Education
Mozhgan Karimi earned her Master’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the Islamic Azad University, Qeshm Island, Iran in 2018, graduating with a GPA of 3.75/4.00 (Grade A equivalent). Her master’s thesis, Designing the Qeshm City Museum: Integrating Climate-Responsive and Context-Sensitive Architecture to Foster Social Interaction, explored the intersection of sustainable design, cultural context, and social engagement.
She also obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the same institution, where she graduated with a GPA of 3.96/4.00, ranking first among her peers. Her bachelor’s thesis, Designing a Cultural and Educational Complex in Qeshm City, focused on educational architecture and community-oriented design.
Research Interests
Her research interests encompass three main areas:
- Energy and Environmental Performance
- Sustainable, Circular, and Contextual Housing Systems
- Human-Centred and Behavioral Architectural Design
Publications
Her publications appear in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, covering topics such as the relationship between architecture and human well-being, energy performance, and sustainable design. Further details are available on the Publications page.
Research Experience
She has conducted numerous research projects focusing on human perception and comfort, energy efficiency, post-occupancy evaluation, and social interaction. Selected examples include:
• Designing Educational Environments: Integrating Planning Standards with Children’s Spatial Awareness and Environmental Preferences, Department of Education, Shiraz, Iran (2024).
• Investigating Context-Sensitive and Sustainable Architectural Solutions: Regenerating Qeshm’s Degraded Urban Fabric, Qeshm Free Zone Organization, Qeshm Island, Iran (2023).
• Feasibility Study and Sustainable Design of Qeshm Central Hospital, Qeshm Free Zone Organization, Qeshm Island, Iran (2022).
• Designing Public Spaces in Parastar Boulevard: Integrating Climate-Responsive Strategies and People’s Preferences to Foster Social Interaction, Shiraz, Iran (2021).
Teaching Experience
She has over seven years of teaching experience at Payame Noor Central University, Shiraz, and Islamic Azad University, Qeshm Branch, where she has supervised undergraduate courses and final-year design projects. Selected roles include:
Lecturer – Payame Noor Central University, Shiraz, Iran (Sep 2021–Present)
• Taught courses including Design Studio V, Sustainable Design, Environmental Controls I, and Building Technology II through lectures, workshops, and site visits.
• Supervised final-year design projects showcased at university exhibitions.
• Strengthened students’ capacity to integrate sustainability and user experience into design, enhancing critical thinking and studio problem-solving skills.
Academic Assistant – Islamic Azad University, Qeshm Branch, Iran (Sep 2019–Aug 2021)
• Delivered courses such as Design Studios I–II, Foundation Studio I, Site Design, and History & Theory of Architecture II.
• Guided students in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world design challenges through site visits and interdisciplinary workshops linking architecture and urban planning.
Teaching Assistant – Khwarazmi University, Qeshm Branch, Iran (Sep 2018–Aug 2021)
• Assisted in teaching Design Studios I, Foundation Studio I, and History & Theory of Architecture.
• Received consistently positive student feedback for teaching effectiveness and mentorship; collaborated with faculty to organize exhibitions and public presentations of studio projects.
Professional Experience
She has over thirteen years of professional experience in architecture, urban planning, and sustainable design.
Senior Architect & Researcher – Razshahr Boom Negar Consulting Engineers, Bandar Abbas, Iran (2021–Present)
Since 2021, Karimi has served as a senior architect at Razshahr Boom Negar Consulting Engineers, an award-winning firm recognized for excellence in architecture, landscape, and urban planning in Hormozgan Province. Her role involves conducting architectural research and projects emphasizing sustainability, energy efficiency, and user-centred design, mentoring junior staff, and coordinating multidisciplinary consultancy teams.
Architect II – Architecture and Urban Planning Office (Public Sector), Qeshm, Iran (2018–2021)
She worked as an Architect Level II at the Qeshm Free Zone Organization, one of Iran’s leading public architecture and planning offices. She designed sustainable and socially responsive architectural and urban projects, collaborated with consultants on environmentally responsible solutions, and supported senior architects in team supervision. Her contributions led to climate-responsive designs that enhanced community engagement and citizen satisfaction.
Architect I – Architecture and Urban Planning Office (Public Sector), Qeshm, Iran (2014–2018)
As Architect Level I, she contributed to the design and regulatory review of architectural projects, ensuring compliance with planning and building standards. Her work resulted in timely and high-quality project delivery and further developed her expertise in sustainable and human-centred design practices.
