In celebration of Woman’s History Month, this month’s spotlight shines a light on one of SweisKloss’ newest team members, Designer and Assistant Project Manager Irina Tehrani.
Art + Science = Architecture! A simple equation started Irina’s professional journey.
Born and raised in Sofia, Bulgaria, Irina’s interest in architecture began at an early age and was influenced by her parents’ talents. As a 10–12-year-old, she believed architecture was the perfect blend of her parents’ professions, as her father was a scientist and an engineer, and her mother was a dramaturg at a theater company in Bulgaria. She decided that architecture, and specifically, designing the home, would be her future.
Irina received her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy in Sofia, Bulgaria. She also holds a Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design degree from Columbia University in New York. Upon graduation, Irina was awarded the Lucille Smyser Lowenfish Memorial Prize for best final semester studio design project and the William Kinne Fellows Prize.
Her experience includes the progressive Studio SHIFT Architects where she participated in international design competitions, and the Warren Office for Research and Design where she worked on both commercial and residential projects. After earning her California architect license, Irina founded her own practice, Sfumato Architects, with a focus on custom residential work. Designing the home is where her heart is, as she embraces all aspects of the process. “The best projects are those where I am designing in detail all the interior spaces as well.”
As a former board member of Passive House California and a Certified Passive House Designer, her sensibilities align seamlessly with SweisKloss’ commitment to sustainability and resiliency. Irina’s work as an architect is intrinsically linked to her work as an artist and affords her a unique perspective in terms of her approach to light, space, materials and textures. “Often ideas that inform my architectural work are first explored on the canvas or through writing.”
This summer she displayed some of her smaller canvases in Long Beach’s micro @gallery18lb. Her artwork is how she thinks through life’s big questions in a medium less restricted by the physicality of architecture. “The work shifts and evolves all the time but I do usually begin with an idea of a defined composition within which fields of fluidity and surprise are given home. “
The rich blend of old-world sensibilities, East Coast academic training, and West Coast lifestyle, along with her commitment to art making, results in Irina’s unique process and approach to design problems.
In her spare time, Irina loves spending time with family and friends, painting, quiet time with a good book and all things active and outdoors. You may even have seen her cycling to and from work along the bike path!
