ZAV Architects (Persian: طراحان و بناکنندگان زاو) is an architectural practice based in Tehran, Iran.
Background ZAV Architects was established in 2006 by architects Mohamadreza Ghodousi and Parsa Ardam. The firm is known for an adaptable architectural approach, which emphasizes resourcefulness and the use of local materials and workforce.
Awards ZAV Architects was named an Honoree in the AD100 Best Designers in the Middle East and Africa in 2024 and 2025. The firm has won the following awards:
Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2025) for Majara Residence
ArchDaily Building of the Year (2021) for Majara Residence AR New into Old Award (2021) for Farsh Film Studio Dezeen Awards (2019) for Rong Cultural Center AR House Awards (2018) for Habitat for Orphan Girls
Notable works
Majara Residence, Hormuz, Iran, 2020 - An accommodation complex on Hormuz Island featuring 200 domes constructed using the Superadobe technique. Type-less Building, Hormuz, Iran, 2022 - A two-story educational and community center designed with adaptable spaces, recycled materials, and low-tech construction to follow a circular economy. Rong Cultural Center, Hormuz, Iran, 2017 Farsh Film Studio, Tehran, Iran, 2017 - Conversion of a 1930s house in Tehran into a film school and underground cinema, using reclaimed materials. Baba Beski Tomb, Gonbad-e Kavus, Iran, 2020 Pedari Guest House, Khansar, Iran, 2011 Habitat for Orphan Girls, Khansar, Iran, 2014
References
External links
Recorded video ZAV Architects delivering an online lecture for AIA Los Angeles, on Hyper-Connected Architecture in Iran - Majara Residence Case Study (J.E.D.I) Voices Recorded video of founder of ZAV Architects, delivering his TEDx talk titled The Unknowns on regeneration in challenging environments (in Persian, English summary available here).