Executive Profile:
Matin Zargari

“I grew up in a high-performance family,” says architect Matin Zargari, “and it was just assumed I’d be a doctor.” So when she and her family moved to the United States from Iran when she was 16, Zargari promptly embarked on premed studies. “But I soon realized it was not for me,” she says, “and I became an architect instead.” Now a principal with Gensler, the San Francisco–based firm where she has worked for 22 years, Zargari specializes in innovative workplace design. “Your workplace is like your second home,” she says, “and the design can be very personal.”

Résumé
Name: Matin Zargari
Title: Principal and Managing Director
Company: Gensler
Location: 6111 Bollinger Canyon, Suite 540 (BR1)
Number of employees: 35 in San Ramon, 3,000 worldwide
Year company was founded: 1965
Number of years at Bishop Ranch: 10

Company Profile
Headquarters: San Francisco
Business: “Architecture, design and planning.”
Business approach: “To enhance the performance of our clients’ enterprises through design.”
Biggest challenge: “To help clients understand that good design will empower employees and transform the organization.”
Biggest risk taken: “Starting the San Ramon office 10 years ago.”
Favorite tasks: “Spending time with clients and employees.”
Least favorite task: “Paperwork.”
Source of inspiration: “My family and the amazing talent in our firm.”

Personal Philosophy
Best way to motivate staff: “Give employees a sense of ownership in our projects.”
Suggestions for up-and-coming executives: “Cultivate personal relationships. In this business, it’s all about people.”
A goal you still want to achieve: “Become a good swimmer.”

Off Hours
Favorite pastime: “Spending time with friends and drinking good wine.”
Favorite stress-buster: “Getting up at 5 a.m. and going to the gym.”
Favorite vacation spot: “Anywhere — as long as I’m with my husband and two kids.”
Favorite music: “Italian and French music from the ‘60s and ‘70s.”
Favorite cause: “Groups that offer support, mentoring and coaching to needy children and teens.”

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