10 Top Architecture Firms in Iran; 2025 Review
Iran’s architectural landscape has experienced significant growth, with numerous firms gaining national and international recognition for their innovative designs and contributions to contemporary architecture. This article highlights some of the top architecture firms in Iran, showcasing their achievements and the impact they have made on the built environment.
The Iranian construction industry is poised for growth, with projections indicating a 2.8% increase in real terms by 2024. This expansion is supported by investments in energy, infrastructure, and the oil sectors, providing architecture firms with opportunities to engage in diverse and large-scale projects.
In this article, we listed top 10 architecture firms in Iran that are affecting the architecture industry. These firms represent the forefront of Iran’s architectural innovation, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to the industry.
Top Architecture Firms in Iran
Here, we can read about the top architecture firms in Iran; a list consisting of Hooba Design Group, Next Office, Ayeneh, Ashari Architects, Olgoo Co, Modaam Architects, ReNa Design, ZAV Architects, New Wave Architecture, and CAAT Studio.
1. Hooba Design Group
Established in 2007 by Hooman Balazadeh, Hooba Design Group is a Tehran-based architecture firm renowned for its innovative approach that harmonizes contemporary design with cultural and geographical contexts. The firm emphasizes the integration of light, color, urban dynamics, and indigenous materials to craft sustainable, cost-effective solutions across various scales, from interior spaces to urban interventions. Their projects often transcend conventional boundaries, adapting to evolving typologies and reflecting a deep respect for local heritage.
Hooba Design Group’s commitment to excellence has garnered international recognition. Notably, the architecture firm was honored as the Popular Choice Winner in the 11th Annual A+Awards for Best Medium Firm (16 – 40 employees). This accolade underscores their impressive scope, encompassing commercial buildings such as factories, showrooms, and office blocks, as well as residential apartments and multi-unit housing developments. Their pioneering design and construction methods strike a considered balance between innovation and contextual sensitivity.
In 2020, Hooba Design Group’s projects gained significant attention when three of their works were selected by the Dezeen Awards as among the world’s most popular and influential architectural designs.
This recognition highlights the firm’s dedication to creating architecture that serves as a catalyst for further research and exploration, deeply rooted in the cultural and geographical fabric of its environment.
Through a flexible framework that adapts to the dynamic nature of urban development, Hooba Design Group continues to push the boundaries of architectural design, fostering spaces that are both innovative and reflective of their unique cultural contexts.
2. Next Office
Founded in 2009 by architect and painter Alireza Taghaboni, Next Office is a Tehran-based architecture firm that seamlessly integrates architecture, art, and contextual sensitivity. With a Ph.D. in Architecture, Taghaboni has been a practicing architect since 2004 and is actively engaged in the discourse surrounding Iranian architecture and urbanism, contributing regularly to various magazines and periodicals.
Next Office strives to redefine traditional Iranian architecture by embracing contemporary design principles that are sensitive to the diverse contextual factors shaping each project. Their portfolio encompasses a wide range of projects, from residential dwellings to commercial complexes and urban master plans, all reflecting a deep contextual responsiveness.
The architecture firm’s innovative approach has garnered international recognition. In 2018, Taghaboni was awarded the inaugural Royal Academy Dorfman Award, which celebrates talent that “represents the future of architecture.”
One of Next Office’s most acclaimed projects is the Sharifi-ha House in Tehran, completed in 2013. This modular residence features three wooden boxes that can rotate 90 degrees, adapting to seasonal variations and providing flexible living spaces. The design draws inspiration from traditional Iranian architecture while incorporating modern technology to create a dynamic facade.
Another notable project is the Guyim Vault House, a two-level residential concept home that utilizes dome shapes inspired by traditional Chahartaq design elements. The project won the “House Future Project” award at the 2018 World Architecture Festival, highlighting Next Office’s commitment to innovative design solutions that respect cultural heritage.
Through a blend of artistic vision and architectural expertise, Next Office continues to push the boundaries of design, creating spaces that are both innovative and deeply rooted in their cultural and environmental contexts.
3. Ayeneh
Established in 2001 by Ali Soltani and Atefeh Karbasi, Ayeneh Office began its official practice in Tehran in 2003. The architecture firm has since undertaken a diverse array of projects across various Iranian cities, including residential complexes, commercial and cultural hubs, offices, and parks of varying scales. Guided by the philosophy that architecture should mirror its context, Ayeneh Office strives to integrate the essence of the surrounding environment into its designs.
