The Yazdani Studio of CannonDesign is a laboratory for exploration and experimentation in architecture. Established upon the reputation and leadership of award-winning designer Mehrdad Yazdani, the studio leverages the best attributes of a small design studio with the resources and reach of our global practice.
The studio includes a diverse team of architects, designers, 3-D artists, technical specialists, and creative thinkers entirely committed to pushing the boundaries of design—from refining concepts of sustainability to the application of radically new technologies and urban initiatives.
Unlike any other design studio in the industry, the Yazdani Studio model has been featured in a number of media outlets. Here’s a few recent ones:
Mehrdad Yazdani
Design Director
Named by Progressive Architecture as one of the world’s top emerging architects in 1990—just three years after graduating from Harvard University’s School of Design—Mehrdad Yazdani’s design philosophy is focused on maintaining an environment of exploration, tempered with a realistic sense of each client’s needs and pragmatic details. As a design principal within CannonDesign’s national practice and the director of the Yazdani Studio, he possesses deep experience designing complex design work across the globe. His buildings are responsive to context, climate and culture, while achieving enduring value with a conscientious respect for client budgets and schedules.
Throughout his career, Mehrdad’s work has garnered more than 120 major design awards and publication in national and international journals, including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Architectural Record, Dezeen, Fast Company, BusinessWeek and more. His work has been exhibited around the world and is held in permanent collections at the MoMA and SFMOMA.
Leadership
Craig Booth
Principal
Michael Smith
FAIA, Principal
Jessica Yi
Senior Vice President
Nadine Quirmbach
Vice President
Craig has over 36 years of diverse architectural experience covering a wide range of project types. For the last 25 years, he has worked alongside Mehrdad Yazdani in the design and execution of projects, and has helped establish a clear design vision within the Yazdani Studio.
Craig is a multidisciplinary team leader capable of project execution from conceptual design through project completion. His work combines experimental design with a mature resolution of pragmatic requirements, along with a high degree of technical expertise.
Michael provides business and design management leadership on projects all over the world. He has more than 43 years of experience in a broad array of project typologies spanning education, healthcare, hospitality and commercial markets.
Michael’s collaborative projects have been widely published and recognized by numerous awards including AIA awards, International Design Awards, and ASHE Vista Award (a team collaboration award).
Jessica has more than 30 years’ experience in the architectural profession with a full range of responsibilities in planning, design, construction and quality control. As a versatile project manager, she combines vigilant leadership with deft oversight of systems, schedules, and objectives to ensure project success.
Attending simultaneously to the “big picture” and to the vast, multifaceted array of details that compose that picture, Jessica consistently maintains clear, efficient communication among all project stakeholders while implementing appropriate quality control methodologies that ensure projects fulfill client goals and aspirations.
Nadine is uniquely gifted with the ability to develop interior spaces that blend harmoniously with exterior architectural expression. She has extensive experience in a number of building types, ranging from performance and exhibition spaces to large-scale hospitals, learning environments and commercial projects. Regardless of building type, Nadine seeks to create interior environments that act as a canvas for memorable human experiences.
Mimi Lam
Associate Vice President
Joseph O'Neill
Senior Vice President
For more than 15 years, Mimi has practiced architecture at the intersection of art and design. Her process and methodology is rooted in the synthesis of explorative design, technical rigor and fine art. A senior designer in the Yazdani Studio, Mimi has contributed significantly to the design and development of award-winning projects ranging from expansive exhibits at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles and Jerusalem, UC San Diego Health’s Jacobs Medical Center, Ordos Concert Hall, the groundbreaking Gates Vascular Institute and more.
