SARA D. JAZAYERI

Sara Jazayeri, is the founder of Studio 360, high-end architecture and interior design firm specializing in the renovations of mid-size residential and commercial buildings, based in The Bronx, NY.

With over 20 years of experience in the field, she has developed a passion for creating initiatives that promote diversity in architecture and a better community through education, support, and mentorship.

As a mom, an advocate, and an entrepreneur, she believes women must put themselves in leadership positions, so they can influence decisions and ensure their voices are heard.

Being the first woman to serve as the President of AIA Bronx (The American Institute of Architects), she is a tireless warrior for the underserved and underrepresented.

She considers economic empowerment to be the key to breaking down barriers and shifting the narrative for women.

Outside of work, she loves traveling around the world to visit her friends from the time that she worked at the United Nations Headquarters.

Reflecting on Her Architectural Journey as a Principal, Student, and Leader

What inspired you to pursue a career in architecture?

I never thought of becoming an architect! When I was a child, I was the one playing the doctor and nurse, and my brother the one who played with Legos building tall buildings. Now, I am an architect and he is a doctor! That is proof that people change and that is a good thing.

I did 2 years of premed in college before telling my dad who is a physician that I hated medicine and didn’t want to continue the family legacy. He was shocked and asked me why it took me so long to talk to him. Actually, he was the one who suggested architecture. I was always interested in art, drawing, design, activities that combined creativity with practicality and problem solving for as long as I can remember. Now, I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Home Magazine. Photo Courtesy of Sara Jazayeri.

As the firm founder and head designer, what inspired you to create Studio 360?

Necessity!

I wanted to have control over my time and my 200 miles an hour life. Having some life-work balance was impossible at that time, working full time in New Jersey, spending long hours at the office, living in New York, and raising 2 children by myself. I had only 2 choices, starting my own firm or starting my own firm. I chose to start my own firm!!!

What is one of your proudest accomplishments of Studio 360?

Creating a unique business model for architecture with unlimited time off for my team! Before even Covid started, I believe great work can happen any time at any place. As a small and growing business, I always hired the best talent and offered women remote and flexible ways of working. Most of them are young mothers starting or raising a family, working from home.

By giving these women architects the latitude to do their jobs in a way that suits their lifestyles, so long as they keep up their top performance, I create real savings for my clients, while contributing to the empowerment of women staying in the workforce without a gap in their carrier paths so later on they could have the chance to become partners and principals.

You decided to continue your education at the age of 40, what motivated you to?

I was older than 40, I was 40 and a half! I wanted to continue with my education right after graduation from college in Paris, France but I couldn’t. I got married while in college and had a baby. My husband was also a student and we could only afford one student in our family to survive! The responsibility of raising a child and lack of financial support resulted in leaving that dream for later. No place is like the United States for higher education. Many years later when I heard about the Columbia Business School, giving full scholarships to some eligible business owners for a 2-year program I jumped on the opportunity. I didn’t think that they will accept me but they saw something that I didn’t see it myself and got the acceptance letter. I graduated in December 2020. The only good thing that happened last year on my calendar!

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone who is thinking of continuing their education but is afraid?

Just do it! Don’t wait for the perfect time. Perfect time never existed and will never exist! People would never get married; have kids, travel to foreign countries, learn a new skill,….if they were waiting for the perfect time. Jump in the ocean and you will somehow find a way to get yourself to the dry land!

Mayoral Service Recognition Award 2020. Photo Courtesy of Sara Jazayeri.

Women in Architecture Panel on Motherhood and Career. Photo Courtesy of Sara Jazayeri.

Throughout your architectural journey, you demonstrated amazing skills as an architect, leader, and mentor. Congratulations on becoming the newest AIA Bronx president! What do you hope to do for the current and next generations of Bronx Architects?

Thank you so much for the kind words. I am very excited about my new role.

To be an architect, a woman, an immigrant, and a leader is a privilege that so few people have the opportunity to experience. In 2021, my goal is to inspire and motivate the young generation of future architects. “You can’t be what you can’t see.” For that, we will continue our children education program in the disadvantaged and minority communities of the Bronx and for our student and recent graduate members, we will start a mentoring program to create an environment that encourages them to pursue their dreams and find their voice.

Most importantly, I am hoping to create a strong community and a second family for our members.

AIA New York Women in Architecture 12th Annual Speed Mentoring Flyer with Mentors. Photo Courtesy of Sara Jazayeri.

Women in construction event flyer with Sara as a WIC Ambassador. Photo Courtesy of Sara Jazayeri.

SARA D. JAZAYERI

Reflecting on Her Architectural Journey as a Principal, Student, and Leader

ADINA S. BANAYAN

BRUNIE NANCY PIERRE