focus on how space impacts mood, behavior, memory, and overall well-being, and I integrate research and evidence-based strategies directly into the design process.
One project I’m particularly proud of was one of my first in Los Angeles, a remodel of a home in the Hollywood Hills. What stood out was that the client’s pitch wasn’t focused on aesthetics or style, but on how they wanted the space to feel and function for their lifestyle. I translated those emotional and behavioral needs into design solutions, and seeing how much the client connected with the final result was incredibly rewarding, especially as someone just starting my professional career straight out of grad school.
On a more personal note, one piece I’m especially proud of is an art piece I created at UC Santa Barbara titled ‘Ceci N’est Pas Une Robe’. It’s a dress constructed entirely out of canvas and painted with acrylics. The piece reflects my cultural background and my interest in architecture, incorporating Persian architectural motifs and construction techniques into the sculptural form.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
When I was pretty young, I could never put my coloring pencils down. My mom would often find me hiding behind the curtains, drawing all over the walls — the entire house was covered in my little doodles! Eventually, my parents put up white wallpaper for me to draw on, hoping it would contain my creativity. It worked for a while, but then I’d just finish drawing on the wallpaper, peel it off, and start again on the walls behind it.
What makes this my favorite memory isn’t actually the drawings themselves, but how my parents reacted to it. They never got upset; instead, they loved that this was who I was. They constantly encouraged my creativity, and still do, and I can without a doubt say that I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for their support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shadanmirzaei.com
- Instagram: shadanmrz
