BISWIRE/Sept. 14, 2026 — Lessard Design, a nationally recognized leader in innovative architectural solutions, is pleased to announce that Navid Tehrani, AIA, has joined the firm as Principal. Tehrani brings extensive experience in mixed-use, retail, placemaking, multifamily and hospitality design, along with a strong background in studio leadership, client management and business development.

With more than 20 years of industry experience, Tehrani has led the design of complex projects across the United States and internationally. His career combines design excellence with practice leadership, team building and client engagement. Most recently, he served as Associate Principal and Director of Design at ZDS Architecture and Interiors in Washington, D.C., where he provided firmwide design direction while supporting client relationships, business development, hiring and practice growth.

Prior to ZDS, Tehrani spent more than a decade with HKS Architects, serving as Vice President and Studio Design Leader in Washington, D.C., and earlier as an Associate and Senior Designer in Dallas. His portfolio includes major mixed-use, residential and hospitality work such as Hudson Yards Convention Hotel and Residences in New York; Reston Promenade in Virginia; the Pro Football Hall of Fame Hotel in Ohio; Hall Arts Residences and Hotel and Turtle Creek Mixed Use in Dallas; and additional large-scale urban projects throughout the U.S. His broad project experience and design leadership strengthen Lessard Design's ability to serve clients pursuing complex, design-forward communities.

Tehrani is a licensed architect in the District of Columbia and a member of the American Institute of Architects. He earned a Master of Architecture from The University of Texas at Arlington and a Bachelor of Architecture from Eastern Mediterranean University, and he holds a Commercial Real Estate Certificate from Cornell University. As Principal, Tehrani will help guide the firm's strategic direction, foster client relationships and lead design teams in delivering exceptional architectural solutions. His addition reflects Lessard Design's continued commitment to design leadership and thoughtful growth.

About Lessard Design:  With over 40 years of architectural leadership, Lessard Design delivers innovative and sustainable design solutions for residential, commercial, multifamily, mixed-use, and office-to-residential conversion projects around the world. The firm is especially noted for its contributions to adaptive reuse and the design of vibrant, community-focused environments.