I grew up in Alphen aan den Rijn and now live in Leiden. I come from a warm family, with roots in both the Netherlands and Iran. Family plays a big role in my life; I draw a lot of strength and joy from being with them.
Because family matters so much to me, I try to visit them as often as possible, both in the Netherlands and beyond. That bond with the people close to me gives me a strong foundation and motivation, both personally and in my work.
Both backgrounds are clearly reflected in my upbringing. I got the best of two worlds: the level-headedness and directness of Dutch culture, combined with the warmth, hospitality and connection of Iranian culture. That mix has shaped me into who I am. It is no coincidence that AVEK stands for Arman Voogd Esmaili Kia, my father's and mother's surnames: my way of honouring both sides.
That combination of backgrounds brings a unique skill set. In my work it shows in how I deal with people, how I collaborate and how I look at problems. I am used to thinking from multiple perspectives, building bridges between different worlds and adapting quickly to new situations. The same combination runs through my craft: with my Associate degree in Frontend Design & Development from the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, I bring design and development together.
