Sara Saghafi
Assistant Professor
Interior Architecture
School of Art and Design
College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts
SDSU
Bio
Dr. Sara Saghafi is an educator, researcher, and designer whose work bridges architecture, digital fabrication, and immersive technologies. Her research explores how Immersive technologies, computational design, and robotic fabrication can advance spatial understanding and support early-stage design decision-making.
Before joining SDSU, Saghafi taught and conducted research at Virginia Tech, where she developed and instructed courses such as VRchitecture, integrating 3D immersive environments into design education. She collaborated with interdisciplinary teams at the Center for Human-Computer Interaction (CHCI), ARIES Lab, and the Center for Design Research (CDR), focusing on human-centered applications of emerging technologies.
In addition to her academic work, Saghafi has practiced architecture and interior design internationally, contributing to residential, cultural, and urban projects. Her work connects digital innovation with environmental awareness to promote contextually responsive and technologically informed design.
She holds a Ph.D. in Architecture and Design Research from Virginia Tech, an M.S. in Architectural Technology from the Georgia Institute of Technology, an M.Arch from Politecnico di Milano, and a B.Arch from the University of Tehran.
Areas of Specialization
Extended Reality, Immersive Technology, Computational Design and Digital Fabrication, Design for Health and Wellness
Certifications
Future Professoriate Certificate, Virginia Tech, VA.
Courses
- ART453
- ART552