Today we’d like to introduce you to Soheil Nakhshab.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I immigrated to the states with my family when I was four years old as a refugee from Iran. During my childhood, I was exposed to arts and engineering as my father is a structural engineer, and musician and my mother is a talented artist with a keen eye for design. By the time I reached high school, I knew I wanted to be an Architect. I started my first job in an office at the age of 17. I worked for three different firms two years a piece while I finished high school and completed college.
After I graduated in SDSU with my structural engineering degree, I founded my firm design + build firm Nakhshab Development and Design, Inc. my the help of my family. The firm grew exponentially, initially designing and building custom homes then evolving to larger commercial apartment projects. Architecturally, I see my projects as living sculptures that people can physically experience and enjoy. Taking inspiration from the Mid-Century era, every project that I design and build carries the timeless spirit of form meeting function.
Please tell us about your art.
My architecture is guided by designing for lifestyle and sustainable communities. I have the ability to compose the entire project from start to finish. I find the sites that I want to develop, analyze the neighborhoods, and demographics. I design buildings aspire last the test of time, where people today and tomorrow can appreciate the environment that I created.
My inspiration is drawn from the Mid-Century Modern Era of Architecture. I take that concept and evolve it to create a new standard of living. I am also heavily influenced by my culture where family is the core. Many of my projects are multi-generational designs that encourage different generations living within a shared space. I also incorporate aging in place concepts into my design allowing people to grow or downsize in my architecture.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
Artists need to evolve with time. Architecture evolves with time. There was a period in American culture where the kitchen was a separate space that was specifically designed for the woman of the household. Today the kitchen is open and part of the living space where anyone can use and operate.
The increased rental prices have heavily influenced my architecture. I have incorporated sustainable measures into my properties making the operating cost nearly obsolete. I have also designed buildings that offer luxury for workforce housing, but at an almost affordable housing equivalent in rental rates. I am all about creating communities with local artists. The coolest neighborhoods are the ones with the artists. Unfortunately, corporate America prices them out. My goal as an architect and a developer is to not let this happen.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Most of my projects are located throughout San Diego. I have one project in Capetown South Africa. My work can also be viewed online at my company website www.nakhshab.com
Contact Info:
- Address: 598 W Laurel Street
San Diego, CA 92101 - Website: https://www.nakhshab.com/
- Email: modern@nakhshab.com
- Instagram: @nakhshabdesign
- Facebook: Nakhshab Development & Design Inc.
Image Credit:
Photography: Paul Body, Robert Benson
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
