About Our Company
Founded in 1982
Arcus Aetus XXI is a multidisciplinary design firm. Our work , firmly rooted in the discipline of architecture, embraces a variety of other design fields including furniture and product design. This cross pollination of different facets of the design field informs the work we do in ways that enrich and distinguish the final result.
We offer our customers a comprehensive range of design services. The one constant in our work is the careful attention not only to design but also to the execution and workmanship that will ultimately make the idea behind the design shine.
Counterpart to our office is our workshop. Here we test out ideas for furniture, products and some rather unusual and innovative objects. We often incorporate some of these objects into our architectural projects.
We look forward to being of service.
Arcus Aetus XXI is a multidisciplinary design firm. Our work , firmly rooted in the discipline of architecture, embraces a variety of other design fields including furniture and product design. This cross pollination of different facets of the design field informs the work we do in ways that enrich and distinguish the final result.
We offer our customers a comprehensive range of design services. The one constant in our work is the careful attention not only to design but also to the execution and workmanship that will ultimately make the idea behind the design shine.
Counterpart to our office is our workshop. Here we test out ideas for furniture, products and some rather unusual and innovative objects. We often incorporate some of these objects into our architectural projects.
We look forward to being of service.
Behshad Shokouhi
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Behshad Shokouhi is a California licensed Architect and the principal at Arcus Aetus XXI, his LA based Architecture and Product Design practice . Born in Iran, Behshad attended boarding school in England before arriving in America at age eighteen to pursue Architectural studies culminating in a M. Arch. from the University of Southern California. He opened his firm Arcus Aetus XXI in 1985, at first designing luxurious residences & then, up until the present, engaging in a range of other building types and projects. About his work as an architect Behshad says “ Architecture has the ability to sustain human experience and, at its best, inject positive stimuli into people’s lives “. He adds ” Buildings that offer the broadest range of choices will serve more needs over a longer period of time; and if they also look good then they are great buildings”. Versatility is a dominant theme in Behshad’s work.” A functionally versatile building is one that accommodates an evolving range of practical, day to day needs; whereas an aesthetically versatile building is one that encompasses those functions within beautiful spaces - all inside an meaningful & appealing envelope”. The concept of Versatility weaves through all of Behshad’s design work including, in addition to architecture, furniture and product design commissions and projects. “ a chair much like a building or any other product that adapts to multiple uses ultimately bring more value ”. These ideas are clearly manifest at Arc Age; a furniture company incepted in 1993 presenting a fifty piece collection of furniture products featured and ranked as the best of the twentieth century in Leslie Pena’s definitive book: Furniture 2000 Behshad is also the designer and co-founder of The Chameleon Chair Collection where, as he notes : “The Chameleon Chair was a unique opportunity to not only design a beautiful product but also to envision its long term performance for the benefits of a particular business model ”. “ The enduring success of Chameleon Chair Collection has convincingly demonstrated the practical utilities of the idea of Versatility “ adds Behshad. Of his firm’s current work focus: Affordable, Sustainable, High Density dwelling developments says Behshad, “I believe the solution to the Housing Crisis is in providing highly Versatile Dwellings that can transform to accommodate people’s long term needs and aspirations”. He adds “ I am convinced, moreover, the results will be stronger communities & architecturally richer built environments”. |
