Awards & Recognitions
We are officially a Certified Women's Business Enterprise (WBE)
April 2025
Mahya Salehi Studio | Architecture + Interiors | is proud to be officially certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs. This certification was processed and validated by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council – Pacific and confirms that our firm meets WBENC’s rigorous standards, verifying that the business is woman-owned, operated, and controlled. This important recognition reflects our commitment to diversity and excellence in the fields of Architectural Services and Interior Design Services.
Mind Coffee: Featured in Best Cafe Designs
July 2024
We are proud to have our design for Mind Coffee in Berkeley featured on Best Cafe Designs, a leading platform dedicated to showcasing exceptional cafe architecture and interiors worldwide. The article delves into our unique approach to creating a “mindfulness”-focused environment, highlighting how the space fosters thoughtful interaction and provides a serene oasis near the UC Berkeley campus.
Celebrating Our Quality Business Award Win
June 2024
We are thrilled to announce that Mahya Salehi Studio has been honored with the Quality Business Award for 2024! This prestigious award recognizes our commitment to excellence in architecture and interior design, and we are proud to be named the Best Architecture Firm in Walnut Creek.
Washington Residence WINS THE USA PROPERTY AWARD
February 2024
We are thrilled to announce that our Washington Residence project has been honored with the prestigious USA Property Award in the Architecture category. This highly respected award recognizes outstanding achievement in residential and commercial property design across the nation. Being selected as a winner highlights our studio’s dedication to excellence and innovation in architectural design, as showcased in the Washington Residence.
Carmen's La Hacienda - Mexican Restaurant WINS THE USA PROPERTY AWARD
February 2024
We are thrilled to announce that our Mexican Restaurant project, Carmen’s La Hacienda, has been honored with the prestigious USA Property Award in the Interior Design category. This highly respected award recognizes outstanding achievement in residential and commercial property design across the nation.
Industry Insight: Commercial Interior Design Features Mind Coffee
May 2023
Our design process for the unique Mind Coffee project in Berkeley was featured as an in-depth case study by Commercial Interior Design. The article provides industry insight into how our team successfully translated the abstract concept of “mindfulness” into a functional and serene cafe environment. It details how we overcame specific spatial challenges with thoughtful solutions, such as the distinctive custom fabric ceiling and varied seating arrangements, to create an engaging and mindful experience for visitors.
A responsive family home provides a tranquil refuge
October 2025
Our Washington Residence project was featured by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) for its thoughtful and responsive design. The home provides a tranquil refuge for family life, blending openness and intimacy through natural light, layered materials, and a strong connection to its landscape.
May 2026
Mahya Salehi’s article, How firms can direct AI instead of reacting to it, was published by AIArchitect and explores how small architecture firms can intentionally integrate artificial intelligence into their practice. The article highlights AI’s role in supporting regulatory research, early design iteration, creative material exploration, and business operations, while emphasizing that architects remain the essential editors who guide technology through professional judgment and design expertise.
May 2026
Our Washington Residence project was featured by Homes.com News for its innovative response to California’s lot-splitting legislation and the unique challenges of a narrow, flag-shaped site in Fremont. The article highlights how Mahya Salehi Studio transformed the constrained parcel through linear planning, courtyards, staggered levels, skylights, varied ceiling heights, and cost-conscious material choices. These strategies created a light-filled, contemporary home that balances openness with comfortable family living.
May 2026 - June 2026
Mahya Salehi Studio’s Washington Residence project was featured in two Custom Builder articles: Steep Flag Lot Shaped Every Decision in This Contemporary California Home and Tech-Sector Homebuyers Don’t Want What You’d Think. The first article highlights how Mahya Salehi Studio transformed a steep, narrow Fremont flag lot into a contemporary home through thoughtful planning, daylighting, spatial layering, and indoor-outdoor connections. The second explores the studio’s approach to evolving tech-sector homeowners’ needs, focusing on family-centered, multigenerational spaces that balance timeless design with advanced building systems.