UB Student Wins First Place, Porada International Design Award

Supported by UB’s Innovative Instruction Technology Grant (IITG), the studio was a follow-up to last year’s AI literacy seminar led by Anahita Khodadadi, assistant professor in the Department of Architecture. The grant enabled the studio to use the robust FORMAS.AI platform, which was created specifically for designers, rather than more generic alternatives or free platforms that lack the infrastructure needed to appropriately support the studio’s goals—specifically, an in-depth exploration of how AI can reshape architectural workflows. The focus was not on productivity or output alone, but on process and balance: leveraging computational power while preserving critical thinking, authorship, and design intent.

"Phoenix" is a sculptural chaise lounge conceived at the intersection of architecture, furniture, and landscape. Inspired by ideas of continuity, regeneration, and flow, the project challenges conventional notions of seating by proposing an experiential relationship between body, form, and space.

"For me, furniture design is an extension of architecture rather than a separate discipline," says Borhani. "During the design process, a single idea often evolves into many others, each with the potential to become a project of its own. I approach furniture as a form of micro-architecture, a way to explore architectural ideas at a smaller scale before they expand into larger spatial investigations. Through furniture, I experiment with concepts of continuity, materiality, human interaction, and spatial experience that later influence my architectural work."

Borhani shared —

"My experience at the University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning has played a significant role in shaping my development as a designer. The School provided me with the technical tools, critical thinking skills, and mentorship necessary to work across multiple scales and disciplines while encouraging me to challenge conventional boundaries between architecture, furniture, sculpture, and spatial design.

I am especially grateful to Elaine Chow [clinical associate professor in the Department of Architecture], whose support has been invaluable throughout my studies. Beyond design itself, she helped me strengthen my presentation, storytelling, and communication skills, reminding me that one of the most important aspects of any successful project is how effectively it is shared with others. I am also deeply appreciative of Gregory Serweta [adjunct instructor in the Department of Architecture], whose encouragement and generosity in sharing his experiences have inspired me to think more critically about architecture, professional practice, and the many paths available within the profession.

The education and mentorship I received at UB prepared me for professional opportunities, first through my internship at CannonDesign and now in my current role as an architectural intern at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) in New York City. Working at KPF has been an extraordinary opportunity to learn from world-class designers, contribute to complex projects, and continue developing my understanding of architecture within a global design practice."

Borhani was also recently honored with an honorable mention in the Student Category of the SIT Furniture Design Award for his project, "Lithoflux." 

"Lithoflux continues many of the ideas explored in Phoenix and reflects my ongoing interest in the relationship between architecture, furniture, movement, and spatial experience," says Borhani. "As an international student studying, working, and building a future far from home, I have learned the value of resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning. These experiences continue to shape both my personal journey and my perspective as a designer. Looking ahead, I hope to continue exploring these relationships through both professional practice and design research, creating work that challenges traditional boundaries and fosters more meaningful connections between people and the built environment."