Vahid Mortazavi is no ordinary architect. When you look at the Mortazavi-made, ultra-modern homes sprouting in Edmonton (and Calgary), you’re gazing upon the vision of a man who once designed a subway station that doubles as a war shelter.
When I walk into Ottewell’s Anvil Coffee House, I spot Mortazavi almost at once. He’s wearing a flat cap and a neatly pressed button-up shirt, exuding an air of calm and confidence. He welcomes me with a warm smile, and it quickly becomes clear that, despite his knowledge, he has a way of explaining things that never makes you feel out of your depth.
Mortazavi was born in Tehran in 1966, into a family with a strong foundation in the building trade. “My father worked as a builder,” he recalls, “When I was very young, I got knowledge about engineering because of this.” This early exposure ignited a passion for architecture that led him to the Iran University of Science and Technology, where he graduated with a master’s degree in 1996.
Mortazavi’s career in Iran was nothing short of illustrious. “I got a job in a very famous office back home. I was working there as the junior architect, and after that, the senior architect for about eight years,” he explains. Eventually, he co-founded his own company, Parda-raz, tackling projects ranging from mixed-use and commercial buildings to the intricate designs of Tehran’s subway stations. “I was the head designer for subway stations in different cities,” he says, a hint of pride in his voice.
Among his most notable achievements is the W1 (Gheytariyeh) subway station in Tehran, a marvel of engineering. “It has a double function,” Mortazavi says, “One is to transport passengers from one point of the city to another. But during emergencies, it acts as a war shelter.” The station can accommodate up to 5,000 people, and comes equipped with rooms for chemical decontamination, mechanical HVAC systems and more.
So, what prompted this architect, with his impressive portfolio, to uproot his life and move to Canada? “I moved to Canada for more opportunities,” Mortazavi explains. “Canada is different. Back home, I have my office and job, but I wanted to have the experience of a different world.” His journey to Canada was not without its challenges. He initially divided his time between Iran and Canada, fulfilling obligations to ongoing projects back home.
It wasn’t until 2015 that Mortazavi made Canada his permanent home. “My sister-in-law started to make a new house. That was a very good opportunity for me in Canada,” he recalls. This firsthand experience was crucial for him, as he explains how the main thing he had to learn from scratch was the city bylaws and building regulations.
Navigating the nuances of Canadian building codes was like assembling IKEA furniture — tricky but doable. “Every city has a [different] bylaw. I started by reading about that, and I enrolled in a course at the library that’s free, a sort of project management course,” he says.
When it comes to the practical part of construction, Mortazavi found another big difference between Canada and Iran — materials. “We have earthquakes back home, so you don’t use wood, you have to go with concrete or steel. But here you have to, for a small project, use wood. Because that’s natural and common.”
Recertification, for Mortazavi, was more of a renovation, not full-scale architectural overhaul, because his degree was recognized in Canada. But in his quest for recertification, Mortazavi faced more paperwork than drywall. “I had to apply for it, send my documents, my [Iranian architecture] licence, and [proof of] experience,” he explains. This process took over six months, but the journey didn’t end there.
To fully practise as an architect in Canada, Mortazavi needs to work 1,600 hours under a registered architect, then pass a grueling exam — The Examination for Architects in Canada, or ExAC. “The exam lasts two full days, nine to five p.m.,” he says. “You have to pass five subjects. If you fail any subject, you have a one-year opportunity to take it again.” Until then, in Canada, Mortazavi is an “architectural designer.”
Earlier this year, the Alberta government announced the formation of a new advisory committee that will make recommendations on how to make it easier for immigrants to have their professional credentials recognized in this province.
“With many newcomers bringing highly valued skill sets across multiple sectors, by streamlining and making the credentialing process more efficient, we can continue to have the best and highest-quality workforce in the world,” said Muhammad Yaseen, the Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, when the committee was struck.
Despite these challenges, Mortazavi’s resilience and determination have seen him through. He set up A-1 Design Studio in 2019, and soon began taking on freelance projects. His work in Canada primarily focuses on smaller residential and commercial projects, a significant shift from the large-scale public works he designed in Iran.
One striking element of Mortazavi’s home designs is the balance between symmetry and contrast, achieved using materials like stone, combined with contemporary features like clean lines and metal roofing. The ability to merge historical charm with modern innovation makes his architectural creations truly distinctive and memorable.
Mortazavi’s journey is a testament to his unyielding spirit and dedication to his craft. “I have a good opportunity,” he acknowledges. And though he is open to future possibilities, including potentially moving to Vancouver or Toronto for more projects, for now, he’s focused on making his mark in Alberta.
As I leave the café, I glance back at Mortazavi, still seated with his flat cap and button-up, a gentle smile playing on his lips. Here is a man who had not only redefined his own path but also enriched the architectural landscape of his new home. His journey, like his designs, stands as a testament to the strength found in foundations, both literal and metaphorical.
This article appears in the September 2024 issue of Edify
