14 years ago, Iranian-Armenian architect Narbeh Alaverdi left behind the familiar streets of Iran for a country that felt distant and unfamiliar. At least at first. The decision to relocate wasn’t easy, but it was necessary—his family wanted to keep him out of Iran’s mandatory military service. But moving was just the beginning of a what seemed like a long and unrelenting obstacle course.
When Narbeh first arrived, Armenia wasn’t what it is today. The country was still in a period of transition, and the cultural divide between local Armenians and those from the diaspora was palpable. “The Armenia I came to was completely different,” he recalled. For a while, he struggled to fit in, keeping to himself and unable to embrace the local culture. In fact, it was hard to know where to start – there was no manual!
It wasn’t until a local classmate at the National Polytechnic University – where he completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees – reached out to him that things began to change. This simple act of inclusion helped Narbeh break down the cultural barriers and start building relationships with the local community. Over time, these relationships became the foundation of his professional success. Architecture, after all, is a field that thrives on connections, and Narbeh’s friendships opened doors for him that led to job opportunities and long-term partnerships.
Narbeh’s career grew alongside the country’s development, particularly after the 2018 revolution. “Before, it was difficult to get things done without the right connections,” he reflected, noting how the changes in governance helped make processes more transparent, especially in industries like construction and architecture. The post-revolution boom in construction brought opportunities and a sense of optimism that wasn’t there before.
Despite the progress, Narbeh recognizes the challenges that still exist. He points out the need for a higher level of professionalism in many sectors, but he remains hopeful. The improvements in law enforcement and governance have given him confidence in the future, and he now feels a sense of stability in his profession that wasn’t always there in the past.
For the repat, the key to his success in Armenia has been communication and adaptation. He encourages others considering a similar move to embrace the local culture, reach out to people, and not be afraid to step out of their comfort zones. “You have to adapt to the way things are done here, even if they’re different from what you’re used to,” he advises.
Today, Narbeh has built not just a career, but a community. His journey from Iran to Armenia is one of resilience and growth, a story of how opening up to new experiences and building connections can lead to both personal and professional fulfillment.