Architectural Assistant – Architecture and Urban Planning Office (Public Sector), Qeshm, Iran (2012–2014)
At the beginning of her career, she worked as an assistant architect responsible for technical drawings and documentation, supporting senior architects in design submissions. This experience laid the foundation for her professional growth in drafting, regulatory compliance, and teamwork.
Works
Her professional portfolio includes the design of residential and commercial buildings, public spaces, and large-scale urban planning projects, integrating sustainability and user-centred strategies. Selected examples include:
Selected Professional Projects
SHINE Building — Multi-functional Cultural and Creative Complex, Tehran, Iran (2025).
Designed and led the research-driven development of a multifunctional cultural complex, integrating sustainability-oriented and human-comfort strategies. Coordinated interdisciplinary collaboration to deliver innovative, energy-efficient solutions.
Vivere Verde — Urban Renovation and Educational Hub, Pavia, Italy (2024).
Contributed to the architectural design and research of inclusive educational spaces that promote cultural exchange, social interaction, and environmental awareness through remote cross-disciplinary teamwork.
House No. 45 — Sustainable Renovation of a Private Residence, Shiraz, Iran (2023).
Developed and implemented sustainable renovation concepts, reconfiguring spatial layouts to enhance daylight access, thermal comfort, and residents’ sense of belonging.
Selected Teaching and Supervised Student Projects
Green Mall — Commercial Building, Shiraz, Iran (2025).
Supervised and guided a research-based design studio exploring sustainable architecture and human-centred environmental design approaches.
House of Trees — Residential Building, Shiraz, Iran (2024).
Taught and supervised an architectural design studio investigating the relationship between nature, privacy, and both thermal and psychological comfort in residential environments.
Further details are available on the Projects page.
Achievements
• Ranked 1st among M.Sc. students (2018).
• Ranked 1st among B.Sc. students (2014).
• Collaborated with leading Iranian consulting firms — including Naghsh-e-Jahan Pars, Shahro-Khaneh, Bagh Shahr Pardisan, and Tarh-o-Amayesh — on architectural and urban design projects.
Talks and Webinars
Academic Talks:
• Invited Speaker — Payam Noor Central University, Shiraz: Perceptual Experience and User Comfort in the Built Environment (Webinar).
• Guest Lecturer — Payam Noor Central University, Shiraz: User Participation in Residential Renovation Projects.
• Presenter — Islamic Azad University, Qeshm Island: The Effects of Culture on Designing Residential Buildings.
Professional Talks:
Delivered several project presentations and design reviews in professional settings, including client meetings, consultancy sessions, and architectural juries.
Professional Memberships
• The Innovation Factory of Shiraz, Shiraz, Iran (Since 2021).
• Iran Construction Engineering Organization, Hormozgan, Iran (Since 2012).
Skills
Her skill set reflects a strong combination of research expertise, leadership, and technical proficiency in architectural design and planning tools.
• Core Skills: Research, Student Leadership, BIM Coordination, Urban Planning.
• Personal Skills: Critical Thinking, Problem-Solving, Analytical Skills, Effective Communication, Teamwork, Attention to Detail, Adaptability, Persistence.
• Technical Skills: AutoCAD, Revit, Rhino/Grasshopper (90%), 3ds Max, GIS (70%), Microsoft Office Suite (90%).
• GRE (July 2024): Verbal Reasoning: 155 | Quantitative Reasoning: 170 | Analytical Writing: 3.5.
Selected Workshops
Karimi has participated in several national and international workshops that strengthened her expertise in sustainability, energy performance, and user-centred design. Selected examples include:
• General Reflections on Advancement in Sustainability Science and Development — Lund University, Sweden (Coursera, 2024).
• Post-Occupancy Evaluation Workshop — Tehran, Iran (2021).
• EU Energy Consumption Workshop — Tehran, Iran (2021).
• Psychological Design in Architecture — Tehran, Iran (2020).
• Passive Solar Building Design Workshop — Tehran, Iran (2020).
• User Engagement in Residential Design and Reconstruction Workshop — Tehran, Iran (2019).
• Workshops by the Building Engineering Organization of Hormozgan — Hormozgan, Iran (2018).