Today we’d like to introduce you to Rez Lankerani.
Rez, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
When people ask how I got into architecture, I always say it wasn’t exactly a straight line for me—it was more of a “broken arrow” kind of journey. I started out double-majoring in biology and art in college. Biology satisfied my fascination with how natural systems function and take shape, while art allowed me to explore my creative passion through drawing and painting.
Over time, I realized that while I enjoyed biology, my heart was pulling me in a different direction. I wanted to design and bring ideas to life through a blend of analytical observation and creative problem-solving. That’s when it clicked: architecture was the perfect way to combine my artistic side with a practical pursuit. From that moment on, I never looked back.
After earning my Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin’s architecture school, I dove into the professional world. My early years were about learning the craft, gaining experience, and discovering where I fit within the industry. I started in Houston, working at a large commercial architecture firm on mixed-use condominium projects and retail mall expansions. While valuable, I soon found myself yearning for more personal and meaningful work.
Returning to Austin, I joined a medium-sized firm specializing in religious architecture. Designing community worship centers was rewarding for its social impact, but I was still searching for something more personal. Eventually, I discovered custom residential architecture. It was the perfect combination of personal challenge and artistic expression I had been seeking.
After nearly a decade working with a well-respected local custom residential architect, I decided it was time to strike out on my own. Starting my firm wasn’t easy. Austin’s custom residential architecture scene is highly competitive, and carving out a niche takes time, effort, and a little luck. My first project came when a family member asked me to design a custom home on their four-acre property.
That project—a modern, regionally inspired home in harmony with the rugged Texas Hill Country—was both thrilling and challenging. Designing a legacy home for a family member was deeply meaningful, and when it was completed, it exceeded their expectations. Even more importantly, it opened doors to future opportunities. That first project became the foundation for my firm’s journey, shaping its trajectory and inspiring the work to come.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Eight years ago, I took the leap to start my own architecture practice. Since then, running a successful architecture practice requires mastering both design and business fundamentals. In our field, marketing isn’t about flashy campaigns—it’s about building relationships and trust. Every successful project becomes a testament to our work, making word-of-mouth our most powerful tool for growth.
But architecture is highly sensitive to macroeconomics. Being in the right local real estate setting—like a boomtown such as Austin—can make all the difference in creating opportunities to succeed. The market plays a huge role in how much work you can secure and how your practice grows. Inevitably, there are slowdowns, and I use that time to improve aspects of my business or hone a skill to further my craft.
Lately, I’ve been exploring new ways to showcase my completed houses, including creating videos for my YouTube channel. Architecture videos require a certain background music and not any song will do. It’s fascinating how music and architecture inspire each other. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe described music as liquid architecture, and I like how the music that once inspired my work has come full circle, with architecture now influencing the music I create. These synchrony of skills are enforcing my design ethos and offering something unique and inseparable.
In architecture, you never stop learning. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s been rewarding. Every project is a step forward, and each challenge has helped me grow as both an architect and a business owner.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
As a sole proprietor and principal architect, Lankerani Architecture addresses every aspect of a custom home, from the initial design phase to construction observation. Through open-mindedness, active listening, and clear communication, the firm delivers projects that are both timely and responsive to budget considerations. All the while with a genuine approach to design, Lankerani Architecture fosters thoughtful and distinctive residential architecture—serving as a metaphor for the owner’s aspirations while celebrating the natural beauty of the surroundings.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success isn’t just measured in completed projects, but in the lasting positive impact our designs have on families’ daily lives. A house takes countless hands and months of effort to bring to life, often spanning over a year and a half of construction, preceded by several months of design.
But the most fulfilling moment comes after all of that hard work—when a client moves into their new home. Hearing them say, “I get it now,” is an unmatched reward. It’s in that moment I know the vision we worked so hard to realize has truly connected with them. That understanding, that shared appreciation, is where I find true success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lankerani.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lankerani_architecture/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI5YamChIF1Z9nKOxZYK7OQ
