Another Achievement by a Second Generation Iranian- American

Another Achievement by a Second Generation Iranian- American

The Iran Post Editorial

June 6th 2022

Spotify Studios, a recently completed project of Omeed Kiafar, Senior Project Director of Taslimi Construction, has received the prestigious 2022 IIDA Calibre Award in the Extra-Large Category (projects in excess of 75,000 square feet). IIDA is the most prominent commercial design association which all the major architects and industry professionals are part of, including consultants, builders and owner representatives.

Located in the Art District of Downtown Los Angeles, the 170,000 square feet (16,000 square meters) four-building campus facility is part of the music streaming pioneer Spotify’s strategy to enter the production and audio industry as a premier leader in podcast, sound and audio recording. The main features of the Spotify Studios include Podcast Recording Studios, Concert Hall, Live Recording Studios, Artist Listening Rooms, Artist Lounges, Insert Stages, Theater / Screening Room, Echo Chamber, Edit Bays, Full Commercial Kitchen, Barista Coffee Stations, Employee Meeting Rooms and an Executive Boardroom.

This project had no shortage of challenges. Having been built entirely during the global pandemic, Omeed and the Taslimi team were tasked to complete this highly technical and aesthetic project in the midst of major global supply chain issues, labor challenges, COVID lockdowns as well as permit and drawing review delays at the City Building Departments. Despite the many obstacles, the project was delivered with the highest quality and acoustical performance. The reviews and feedback on the completed space from the Spotify executive team were of the highest regard and appreciation.

Omeed Kiafar has more than 15 years of experience in development, design, architecture, construction, general contracting, and project management. Omeed’s experience in commercial, hospitality and retail has included major hotels, commercial buildings and corporate offices, broadcast studios, museums, data centers, medical centers, retail centers, and restaurants. Notable clients include Spotify, Fox/FX Networks, Lionsgate, Starz, Disney Animation, CBRE, CAA, WME, O’Melveny, Kirkland & Ellis and several others. Overall, Omeed has been responsible for over 1,000,000 square feet of design and construction. Several of his projects have been nominated and achieved top design awards, including Calibre, LA Business Journal, and ENR awards.

Omeed Kiafar earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Southern California and his Bachelor of Science from the University of California – Irvine. He has been an associate member of the IIDA (International Interior Design Association) as well as the USC Architectural Guild. He is also a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional.

Omeed is the first son of Jinous Saleh-Kiafar, a city planner and senior manager in the Environmental Planning Division at the California Department of Transportation until her recent retirement. His father is Dr. Ali Kiafar, PhD, REFP, an architect, urban & regional planner, researcher, and academic who has taught since 1980 first at university of Southern California and subsequently at the University of California-Riverside, while holding executive positions in the public and private sectors.

The IranPost is proud of the achievements of Omeed, who has been born and raised in Southern California, but is culturally connected to his parents’ homeland and socially connected to the Iranian community. Congratulations Omeed!