Hidden Gems: Meet Shahrzad Razi of Razi Architects

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shahrzad Razi.

Hi Shahrzad, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Journey to Becoming an Architect

I was born in Iran and moved to the U.S. when I was 14. Even at a young age, I knew I wanted to become an architect. My father is an architect, and I have vivid memories of visiting his office—it always felt like a place full of possibility and creativity.

I pursued my Bachelor of Architecture at Cal Poly Pomona. It was a rigorous program, filled with sleepless nights, tough critiques, and the pressure of final juries. But that experience made me resilient. It taught me how to defend my ideas and how to push through when things got difficult.

After graduating, I spent several years working at firms. But honestly, I hated it. The environments were often toxic, blame culture, stifled creativity, and a lack of collaboration. That dissatisfaction pushed me to apply to UCLA’s M.Arch II program, which became the turning point in my life. At UCLA, I learned how to think critically, use technology as a tool for innovation, and question the status quo. It gave me the confidence to think independently.

After grad school, I experimented. I started a couple of startups and continued working in architecture, but I quickly realized I didn’t want to work for someone else. I was always being put in a box, and I have a mind that loves to explore. So I started my own practice—Razi Architects—and I haven’t looked back.

Today, I’m living the life I once dreamed of, and I know it’s still just the beginning. Running your own firm is incredibly challenging. Some days I’m an architect, a therapist, an engineer, and a businesswoman all at once. But I wouldn’t trade it for anything. For anyone out there feeling stuck the way I once did: jump ship. Money isn’t the answer to fulfillment. Exploration, growth, and failing a hundred times until you succeed, that’s what makes it all worth it.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Has it been a smooth road? Definitely not—and that’s been a gift in disguise.
Moving to the U.S. at 14 was a culture shock, and navigating a new language and identity wasn’t easy. Architecture school at Cal Poly Pomona was grueling, long nights, tough critiques, and constant pressure, but it made me resilient. Later, working in traditional firms was one of the hardest parts. I faced toxic environments where creativity was stifled, and I often felt like I didn’t belong in a system that rewarded conformity over vision.

Starting my own practice wasn’t easy either. I had to take big risks, wear every hat, and learn through failure. Some days I’m an architect, business owner, therapist, and problem-solver all at once. But through every struggle, I found clarity in who I am and how I want to build. The hard parts forced me to grow, and I honestly wouldn’t trade any of it, because each challenge has made the journey more meaningful.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Razi Architects is a design-driven architecture and interiors studio based in California, rooted in exploration, clarity, and contextual design.
We specialize in high-end residential and boutique commercial projects, with a focus on timeless materials, refined detailing, and spaces that feel both grounded and unexpected. Our work blends architecture, interiors, and landscape into a cohesive vision, often guided by sustainability, cultural narrative, and a deep understanding of place.

What sets us apart is how we think. We don’t follow trends, we question them. Our approach is both analytical and intuitive. We use technology to test ideas and emotion to guide them. Whether it’s a modern home, a retail concept, or an adaptive reuse project, we design with intention and curiosity.

Brand-wise, I’m most proud that clients come to us not just for a beautiful space, but because they feel heard. They trust us to solve complex problems while preserving soul and identity. Razi Architects is more than a design service, it’s a creative partnership. For anyone looking to build something meaningful, we’re here to make that vision real.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising about me? I’m still figuring it all out.
Even though I run a practice, I don’t have all the answers; and I don’t pretend to. I’ve kept my path open-ended on purpose because I believe growth never stops. Every day I’m trying to be better—creatively, personally, emotionally, but I’m also incredibly hard on myself. That drive pushes me, but I’m learning to give myself grace, too.

I work hard, and I play hard. I believe in being all-in, whether it’s for a deadline or a celebration. You have to make space for joy, for rest, for the moments that remind you why you do all this in the first place. The work matters, but so does the life you’re building around it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.raziarchitects.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raziarchitects/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shahr.razi
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahrzad-razi/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/razi-architects-pasadena?uid=zWTNGrTFF9KSf2KWkBXqLw&utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)
• Other: https://g.co/kgs/hrbjRqk