About the Speakers

Kaveh Arbab

Kaveh Arbab is a licensed architect and founding partner of BNDL Architecture, a Los Angeles based design practice focused on clarity, and permanence. His research explores the spatial logic of Zoroastrian architecture, including how forms such as the chahar taq, fire temple, and dakhma express deeper ideas of Asha, order, and the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds.

Kaveh previously worked at Gehry Partners, where he contributed to the design and construction documentation of the Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park. He holds a Master of Architecture from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University. Through BNDL Architecture, he has led the design of multiple high-end residential projects and is increasingly engaged in large-scale commercial work. His work seeks to demonstrate how architecture can serve as a vessel for memory, identity, and legacy.

Cyrus Rivetna

Cyrus Rivetna is the founder and solo principal of Rivetna Architects, a Chicago-based architecture firm focused on projects that strengthen communities and bring meaning to the built environment. He started the firm with a simple belief: architecture should do more than create buildings; it should help people, neighborhoods, and cultures thrive.

Rivetna Architects works with organizations across the United States and Canada on projects ranging from housing and community spaces to religious buildings. The firm has collaborated with Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Methodist, Missionary Baptist, and Zoroastrian communities, helping translate their traditions and values into architecture that works for today.

Cyrus has developed a particular interest in Zoroastrian Fire Temple architecture, including the design of the Bhandara Atash Kadeh in Houston, one of the first purpose-built Zoroastrian temples of its kind in North America.

Beyond practice, Cyrus has served on committees helping shape Chicago’s building code and housing standards. Through Rivetna Architects, he continues exploring how design, entrepreneurship, and values can come together to create places that uplift people and communities.

Moderators:

Alea Engineer

Alea Engineer is a rising junior at Metea Valley High School in Aurora Illinois. She serves as a board member of her school’s UNICEF Club, where she helps support service initiatives and community outreach. This summer, she attended Vogue College of Fashion in New York City, where she explored fashion business and marketing while learning from industry professionals. Outside the classroom, Alea is an active member of the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago where she co-manages ZAMC’s social media and helps engage the community through digital outreach. Alea hopes to pursue a career in the fashion industry, combining creativity with business to make a meaningful impact.

Jayden Ullal

Jayden Ullal is a rising senior at a high school in Naperville, Illinois. Passionate about leadership and community, he serves as a UNICEF Club board member at school and plays bass in orchestra. Outside the classroom, Jayden is an active member of the Zoroastrian Association of Metropolitan Chicago. He currently works as a Youth Program Intern. In this role, he helps coordinate his youth group’s additions to the Zoroastrian Intergenerational Oral History project. He also contributes to the ZAMC Library Project, and previously led a youth-organized fundraising event.

Jayden is deeply interested in medicine and plans to major in medical anthropology in college. He is driven by his passion for humanity, health, and culture, and wants to use his skills to serve underrepresented and diverse communities.

Kiya Rostamian

Kiya Rostamian is a high school student from Ann Arbor, Michigan. Born in Iran, Kiya immigrated to the United States in second grade. He has a strong interest in finance, medicine, and, above all, serving his community.

Coming from a Zoroastrian background, Kiya takes great pride in his heritage and is committed to representing his faith and community with integrity. Outside of school, he is a member of his school’s varsity tennis team and enjoys singing with the school’s acapella choir. Above all, Kiya is passionate about giving back to the Zoroastrian community and is always eager to help and contribute in any way he can.

Zane Elavia

Zane Elavia is a rising senior at Plano West Senior High School. Zane has been a longtime volunteer with the Weekend Wonders 4 Kids organization and helps bag food for children in need. During this summer, Zane attended a week-long cybersecurity camp at Texas A&M University, where he learned the importance of online safety and further improved his knowledge of coding. Zane is also a member of the Zoroastrian Association of North Texas’ youth group, where he serves as a co-manager of the group and handles social media and in-person interviewing. In the future, Zane aims to pursue a career in coding and computer science and wants to live a steady, happy life.