Joseph, a member of the Yazdani Studio since 1999, serves as the Quality Leader responsible for quality control of our technical documents. He also is a specialist in exterior envelope design, and has led the development of the curtainwall design on projects ranging from CJ Blossom Park to Jacobs Medical Center
Team
2024 | AIA|LA Board of Directors Awards, Building Team Award | The Resnick Sustainability Center at Caltech | |
2024 | AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter, Merit | The Resnick Sustainability Center at Caltech | |
2024 | AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter, Citation | Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine | |
2023 | Los Angeles Business Council, Interiors | Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, Social Lab | |
2023 | International Architecture Awards | The Resnick Sustainability Center at Caltech | |
2023 | Architizer A+ Finalist | The Resnick Sustainability Center at Caltech | |
2023 | Los Angeles Business Journal, Community Impact Award, Silver | Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, Social Lab | |
2023 | Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Awards | Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, Social Lab | |
2022 | Southern California Development Forum | The Resnick Sustainability Center at Caltech | |
2022 | Southern California Development Forum | Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, Social Lab | |
2022 | Los Angeles Business Council | The Resnick Sustainability Center at Caltech | |
2022 | AIA NEXTLA | Philadelphia Neurologic Institute | |
2022 | Fast Company, Innovation X Design, Spaces and Places and General Excellence | The Resnick Sustainability Center at Caltech | |
2022 | Fast Company, Innovation X Design, Experience Design | Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, Social Lab | |
2022 | SEGD Global Design Awards, Honor | Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, Social Lab | |
2022 | ARCHITECT’s Architecture & Interiors Awards, Cultural, Honor | Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, Social Lab | |
2022 | ArchDaily, Building of the Year, Finalist | Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine | |
2022 | My Green Building Conference and Expo (MyGBCE) | Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine | |
2021 | The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies | Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine | |
2021 | AIA LA | Next LA: Honor Award | The Resnick Sustainability Center at Caltech | |
2021 | Fast Company: #2 Most Innovative Company in North America | CannonDesign | |
2021 | Rethinking the Future Awards, Top Institutional Project | Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine | |
2021 | LABC Architectural Awards | Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine | |
2021 | Fast Company Innovation by Design Award | Mobile Museum of Tolerance | |
2021 | Interior Design Magazine, Best of Year Award | Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles, Social Lab | |
2020 | Southern California Development Forum: Honor Award | Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine | |
2020 | American Institute of Architects, San Fernando Valley: Merit Award | Woodrow Wilson High School Performing Arts Addition | |
2020 | ASLA San Diego: Merit Award | UC San Diego Health’s Jacobs Medical Center | |
2019 | American Society of Interior Designers: Outcome of Design Award | University of Utah, Lassonde Studios | |
2019 | American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles: Honor Award for Interior Architecture | UC San Diego Health’s Jacobs Medical Center | |
2019 | American Society for Healthcare Engineering: ASHE Award | UC San Diego Health’s Jacobs Medical Center | |
2018 | R&D Magazine: Lab of the Year Award | CJ Blossom Park | |
2018 | Los Angeles Business Council: Beyond LA Award | UC San Diego Health, Jacobs Medical Center | |
2018 | Student Housing Business: Best New Development | University of Utah Lassonde Studios | |
2018 | Association of College Unions International: Facility by Design Award | University of Utah, Lassonde Studios | |
2018 | Association of College Unions International: Award of Excellence | University of Utah, Lassonde Studios | |
2017 | International Interior Design Association, Intermountain: Best Award | University of Utah, Lassonde Studios | |
2017 | American Institute of Architects, San Diego: Divine Detail Award | UC San Diego Health, Jacobs Medical Center | |
