About us

Mahya Salehi Studio creates engaging spaces for ambitious clients in the Bay Area and beyond. Led by Creative Director and Principal Mahya Salehi, AIA, the firm is a certified Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) and operates as a multi-disciplinary team of architects, interior designers, and visual artists.

The Studio’s projects range from single-family remodels to multi-family ground-up construction, as well as commercial and educational facilities. As a full-service design studio, Mahya Salehi Studio collaborates closely with clients and consultants to guide projects through every phase—scope analysis, design concepts and development, permitting, timelines, budgets, and construction coordination.

By implementing a holistic approach to spatial design, the team carefully plans and manages each project roadmap from start to finish, with no detail left unnoticed. Through this intimate design journey, functional and responsive spaces are conceived and enriched with sophisticated, personable interiors.

Mahya Salehi

Principal

Mahya is an architect and founder of Mahya Salehi Studio. She has over a decade of experience in architecture and interior design and has worked on various projects, including residential, commercial, hospitality, and educational facilities.
Mahya’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that architecture should enhance the human experience and create a sense of harmony and balance with its environment. Her design approach combines functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability to create beautiful and practical spaces.
In addition to her practice, Mahya advocates for diversity and inclusion in the architecture and design industry. She is actively involved in mentoring and supporting emerging designers and architects.

Mana behdad

Senior Associate

Mana holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Iran and a Master’s degree in Infrastructure Planning from Germany. With more than 14 years of professional experience, she brings a deep passion for architecture and a particular expertise in interior design. Her diverse educational and professional background allows her to approach each project with both creativity and a strong understanding of functionality, planning, and the built environment.Mana is dedicated to creating thoughtful, timeless spaces that enhance the way people live and interact with their surroundings. She enjoys collaborating closely with clients to transform their vision into well-crafted environments that balance beauty, comfort, and practicality. Her attention to detail, design sensitivity, and commitment to excellence are reflected in every project she undertakes.

Kimiya fadardi

Architectural Designer

Kimiya’s formative years were spent amidst the rolling hills of Wales, but it was in Iran where she attained her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture. Kimiya’s design and creative thinking show the profound influence of her culturally diverse background. Kimiya’s academic pursuits explored integrating behavioral patterns with architectural form to conceive high-quality spaces that stood the test of time. Kimiya also channels her artistic impulses into drawing, creating animation, and delving into the fascinating world of fashion design.

Asma Hazrat

Architectural Designer

Asma received her Bachelor of Architecture in Iran and a Master of Science in Architectural Research and Design from Tulane University in the United States. She brings an international perspective from working in different cities and cultural contexts. While at Tulane in New Orleans, she gained hands-on experience designing and building a house, navigating different climates and building codes. Her work focuses on innovative, sustainable, and culturally responsive approaches to architecture. Her passion lies in merging design principles with cutting-edge digital tools, constantly exploring the possibilities that advanced technologies present, whether in design or computation.

Robida Hazrat

Architectural Designer

Robi grew up in Iran, where a rich cultural and artistic heritage shaped her appreciation for art, architecture, and the built environment. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Ferdowsi University in Iran and completed her Master of Architecture in Research and Design at Tulane University, focusing on flexible and growable housing that adapts to residents’ needs while fostering social connection.

She is particularly interested in how architecture can respond to everyday life, creating adaptable, inclusive spaces that support diverse family structures and economic conditions. Informed by her interest in environmental psychology, her work explores the relationship between space, human behavior, and well-being. Robi aims to design environments that are both functional and emotionally meaningful spaces where people can grow, connect, and feel a sense of belonging.

Banu

Chief Security Officer

Banu was adopted from Berkeley Humane in 2019. She was four months old and extremely cute. She has taken on the self-appointed role of providing endless cuddles and kisses, being VERY excited to see the team, and barking off any business that comes to the Studio. Banu spends her career napping next to Mahya’s desk. During her spare time, she loves to play fetch, swim in the Bay and indulge in peanut butter.