Meet the Team is a blog series highlighting the amazing individuals of ZELUS. Every month, you’ll get to know a little bit about what drives us personally and professionally. And maybe even a few quirks here and there.
This month, meet Nazanin Mirzaii. A love of architecture and an interest in new technology led Nazanin to her current role here at ZELUS. She’s been a key driver behind some of our company’s most successful and important projects.
So, without further ado, let’s learn a little bit more about Nazanin.
What’s your role at ZELUS?
I am a Project Manager, where my responsibilities include approving products and preparing deliverable packages, resolving discrepancies in products, reviewing and approving consultant work order requests, assigning projects to Senior Data Processors, helping develop process plans, among a number of other things.
What’s been your favorite project at ZELUS and why?
The project that stands out to me was our work on the Superdome in New Orleans. That was my first large-scale project experience and I learned something new every day — from the unique challenges we were facing to the team I was working with.
What’s been the most valuable thing you’ve learned since joining ZELUS?
I have learned to not rest on my laurels. Instead, I always strive to be outside of my comfort zone. ZELUS has shown me that work is about endless learning and everything will follow if you have fun doing what you love doing.
What’s one technology in your field you geek out over the most?
I actually have two technologies that I geek out over most. The first is Revit, a BIM software used for coordinating design. The second is [Z]verify, one of our company’s proprietary products used to verify the accuracy of the models.
What drew you to this industry?
My background and passion for architecture is what drew me to the industry. Growing up in Iran, I was exposed to magnificent architecture. These ingenious feats of engineering are hallmarks of Persian culture and really sparked my interest. I was always drawn to the abundant symbolic geometry and use of pure forms such as circles, squares, and curves. Iranian architecture is also very ornate in design and detail. Most of the buildings that were built between the 15th and 17th centuries, called “Iranian tradition architecture”, are decorated with handmade carved stone or stucco reliefs and colorful handmade stone mosaics. Each of these buildings took several years to complete and the details and decorations that are used on the interior and exterior of the buildings are stunning. Each building just bursts with its own rich history, and, in general, Iranian architecture helps weave a tale of the country’s long, Persian culture. That’s what led me to study architecture in school.
As I was graduating, I also started researching more about famous architects around the world. I discovered Frank Lloyd Wright and his Mid-century modern style. I became a huge fan of the exuberant movement combining geometric motifs and dramatic historical allusions. That sparked my interest in American architecture and the integration of industrial craft behind New York City architecture.
Eventually, I was drawn to more of a technological focus. That’s why I chose to work for ZELUS. They’re bringing new technology to the architectural and design industry.
What were your early years like? Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Iran, but eventually moved to Europe in 2013 to get my master’s degree. While I was there, to my complete surprise, I won the green card lottery which brought me to the United States in 2015.
What’s one thing you hope to achieve in the next year?
One of my top goals for the next year is to become the leader of my entire department and lead my team to continued success.