Iraj Etessam's Obituary
Renowned Architect, Doctor Iraj Etessam, age 91, passed away peacefully on Monday December 19, 2022 at his home in San Jose, California. He was born on January 21, 1931 in Gorgan, Iran and married Irandokht Rahimi in 1961. Dr Etessam graduated from the University of Florence, Italy with a PHD in Architecture in 1960. In 1971, he became Iran’s United Nations Regional Planning Master and a member of the Official Judicial Courts of Experts in 1973. Dr Etessam was appointed Dean of the Beaux Arts School of Architecture at Tehran University, founded EMCO Architecture Firm, and was elected Vice Minister of Architecture and Urban Planning until 1978.
Many of Iran’s structures and parks, including the campus of Sistan and Baluchestan University, Park Mellat, and Shah Cheragh, were designed by Dr Etessam. He was also responsible for the urban planning of Latyan, a new town located about 25 kilometers northeast of Tehran.
In 1978, Dr Etessam joined his wife and two daughters in California where he began teaching, researching, and lecturing at UC Berkeley and later at University of Washington in Seattle, WA. He founded Etessam Associates Architects in the mid-80’s with multiple projects in Washington State and California.
Dr. Etessam’s work and teachings spanned over 60 years. He was well beloved by many students, colleagues, friends and family throughout the world. His positive energy was infectious, always assisting everyone with a kindness, warmth, and love. He was an incredible father and husband, a brilliant scholar, a highly innovative contemporary architect, a lover of the arts and opera, and an entprenerual trailblazer.
He is survived by his wife, Irandokht Etessam, his daughters Lili Etessam and Shirin Etessam. His sister Pari Etessam and brother Anoush Etessam. His daughter-in-law, Tracey Mason. His grandchildren, Andrew Matthews, Tara Matthews, Kian Etessam and Iman Etessam.
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