As Farzin Yadegari sits down to discuss his long, distinguished career as the principal of Farzin Yadegari Architect Inc., he says something that at first might baffle some readers. He likens architecture to music; a parallel art of harmonic and rhythmic sequences.
“The mathematical orders in classical music are the same as in architecture,” says Farzin. “Architecture and music are both based on creativity and design principles such as rhythm, proportion, harmony, unity, repetition and others.”
When described this way, it makes perfect sense that these many qualities unite these two art forms. It could also be said that the architect “paints” with building materials; while the composer “constructs” using vibrations.
To understand how Farzin came to be an established, well-respected local architect, you have to go to the beginning. Growing up in Iran, Farzin never set out to become an architect.
“I wasn’t sure about my career path, but I always enjoyed arts and math, both of which are very important elements in architecture,” explains Farzin. “It was a teen challenge that had me apply to the School of Architecture at the University of Tehran, which was the most difficult one to get accepted into.”
“The mathematical orders in classical music
are the same as in architecture,”
says Farzin
Admitted he was, Graduating Magna Cum Laude with his master’s degree in Architecture from the renowned University of Tehran in 1978.
In 1989, Farzin became a registered member of the Architectural Institute of B.C., before opening up his own firm in 1994. His ability to work on many types of architecture, led Farzin to the design and export of Canadian construction and building technology materials, primarily to the Japanese market – a post he held from 1994 until 2001.
In 2001 he shifted his focus to the Canadian market, Farzin has become known for his attention to detail and impeccable work ethic. Farzin is responsible for the design of many well-known single and multifamily residential projects across the province, including Victoria’s Pacific House and Squamish’s Amaji and Vancouver Aviation Collage, in addition to several commercial and residential complexes.
Be it public or private space, Farzin doesn’t want to turn everything that exists upside down. He likes to make use of existing space, take it over and reinterpret. Such was the case with North Vancouver’s Avesta, a five-storey luxury rental apartment building totally rebuilt in 2013. (Now St. George’s Place).
Farzin received a nod from The City of North Vancouver, which acknowledged him for his outstanding contribution to design excellence for Avesta.
Among his extensive body of work over the years, Farzin confesses that he is especially proud of Avesta.
“I had to come up with new, different ideas to preserve this building,” says Farzin. “The city didn’t want it demolished. One of the challenges was putting in an elevator, but we managed to do it.”
Another fan of Farzin’s body of work is West Vancouver’s Lexi Development Group’s managing partner, Babak Nikbakhtan. His company has collaborated on several projects with Farzin, including both Pacific House and Cleveland project.
“Farzin has an innate ability to take our vision in order to create architecturally appealing buildings,” says Babak.
Built on a natural slope only three blocks from the waterfront, the concrete, modern Pacific House takes full advantage of the southwest exposure to capture spectacular ocean and mountain views, and stands as one of the tallest buildings in Esquimalt. Lexi Development Group has several projects on the go with Farzin; with more in the future as well.
Although Farzin appreciates the accolades, he says he owes much of his firm’s longevity to his tightknit team of seven. The success of Farzin Yadegari Architect Inc. was built on the belief that if you hire great people, they will do great things. Farzin believes that the definition of success is simple: doing amazing work for, and with, amazing people.
“It is about staying true to your values and doing things that contribute to the betterment of society and your clients,” says Farzin.