# FARNAZ T.ZARGAR > Architecture Design Manager Location: San Francisco Bay Area, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/farnaz Senior Designer, Design Manager, and Team Leader with extensive experience leading projects ranging from boutique spaces and tenant improvements to large-scale renovations, new construction, and multi-site brand rollouts across North America, Europe, and the Middle East. I lead with a strategic and hands-on approach, translating vision, brand identity, and operational needs into high-performing, human-centered environments. I thrive in collaborative, cross-functional settings, partnering with architects, designers, developers, property owners, vendors, and consultants to deliver cohesive, buildable solutions. Great design leadership strikes a balance between creativity, clarity, and accountability to create spaces that inspire and endure. ## Work Experience ### Store Design Manager @ SEPHORA Jan 2023 – Present | San Francisco, California, United States As Store Design Manager at Sephora, I transform retail spaces across the U.S. and Canada by blending compelling brand storytelling with practical, energy-efficient design. I develop store layouts and visual strategies that enhance the beauty experience, optimize operations, and drive consistent in-store brand expression. ### Project Design Manager @ FTZDesign Jan 2020 – Present | San Francisco Bay Area Managed full-scope design for healthcare and commercial projects, including code-compliant layouts, space programming, and permitting. Oversaw construction with 100% permit approvals, ensuring ADA/OSHA compliance and seamless integration of clinical and operational requirements. ### Retail Space Planning & Design Lead | High-Tech Environments @ High-Tech Jan 2022 – Jan 2023 | San Jose, California, United States Led the design of immersive, minimalist retail spaces for a high-tech brand, merging intuitive layouts, discreet tech integration, and emotional engagement to elevate the user experience. ### Lead Designer | Hospitality & Architectural Component Manufacturing @ Architectural Concepts LLC Jan 2018 – Jan 2022 | Rocklin, California, United States Created custom architectural components for Sheraton and Marriott, achieving nationwide design standard adoption and delivering production-ready solutions that balanced aesthetics, durability, and brand identity. ### Project design Manager | Residential Remodeling @ Lowe's Companies, Inc. Jan 2015 – Jan 2018 | San jose, California Area Led 50+ residential remodels from design through delivery, achieving a 20% profitability increase and building enduring client relationships through exceptional design solutions and execution. ### Project Design Manager | Residential Projects @ Giti Constriction LLC, Jan 2013 – Jan 2015 | Dubai/United Arab Emirates Led concept-to-completion design and execution of luxury villas and multi-family projects in Dubai, managing permitting, construction coordination, and code compliance while achieving elevated design standards ### Senior Designer | Commercial Healthcare & Office Projects @ CK Architect LLC, Jan 2012 – Jan 2013 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Led healthcare interior projects from concept through permit-ready documentation, specializing in space planning, MEP coordination, and compliance with healthcare design codes. ### Project Design Manager | High-Rise Commercial Building @ Donyaye Noor Inc. Jan 2008 – Jan 2011 | TEHRAN-IRAN Designed and delivered a 10-story mixed-use complex with 120+ retail units, 50 office suites, luxury dining, and event venues. Achieved code-compliant, sustainable, and user-centered spaces that elevated the urban experience in Tehran. ### Architectural Designer – Airport & Trade Show Environments @ Sergio Bertola Inc, Jan 2005 – Jan 2007 | Madrid Area, Spain Delivered functional, branded restaurant and retail spaces in international airports and trade shows, optimizing circulation, aligning with safety codes, and enhancing user experience in high-traffic environments. ### Product Designer @ AZMAYESH INDUSTRIAL FACTORIES Jan 2000 – Jan 2002 | TEHRAN-IRAN Designed and developed electric water heaters from concept to production—focusing on performance, safety, and energy efficiency. Collaborated with engineers to prototype, test, and optimize user-friendly, compact solutions that met industry standards and manufacturing best practices. ## Education ### Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Art and Design Universidad Complutense de Madrid ### Master of Architecture in Architecture and Landscape Design Cremer Topfashion universidad ### certified in Spanish Language Universidad Nebrija ### Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design Islamic Azad University ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/farnaz-zargar - Portfolio: http://www.farnaztaghavi.com --- Source: https://flows.cv/farnaz JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/farnaz/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-13