Paul de Ruiter
Architects
Portret Mahdi Varzaghani Willem van den Hoed

Mahdi Varzaghani

Technical designer

“For me, architecture is about balancing the duality of conceptual vision and technical precision. A strong design preserves its essence through every phase—from idea to execution—because only when a space is built can it truly be called architecture.”

After completing my Bachelor’s in Architecture in Tehran and gaining experience in various roles, I moved to the Netherlands to pursue a Master’s at the Fontys Academy of the Arts. There, I explored both the conceptual and technical sides of architecture, with a particular focus on building technology and timber construction. This combination gave me a broad perspective on the field and helped me build a bridge between academic thinking and practical experience. My passion for architecture began early. Growing up in a family of architects, I spent much of my time on construction sites and in design studios. That environment sparked my curiosity and gave me a lasting appreciation for the built environment. After relocating to the Netherlands, I worked as a technical and spatial designer in Amsterdam and Rotterdam. This period allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Dutch construction methods and processes and to build experience across different project phases. What drew me to the firm is its clear and consistent focus on sustainable architecture and energy-conscious design. Within the practice, I concentrate on safeguarding design integrity: ensuring that strong concepts retain their strength, even during the complex phases of execution and realization. For me, sustainability is inseparably linked to performance and climate responsiveness – the foundation of meaningful architecture.