About Magnolis Architecture

At Magnolis Architecture, our objective is to create spaces that go beyond functionality, blending art and utility to invite curiosity and enhance everyday life. We are dedicated to crafting environments that are artistic, playful, and poetic—spaces that engage all the senses and bring a sense of wonder to daily experiences.

Our approach is deeply collaborative; we take the time to understand each client’s unique vision, taste, needs, budget, and lifestyle, working closely with them to bring their vision to life. By considering elements such as daily routines, family life, and personal activities, we aim to design spaces that not only reflect our clients' aspirations but also enhance their comfort, creativity, and productivity.

For us, architecture is a true art form—a fusion of creative expression and technical skill—and we draw inspiration from nature to create buildings that harmonize with their natural surroundings, inviting exploration, connection, and a sense of belonging.

In a sea of sameness, let’s design a space that’s uniquely yours!

About Me

I am Leila Khodadad, a Licensed Architect in California, Florida, and Texas, and the Principal Architect at Magnolis Architecture (est. 2023).

Before starting Magnolis Architecture, I worked full-time at several award-winning firms, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience that shaped my understanding of the entire architectural process.

In addition to my professional work, I spent six years teaching Design Studios as an assistant teacher at SCI-Arc, which enriched my experience with new perspectives.

I hold two Master’s degrees in Architecture and Architectural Technologies from SCI-Arc, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering, giving me a broad range of techniques and skills in architecture and design.

In Brief

  • Before starting Magnolis Architecture, I worked as a Senior Designer and Project Manager at Griffin Enright Architects, where I was involved in a wide range of projects, from designing ground-up high-end single-family homes to master planning federal buildings. I gained invaluable hands-on experience in all stages of the process, from Concept Design through Construction Administration.

    Before that, I worked as a Junior Designer at Pita & Bloom, where I contributed to the design, conception, and documentation of their entry for the INFONAVIT rural housing competition (2016). This project was selected by the jury and built in Apan, Mexico, as a prototype for affordable housing.

    Earlier in my career, I worked at Coy Howard & Co, where I was exposed to Coy Howard’s unique vision for furniture design and contributed to bringing his vision to life for his recent book, The Silhouette of Feeling (p.164-175).

    These experiences gave me practical knowledge in real-world construction and taught me how to turn ideas into reality while navigating the challenges of the construction process.

  • I am licensed to practice architecture in California, Florida, and Texas. Additional state licenses can be acquired as needed through reciprocity or reciprocal licensure, ensuring seamless service for clients in other states.

  • My foundation in architecture was laid with a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering, where I embraced hand sketching and model making as important tools in the creative design process.

    The pursuit of deeper knowledge led me to SCI-Arc, where I earned two Master’s degrees in Architecture and Architectural Technologies. At SCI-Arc, I explored the possibilities and potential of cutting-edge technologies in design and creative thinking.

    These academic experiences exposed me to a wide range of analog and digital skills in architecture and design, from physical model making and sketching to 3D printing and the integration of advanced tools like robotics, AR/VR, and AI in the design process.

    Here is a snippet video of my thesis review at SCI-Arc. (from 5’:00” until 5’:38”)
    Jury members speaking in this video are:

    • Brett Steele: Dean of the USC School of Architecture

    • John Enright: Vice President at SCI-Arc

    • Florencia Pita: Faculty at SCI-Arc (My Thesis Advisor)

  • Parallel to my professional career, I taught Design Studios at SCI-Arc as an assistant teacher, working alongside three different faculty members, John Enright, Margaret Griffin, and Florencia Pita, over six years (11 semesters). During this time, I guided students through various undergraduate and graduate programs, mentoring them in developing their concepts and transforming these ideas into tangible projects. This role allowed me to lead and shape diverse design projects while tackling unique challenges in different contexts, enriching my design practice by expanding both my knowledge and perspective.

    Teaching allowed me to stay at the forefront of architectural discourse, continuously exposing me to new ideas and technologies.

  • I’m happy to provide references from clients, contractors, collaborators, previous employers, and former students.

In Depth

What is “Magnolis”

A playful typo led to the birth of 'Magnolis', a fusion of 'magnolia' and a rarely used adjective 'magnolious' (gorgeous), reflecting the awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur that nature effortlessly bestows.

Just as the magnolia tree stands tall, its delicate petals embracing the sunlight, so too does 'Magnolis' aspire to craft spaces that embody the essence of natural splendor and invoke a sense of wonder and enchantment.

Inspired by this happy accident, we embraced the unconventional with open arms, channeling it into our designs.