We began by designing objects at the scale of the hand.
We learned architecture at the scale of some of the world's most ambitious projects.
Today, we bring both perspectives to the homes we design

Karabachian Architects is a boutique residential architecture studio specializing in custom homes, additions, ADUs, hillside properties, historic renovations, and technically challenging residential projects throughout Southern California. We believe every project begins with understanding the constraints before transforming them into opportunities.

Located in Glendale, California, Karabachian Architects is headed by Husband and Wife team Talar and Sevak Karabachian. Talar graduated with honors from California State University Northridge. Sevak graduated from Harvard in 2010 and started working at Gehry Partners, LLP in Marina del Rey. Prior to that he worked at Michael Maltzan Architecture in Los Angeles.

In 2015, Sevak and Talar met, and were married in 2016. Their first residential project together was their Condo in Glendale, where all they wanted to do was get new tile in the laundry room. Realizing their ability to work together (somewhat peacefully) the vision of the office naturally shifted from smaller day-to-day items, to larger scale design projects. By 2019, Sevak acquired his California Architect’s license and the firm was fully operational as a full-service design firm.

TALAR KARABACHIAN

MANAGING PRINCIPAL
As a Managing Principal, Talar directs and oversees the financial activities of the office, assuming responsibility for strategic direction and overall financial management. With a distinguished educational background, Talar graduated with honors from California State University, Northridge (CSUN), obtaining a Bachelor's degree in Journalism. Talar prepares comprehensive financial reports and forecasts, facilitating informed decision-making and supporting the achievement of organizational and project objectives. With over 20 years of experience in Banking combined with her educational achievements, Talar helps the projects navigate complex financial landscapes.

Email: talar@karabachian.com

RANEEM AWAD

SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Raneem is an architectural designer at Karabachian Architects, Inc., where she has been contributing to the firm’s work since July 2021.

She began her architectural education at Ventura College, earning an Associate Degree in Architectural Design, Science, and Technology in 2020. She continued her studies at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where she participated in a year-long study abroad program at Biberach University of Applied Sciences in Germany, expanding her architectural perspective through a global lens.

Raneem graduated from Cal Poly Pomona in May 2025 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and was named Valedictorian of the College of Environmental Design. Her academic achievements were further recognized with the AIA Medal for Academic Excellence, the Bobby Brooks Disney Studio Award, and the HMC Scholarship for Best Sustainable Design for her senior project.

SEVAK KARABACHIAN, RA

DESIGN PRINCIPAL
Sevak Karabachian is a licensed architect and the design principal of Karabachian Architects, inc.

Sevak received his bachelor’s degree in architecture with honors from California Polytechnic University in Pomona, earning the Concours d’Elegance award – the highest award granted for thesis projects.

Sevak received his master’s degree in architecture at Harvard Graduate School of Design in 2010 where he was the recipient of the Edward Larrabee Barnes Fellowship. His design for the Galapagos studio was chosen to be built on the Island of Santa Cruz in Galapagos. He spent the summer of 2009 in Quito, Ecuador working closely with the Universidad Internacional del Ecuador to create the masterplan for the campus expansion.

Sevak has experience in residential, commercial, retail, institutional, and civic architecture and has worked at prestigious offices such as Michael Maltzan Architecture, and Gehry Partners, LLP for over 11 years. He was the job captain for Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire-Protection, Acoustics, and Waste-Management on Grand Ave project in downtown LA, a billion dollar development with a residential tower, a hotel and multi-level retail & restaurants.

California Architect License C-38632.

Email: sevak@karabachian.com
Office: 818-330-9093
Direct: 626-552-5746

ALINA VARZHAPETYAN

SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Alina Varzhapetyan graduated cum laude from Woodbury University (B.Arch, 2025) in May 2025 and is a Senior Associate at Karabachian Architects Inc. She has contributed to residential and commercial projects through her experience at boutique architecture practices. Her studies included a semester abroad in Sicily, where she explored architecture’s cultural and historical dimensions. Alina brings this broadened perspective into her professional work, pairing curiosity and care with a strong foundation in design and execution.  

Karabachian Architects began in an unexpected place—not with buildings, but with furniture and handcrafted objects.

Early work focused on designing and building contemporary furniture and a collection of handcrafted fox figurines that found homes through retailers including CB2 and independent design stores.

That experience shaped the studio's philosophy: every object deserves thoughtful proportions, honest materials, and careful craftsmanship. Those same principles now guide every home we design.