Mouzhan Majidi

Mouzhan Majidi
Name	Mouzhan Majidi
Alma mater	University of Westminster, University of Cambridge
Occupation	Architect, Chief Executive
Practice	Foster + Partners
Significant buildings	Bloomberg London, The Bow, Commerzbank Tower
Awards	RIBA Stirling Prize

Mouzhan Majidi is a prominent British-Iranian architect and former Chief Executive of the global architecture and design firm Foster + Partners. He played a pivotal role in steering the practice founded by Norman Foster through a period of significant international expansion and technological innovation. His career is distinguished by leadership on several landmark sustainable projects and a deep commitment to integrated, performance-driven design.

Early life and education

Majidi was born in Iran and moved to the United Kingdom for his higher education. He initially studied at the University of Westminster, an institution known for its strong architectural program, where he earned his first professional degree. He furthered his academic pursuits at the University of Cambridge, completing a Master's in Philosophy in the Department of Architecture. His early professional experience included working with notable practices such as Richard Rogers's firm, Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, which influenced his understanding of high-tech architecture and urban design.

Career

Majidi joined Foster + Partners in the late 1980s, rapidly ascending through the ranks due to his technical acumen and management skills. He became a Senior Partner and was instrumental in managing some of the practice's most complex international projects across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His responsibilities expanded to encompass the firm's global business operations, leading to his appointment as Chief Executive in 2007. During his tenure, he oversaw the firm's work on diverse typologies, from airports and towers to masterplans and cultural institutions, solidifying its presence in markets like China, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

Leadership at Foster + Partners

As Chief Executive, Majidi was responsible for the strategic direction and daily operations of Foster + Partners, one of the world's most influential architecture studios. He succeeded founder Norman Foster in the executive role, allowing Foster to focus on design as Chairman. Majidi emphasized the integration of advanced environmental analysis and Building Information Modeling (BIM) into all project workflows. He also championed the firm's research division, which explored new materials and sustainable technologies, ensuring the practice remained at the forefront of the industry. His leadership period saw the completion of major commissions including the Millau Viaduct in France and the Hearst Tower in New York City.

Major projects and design philosophy

Majidi was closely associated with several seminal projects that define the contemporary output of Foster + Partners. He served as the Project Director for the Commerzbank Tower in Frankfurt, often cited as one of the first ecological high-rise buildings. He also led the team for The Bow in Calgary, a signature curved skyscraper for EnCana Corporation. His design philosophy consistently emphasized sustainability, structural innovation, and user well-being, principles fully realized in the Bloomberg London headquarters, which later won the RIBA Stirling Prize. These projects reflect a commitment to creating efficient, intelligent buildings that respond to their environmental and urban contexts.

Awards and recognition

Under Majidi's leadership, Foster + Partners received numerous accolades, including the prestigious RIBA Stirling Prize for Bloomberg London. The firm's projects have consistently been recognized by institutions like the American Institute of Architects and the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. Majidi's personal contribution to architecture and business has been acknowledged through invitations to speak at global forums such as the World Economic Forum and lectures at institutions including the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Personal life

Majidi maintains a relatively private personal life. He is known to be an advocate for architectural education and has participated in reviews and lectures at various universities. His interests include the intersection of technology, urbanism, and environmental stewardship, themes he often discusses in professional interviews and articles for publications like the Architectural Review.

Category:British architects Category:Iranian emigrants to the United Kingdom Category:Foster + Partners