Harmen Design: Where International Influence Meets Design Excellence

Founded on the principles of balance and harmony, Harmen Design reflects that philosophy in its name, inspired by Greek goddess Harmonia. Led by trained architects Goli Basiri and Kia Kazemian, partners in business and life, the studio is shaped by their complementary strengths: intuitive, detail-driven design paired with a grounded architectural mindset.

After meeting in Iran, the two moved to Toronto, eventually landing in Oakville, Ontario. Started in 2018, their interior design and architecture firm works primarily on luxury residential projects, in addition to a selective commercial portfolio. They serve clients throughout the Greater Toronto Area, across Canada, and take on select projects in the United States.

Listening from the Start

At Harmen Design, every project begins with listening. Goli and Kia take time to understand how clients live, move, and interact with their spaces before translating those insights into clear design concepts. Rather than presenting a single solution, the team often develops two distinct design directions, allowing clients to explore contrasting possibilities while maintaining a cohesive overall vision.

That process is supported by a strong emphasis on visualization. Through detailed drawings, 3D renderings, and immersive 360-degree virtual walkthroughs, clients can experience their home long before construction begins, bringing clarity to decision-making and confidence to every stage of the project.

Designing in Harmony

Harmen Design’s portfolio spans a wide range of scales and styles, from French château-inspired residences to clean-lined modern homes. Regardless of aesthetic, each project is guided by the core principles of balance, clarity, and intention. The team approaches design as an ongoing dialogue, refining layouts, materials, and details to ensure the final result reflects functional needs and personal vision.

That collaborative mindset extends beyond the studio itself, shaping how Harmen Design works with builders and trades. “Early on, we realized that great design alone isn’t enough—the real key is the relationship between the designer, the builder, and the client. When that is aligned, communication is clearer, decisions are faster, and the final result is stronger,” Kia says.

Cambria Connection

Cambria has long been a natural fit for Harmen Design’s approach, offering the balance of aesthetics and performance their clients expect. What resonates most with Goli is the harmony between durability and design—Cambria’s performance paired with what he describes as its “beautiful realism,” creating a material that feels both refined and organic in a space.

For its diverse range of projects, Harmen Design turns to Cambria for its consistency and dependability. That dependability becomes clear to clients early on when they are introduced to Cambria’s transferable Full Lifetime Warranty: “Most clients are speechless when they hear about the warranty. It makes Cambria the clear choice when we are going through material selections,” Goli says.

An Award-Winning Residence

A recent custom residence designed by Goli and Kia received international recognition at the International Design Awards (IDA) in Oslo, Norway, earning honors in both the luxury residential and contemporary design categories.

Located in Oakville, Ontario, this 6,000-square-foot home is distinctly modern, defined by a restrained black-and-white palette. Clean lines and minimal detailing let form take center stage and allow subtle elements to shine.

In the kitchen, Cambria’s Inverness Frost plays a central role, used across the angled island, countertops, and backsplash that extends through the pantry. Although subtle in color, the design brought depth and movement through its debossed texture. It became a subtle yet defining element within this refined kitchen. 

Expanding Its Vision

Looking ahead, Harmen Design is focused on continued growth through larger-scale projects, while also exploring new ventures aimed at making thoughtful design more attainable. While details remain under wraps, the concept centers on bridging the gap between fully custom interiors and a more approachable entry point to high-end interior design—offering guidance and curated material selections for creating luxurious personalized spaces. For Goli and Kia, the future is about carrying their design philosophy forward: balancing innovation with the human touch that defines their work.