Over the past decade, Ayeneh Office has garnered numerous national and international accolades, including several Memar Awards and recognitions for outstanding achievements in interior and façade design.
In 2023, Ayeneh Office was selected as one of the 30 Best Architecture Firms in Iran by Architizer, reflecting its commitment to excellence in design.
Notable projects by Ayeneh Office include the Raha House, which exemplifies the firm’s dedication to contextual responsiveness and innovative design solutions.
Through a deep understanding of the interplay between architecture and its environment, Ayeneh Office continues to contribute significantly to the architectural landscape, both within Iran and internationally.
4. Ashari Architects
Established in 2005, Ashari Architects and Associates is a Shiraz-based architecture firm renowned for its experiential approach to architecture, encompassing a wide array of projects in architecture, interior design, and landscaping. Their diverse portfolio includes residential, commercial, administrative, educational, cultural, industrial, and tourist developments, as well as ventures in product design and art installations. A core objective of the firm is to enhance the artistic dimension of their projects, aiming to create novel user experiences by harnessing each project’s unique potential and introducing innovative design capabilities.
Over two decades of professional activity, the team has been responsible for the design of nearly 200 projects, many of which have won prestigious awards in both domestic and international competitions. In 2019, the group was honored with the Medal of Excellence by the Iranian Contemporary Architects Office. In 2023, according to the evaluation of the international website Architizer, Ashari Architecture Group and Associates was listed among the top 10 architecture firms in Iran.
Notable projects by Ashari Architects include the Safari Residential Apartment in Shiraz, which exemplifies their commitment to integrating contextual elements into their designs. This project features a dynamic facade that transitions from two-dimensional to three-dimensional forms, enhancing the interaction between interior and exterior spaces.
Through a blend of creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of the interplay between architecture and its environment, Ashari Architects and Associates continues to make significant contributions to the architectural landscape, both within Iran and internationally.
5. Olgoo Co.
Established in 2005 by Mehran Khoshroo, Olgoo Architecture Office is a Tehran-based architecture firm renowned for its distinctive approach to architectural design, emphasizing inquiry and exploration. The firm’s methodology centers on framing each project around a central “question,” initiating a rigorous research and discovery phase to gain insights into the program, context, and materials involved.
Olgoo’s portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, including residential, commercial, and cultural developments. Notably, the Gandom Office Building in Tehran exemplifies the firm’s commitment to integrating contextual elements into their designs. This project features a dynamic facade that transitions from two-dimensional to three-dimensional forms, enhancing the interaction between interior and exterior spaces.
In 2018, Olgoo Office’s innovative design approach was recognized on an international platform when their System Warehouse project advanced to the final round of the World Architecture Festival.
Through a blend of creativity, innovation, and a deep understanding of the interplay between architecture and its environment, Olgoo Architecture Office continues to make significant contributions to the architectural landscape, both within Iran and internationally.
6. Modaam Architects
Established in 2009 by architects Sanaz Ghaemmaghami and Mojtaba M. Zaheri, Modaam Architects has developed an extensive portfolio encompassing over 100 projects. Their work spans a diverse range of typologies, including office buildings, shopping malls, sports complexes, residential structures, leisure and holiday centers, small villas, renovation endeavors, pharmaceutical plants, and landscape designs.
Modaam’s design philosophy is deeply rooted in contextual considerations, integrating environmental, social, economic, and anthropological aspects to craft harmonious and functional spaces. This approach ensures that each project resonates with its surroundings and meets the nuanced needs of its users.
Notable projects by Modaam include the CinnaGen Pharmaceutical Company headquarters, a dual complex with a total built area of 20,000 square meters designed to serve the needs of the biopharmaceutical company.
Another significant project is the Medicinal Herbs Garden Museum, which showcases Modaam’s commitment to integrating cultural and environmental elements into their designs.
Through a meticulous design process that emphasizes research and development, Modaam Architects continues to contribute significantly to the architectural landscape, both within Iran and internationally.
