APPROACH
At QASTIC, we are a boutique architecture and design-build studio dedicated to exploring innovative approaches to materials, fabrication, and craftsmanship. Our work spans across architecture, urban design, installation art, multimedia performance, digital media, and print, always pushing boundaries and redefining the role of design in contemporary culture.
Beyond Conventional Architecture
We move beyond the limitations of a brief, the physical site, and conventional practice. With an open and interdisciplinary approach, we collaborate with like-minded creators, researchers, and innovators who share a commitment to rethinking how we design and build.
Curiosity-Driven Design
At the heart of our process lies a spirit of curiosity and research. We begin each project by asking fundamental questions—about program, material qualities, fabrication techniques, and performance. From these inquiries, architectural solutions emerge through restless experimentation, leading to new geometries, structures, and forms that balance functionality with imagination.
Q + A + STIC = QASTIC
We ask bold Questions, pursue innovative Answers, and create designs that transform the ordinary into the fantASTIC.
Innovation Through Collaboration
Our collaborative practice continues to evolve through a balance of design research, craftsmanship, and advanced fabrication systems, resulting in unique architectural expressions that inspire, perform, and endure.
About the Architect:
Mahdi A.Bakhshian, Assoc.AIA is a Los Angeles based Architectural Designer who demands innovation and customized experience from the beginning of design throughout construction. To provide the best service possible, Mr. Bakhshian and his firm work with limited number of clients each year.
As the founding principal of QASTIC and professor of architecture at the Woodbury University, Mahdi’s work has been recognized by variety of media including the future of architecture in 100 buildings, the architectural culture 389, and the Architecture newspaper, Dezeen, Designboom, Office 2 and Architectmagazine among others.
Mahdi holds Masters’ in Advanced Architectural design from University of Pennsylvania and University of Tehran (M.Arch). Prior to teach at Woodbury University, Mahdi has considerable experience in the design and construction while working in the offices of NADAAA, Cesar Pelli, Koetterkim Associates and Fluid Motion Architects in Tehran.
Our key values:
1 - Open Dialogue
Rich, open dialogues are critical in defining how projects develop from concept to completion and form the basis of ongoing client relationships. Through teamwork amongst Partners, Associates, and our project teams, including those in our regional Studios, and in exchange with all parties involved from politicians to craftsmen, we address all perspectives.
2 - Individuals Grow
We are committed to providing professional development at all levels, from apprenticeships to internships to life-long learning opportunities, and we cultivate relationships with universities and other educational and research institutions. We promote the flow of knowledge between project teams through dedicated platforms for exchange, and we offer training with external organizations. Personal and professional growth is promoted, encouraged, and expected.
3 - Client Interaction Value
And our client is vital, who comes on the journey and challenges our thinking; together we look for the opportunities that might traditionally be overlooked. Our best future projects are the ones that will teach us the most.