Mahdi Varzaghani

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. Since becoming a registered architect, I have been working at Paul de Ruiter Architects. 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.