7. ReNa Design
Established in 2012 by architect and interior designer Reza Najafian, ReNa Design is a dynamic architectural group engaged in design, architecture, and research. The architecture firm emphasizes functionality and contextual relevance, meticulously considering environmental, social, economic, and anthropological factors to create harmonious and functional spaces.
ReNa Design’s portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, including residential architecture, refurbishments, and interior design. Notable works include the Afsharian’s House, a sculptural three-story residence in Kermanshah, Iran, characterized by its distinctive wood-fronted facade.
The firm’s innovative approach has garnered international recognition. In 2016, ReNa Design received an Architizer A+Award in the Low Rise Multi-Unit Housing category for the Afsharian’s House.
Beyond architecture, Reza Najafian has pursued interests in product design, graphic design, and photography, with many of his projects in these fields being featured in exhibitions.
Through a commitment to innovative design solutions and a deep understanding of the interplay between architecture and its environment, ReNa Design continues to make significant contributions to the architectural landscape, both within Iran and internationally.
8. ZAV Architects
ZAV Architects approaches architectural design as an extended process, emphasizing the rediscovery of overlooked resources. By engaging local workforces, they transform these resources into adaptable spaces, embracing the outcomes as part of their “adopted aesthetics.”
This philosophy mirrors traditional practices in their region, where communities convert raw materials into valuable, multifunctional objects. For example, villagers dye wool with natural plant residues and craft it into carpets used for sitting, eating, sleeping, hosting guests, and studying.
ZAV’s projects, such as the Typeless Building on Hormuz Island, exemplify this approach by utilizing local craftsmanship and materials to create educational centers that resonate with the cultural and environmental context.
Through this methodology, ZAV Architects fosters a design process that is both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural heritage, resulting in spaces that are functional, adaptable, and contextually harmonious.
9. New Wave Architecture
Established in 2006, New Wave Architecture is an innovative design firm based in Tehran, Iran, comprising a team of 150 professionals. The architecture firm has garnered national and international recognition through prestigious awards, publications, competitions, and citations for design excellence.
New Wave Architecture’s extensive portfolio includes over 120 projects, encompassing campus and educational facilities, specialized hospitals and healthcare centers, retail designs, residential developments, and recreational facilities.
The architecture firm is dedicated to pioneering a global architectural language that fosters an innovative and challenging contemporary movement. By exploring new avenues for emerging ideas, they create distinctive spaces that address aesthetic considerations, human needs, and global communication.
Notable projects include the Mosha House, which was a finalist at the World Architecture Festival in 2017 and received the Excellence Award from the American Registered Architect in 2016. Additionally, the Pars Hospital of Rasht won at the World Architecture Festival in 2017 and was honored with the Society of American Registered Architects Excellence Award.
Through their commitment to design excellence and innovation, New Wave Architecture continues to make significant contributions to the architectural landscape, both within Iran and internationally.
10. CAAT Studio
Established in 2015 by architect Mahdi Kamboozia, CAAT Studio (C/KambooziA ArchitecTure Studio) is a Tehran-based architecture firm that bridges the gap between design concepts and construction execution. The studio emphasizes that the future of architecture extends beyond technological advancements, focusing on innovative ideas that respond to evolving social dynamics.
CAAT Studio’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that each project presents a unique narrative, requiring tailored solutions that address specific design challenges. This approach has led to a diverse portfolio, with each project reflecting distinct characteristics and responses to its context.
Notable projects include the Kahrizak Residential Building #01, which showcases a modular brick design inspired by traditional Iranian geometric patterns. This project emphasizes collaboration between architect, constructor, and client, achieving aesthetic appeal within a minimal budget.
Another significant endeavor is the Chitgar Commercial Bridge in Tehran, designed to connect the Chitgar Forest Park to the Persian Gulf Lake. This organic bridge hosts a variety of programs, enhancing urban connectivity and public engagement.
CAAT Studio’s commitment to addressing the needs and potentials of future generations is evident in their design process, which prioritizes innovative solutions tailored to each project’s unique aspects.
Resources: aaup | architizer | archdaily | archello | Zarkon Real Estate | Toos Foundation | Next Office | wallpaper.com | Rethinking the Future | Archinect | Olgoo | Modaam | archilovers | Designboom | Brick Architecture | CAOI | New Wave Architecture | Oriental Rug Salon | Round City | Rena Design