Photo credits: Tom Daly, Benay Gursoy, Micah Reiger, and Ali Ghazvinian

Ali Ghazvinian is an Assistant Professor of Architecture and the director of Aghaz Lab, focusing on advanced building technology and design. His work investigates the relationships between materials, machines, and designers through geometric thinking. Current research explores non-human intelligent systems (biomaterials and intelligent machines) and their emerging roles in the AEFC industry. The AIA Upjohn Research Initiative, the SOM Foundation Research Prize, and several internal and external funding agencies have supported his research. Ali teaches technology and design across the curriculum, with a particular emphasis on foundational architectural technology. Through hands-on experimentation, simulation, and material exploration, his courses create space for testing tectonic ideas. His teaching has been recognized with honors, including the Hemphill Wells New Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award. He is committed to preparing students for a rapidly evolving built environment by connecting theory, fabrication, and environmental data. Outside academia, he enjoys cooking, playing and watching soccer, and live music.

Ph.D., Architecture, Penn State University
M.S., Architecture, Univeristy of Tehran
B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Tehran