Davood Shahin
Newton, Masss – Architect Davood Shahin, AIA, has designed it all – from small buildouts to large-scale renovations and ground-up construction.
His work runs the gamut: He has designed tenant improvements for a 2,500 square-foot retail store, a 220,000 square-foot shopping center, space planning for 30,000 square feet of office space, designs for a 250,000 square-foot airport terminal, and thousands of luxury condos.
After earning his architectural degree from a prestigious university in Tehran, Iran, and working on several high-profile projects there, Shahin saw the writing on the wall and emigrated to the U. S. in 1977, just a few years before the revolution that toppled the Shah’s government.
He brought his experience, skills and professional passion to two prominent architectural firms in Boston, Sumner Schein Co., and Carter and Burgess. Shahin served as Senior Project Manager and Designer for these two highly-respected firms for 22 years. Then he branched out on his own, and founded DSH Design Group based in Newton, Mass. (www.dshdesigngroup.com). This year marks his 35th year as an architect.
He says, “I love my work no matter the size or type,” says Shahin. “Each project has its own challenges – and those are what inspire us. My passion is for client satisfaction. I try to anticipate my client’s thinking. Clients appreciate our collaborative team approach at every stage. From the project’s start, we actively engage the client, the contractor, local officials and stakeholders, and other consultants. This way, the project moves smoothly, without surprises.”
In Westborough, Mass., Building Commissioner Tin Htway says he enjoyed working with Shahin on the $2 million renovation and repositioning of the 200,000 square-foot Westmeadow Plaza. Htway says the new design resurrected a tired plaza and has had a ripple effect, attracting such new tenants as Ann & Hope and Dollar Tree. “Local officials worked with Shahin and the owners to make the permitting process go smoothly and take a shorter time.” Htway said DSH engaged the town from the project’s start that helped to expedite the permitting process.
Under Shahin’s leadership and strong management, DSH Design Group has earned a solid reputation, especially in retail design, where the firm turns projects around on a fast track.