2017 | International Interior Design Association: National Healthcare Award | UC San Diego Health, Jacobs Medical Center | |
2017 | American Institute of Architects, Orange County: Honor Award | Kaiser Kraemer Radiation Oncology Center | |
2017 | American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles: COTE Award | Kaiser Kraemer Radiation Oncology Center | |
2017 | Society of Facade Engineers: Top 10 Facade of 2017 | CJ Blossom Park | |
2017 | Chicago Athenaeum Museum of Architecture & Design: International Architecture Award | CJ Blossom Park | |
2017 | American Institute of Architects, Chicago: Distinguished Building Award of Merit | CJ Blossom Park | |
2017 | American School & University: Residence Hall Award | University of Utah, Lassonde Studios | |
2017 | Healthcare Design Showcase: Award of Merit | UC San Diego Health, Jacobs Medical Center | |
2017 | American Institute of Architects: National Healthcare Design Award | UC San Diego Health, Jacobs Medical Center | |
2017 | SXSW Education: Learn by Design Award | University of Utah, Lassonde Studios | |
2017 | International Interior Design Association, Best of Asia Pacific Awards: Overall Award | CJ Blossom Park | |
2017 | International Interior Design Association, Best of Asia Pacific Awards: Corporate Project Award | CJ Blossom Park | |
2016 | Southern California Development Forum Award: Merit Award, Institutional | UC San Diego Health, Jacobs Medical Center | |
2016 | Southern California Development Forum Award: Merit Award, Institutional | Kaiser Kraemer Radiation Oncology Center | |
2016 | American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles: Architecture Award | Kaiser Kraemer Radiation Oncology Center | |
2016 | American Institute of Architects, Chicago: Citation Award, Architecture | CJ Blossom Park | |
2016 | American Institute of Architects, Chicago: Citation Award, Interiors | CJ Blossom Park | |
2016 | American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles: Interiors Award | CJ Blossom Park | |
2016 | The Chicago Athenaeum: American Architecture Award | Armenian American Museum Design | |
2016 | The Chicago Athenaeum: American Architecture Award | CJ Blossom Park | |
2016 | Healthcare Design Showcase: Merit Award | Kaiser Kraemer Radiation Oncology Center | |
2016 | American Institute of Architects: National Healthcare Award | Kaiser Kraemer Radiation Oncology Center | |
2015 | Kaiser Permanente Design Excellence Award | Kaiser Kraemer Radiation Oncology Center | |
2015 | ENR Regional: Best Projects Award, Healthcare | Kaiser Kraemer Radiation Oncology Center | |
2015 | American Institute of Architects, San Diego: Merit Award | UC San Diego Health, Jacobs Medical Center | |
2015 | International Interior Design Association: Caliber Award, Leisure & Entertainment | Anne Frank Exhibit at Museum of Tolerance | |
2014 | International Design Awards: Silver Award | University of Utah, Lassonde Studios | |
2014 | American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles: Next LA, Citation Award | Luxelake Bridge in Chengdu, China | |
2014 | International Design Awards: First Prize, Industrial & Life Science | UC San Diego Health, Jacobs Medical Center | |
2014 | Contract Magazine: Annual Interior Awards, Exhibition Category | Anne Frank Exhibit at Museum of Tolerance | |
2013 | LA Architectural Awards: Best in Hospitality | Jack Nicklaus Golf Clubhouse | |
2013 | Contract Magazine: Interiors Award, Large Healthcare | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2013 | Buildings’ ABBY (America’s Best Buildings of the Year) Awards: Citation of Merit | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2013 | AIA/AHA National Healthcare Design Award: Innovations in Planning & Design Research | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2013 | Society of American Registered Architects (SARA) / New York Council Professional Design Awards: Bronze Award of Honor | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2013 | The Chicago Athenaeum International Architecture Award | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2013 | The Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2013 | Architizer A+ Awards: Finalist Recognition | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2013 | Business First of Buffalo Brick-By-Brick Awards: Golden Brick | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2013 | FX International Interior Design Awards: Finalist, Public Sector | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2013 | International Academy for Design and Health: Academy Award, Interior Design | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2013 | World Interior News Design Award: First Place, Public Sector | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2012 | ASID New York Upstate/ Canada East: First Place, over 3000 sf | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2012 | AIA Los Angeles: Citation Award | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2012 | AIA Western New York: Honor Award, Interior Architecture | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2012 | Interior Design Magazine Best of 2012 Awards: Honoree, Healthcare | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2011 | Southern California Development Forum: Design Award, Institutional Buildings | Chaparral Science Hall Building | |
2010 | AIA Western New York: Award of Merit, Unbuilt | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2010 | Southern California Development Forum | Price Center East | |
2010 | AIA San Fernando Valley Chapter: Merit Award | Chaparral Science Hall Building | |
2010 | AIA California Council: Merit Award | Price Center East | |
2010 | AIA Los Angeles: Merit Award | Gates Vascular Institute | |
2010 | AIA Los Angeles: Merit Award, Next LA | Toledo Federal Courthouse | |
2010 | AIA Los Angeles: Citation Award | Toledo Federal Courthouse | |
2009 | AIA San Fernando Valley : Merit Award | Chaparral Science Hall Building | |
2009 | AIA Cleveland: Honor Award | Toledo Federal Courthouse | |
2009 | AIA Cleveland: Honor Award for Unbuilt Work | Toledo Federal Courthouse | |
2009 | AIA Cleveland: Merit Award for Unbuilt Work | Cedar-University Rapid Station | |
2009 | AIA San Diego: Honor Award | Price Center East | |
2009 | IIDA: International Design Award 2009 | Museum of Tolerance | |
2008 | AIA Los Angeles: Next LA Merit Award | Ordos Concert Hall | |
2007 | Miami Bienal: Silver Medal | Price Center East | |
2007 | SARA: Design Award | Hauptman-Woodward Institute | |
2007 | AIA Long Beach/South Bay: Design Award | CSU Dominguez Hills Loker Student Union | |
2007 | AIA Long Beach/South Bay: Design Award | Long Beach GTE Middle School | |
2007 | AIA Los Angeles: Next LA, Honor Award | Chaparral Science Hall Building | |
2007 | AIA Los Angeles: Next LA, Merit Award | Nanotech Park Buildings | |
2006 | AIA Los Angeles: Next LA, Honor Award | Mary’s Guest House | |
2006 | AIA Los Angeles: Honor Award | Price Center East | |
2005 | National Association of Industrial and Office Properties: Award for Outstanding Design | Hauptman-Woodward Institute | |
2005 | AIA Western New York: Honor Award | Hauptman-Woodward Institute | |
2005 | AIA San Diego: Honor Award | Price Center East | |
2005 | The Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award | Price Center East | |
2005 | The Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award: Sustainable Design Award | Guangzhou TV and Sightseeing Tower Competition | |
2005 | Los Angeles Business Council | Santa Monica Public Safety Facility | |
2004 | Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada: Honor Award | Clark County Detention Center | |
2004 | AIA Los Angeles: Next LA Award | Guangzhou TV and Sightseeing Tower Competition | |
2004 | AIA Los Angeles: Merit Award | Clark County Detention Center | |
2004 | The Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award | Duxton Plain Housing Competition | |
2003 | AIA Justice Facility Design: Citation for Design Excellence | Lloyd D. George U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse | |
2002 | AIA Los Angeles: Next LA Award | Tomihiro Museum of Shi-Ga | |
2001 | AIA Los Angeles: Merit Award | Lloyd D. George U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse | |
2001 | AIA California Council: Merit Award | Lloyd D. George U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse | |
2001 | AIA Nevada: Honor Award | Lloyd D. George U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse | |
2001 | AIA California Council: Honor Award | Vermont/Santa Monica Metro Station | |
2001 | AIA Los Angeles: Merit Award | Vermont/Santa Monica Metro Station | |
2000 | AIA Los Angeles: Honor Award | Lloyd D. George U.S. Federal Building and Courthouse | |
2000 | The Chicago Athenaeum American Architecture Award | Vermont/Santa Monica Metro Station | |
2000 | AIA Los Angeles: Honor Award | El Sereno Pool & Recreation Center | |
2000 | AIA Los Angeles: Merit Award | Vermont/Santa Monica Metro Station | |
1999 | AIA Los Angeles: Citation | El Sereno Pool & Recreation Center | |
1999 | Los Angeles Business Council: Urban Beautification Award | Sinai Temple Akiba Academy Expansion |