Profiles
Oakland
Matt Baran is the founder of Baran Studio Architecture. He has 25 years of experience as a licensed architect, developer, and builder. His work spans across design disciplines and building typologies. he has experience in all project phases, including conceptualization, programming, design, project management, and construction in residential, commercial, community and theoretical projects of various scales. In addition to his background in architecture, his real estate development experience includes property evaluation and acquisition, financing, construction, lease up, and sale. His construction experience includes general contracting and construction management for site built and modular projects.
Matt has lectured and taught studios at UC Berkeley, USC, and The Academy of Art in Architecture and Real Estate programs. His work has been published by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Magazine and various other outlets. His has also recieved awards from the AIA, PCBC, and Architizer. He has been a speaker at events for the AIA, ULI, and SPUR.
Bahar Jalili started her architectural career right after her first year in college by working in her parents-owned studio in Tehran, Iran. She had the opportunity to work on various projects on different scales and types, from residential, cultural, and commercial buildings to urban design. But it didn’t stop her from exploring more, that’s why she moved to Kuala Lumpur to continue her study in landscape architecture. After finishing her master Bahar went back to Tehran and worked on construction sites to have on-field experience too.
Currently, Bahar works in Baran Studio as a project manager and designs mostly on single families and ADUs (accessory dwelling units) to involve with the smallest scale too.
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Andrew Kim graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2017 with a Bachelor of Architecture. He has worked in Seattle for 2 years, primarily working on multifamily and mixed-use projects. He has also worked as a freelance designer producing conceptual renderings and branding graphics for restaurants in the Seattle area. He has a personal interest in architectural visualization and enjoys exploring the different methods and techniques involved in creating concise and compelling graphics. In addition to 2D graphics, 3D printing has been another avenue of visualization that he is currently interested in. Andrew made his way to the Bay Area a few years ago to further pursue his interest in single family housing
Raymond Tay is currently working towards a Master Degree in architecture at the Academy of Art University. Before that, he graduated from San Jose State University with a BS in Industrial Engineering. He has worked in architecture, interior design, and office/lab conversions in the East Bay for the past two years.
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Los Angeles
Nick Price (Baran Studio LA Office) is a California registered architect of over 15 years, Nick brings over a decade of experience working for some of the top Architecture and Real Estate firms in the nation. Early years included work with HKS and LRG architects and half a decade with New York base Related Companies. Specializing in luxury, high density, multifamily high -rise residential, Nick is well versed in hospitality, retail, museum, corporate and commercial development. With a diverse background on both the Architect's and Owner's teams, he brings unique expertise from all stages of the process, from conception to final completion, and beyond.
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Abigail Peña graduated from the University of San Francisco receiving a bachelor's in architecture as well as a certification in Geospatial Information Sciences. Her honors thesis focused on rebuilding Californian communities after an increasing concern for wildfire resilience in recent years. She looks forward to contributing to Baran Studios drive for adaptable and innovative design.