Studio AHEAD

Studio AHEAD is a San Francisco-based art and design collective founded by Homan Rajai and Elena Dendiberia. Our approach is “borderless” in that our roots are far-flung yet deeply embedded in Northern California’s history. Drawing from our diasporic experiences, we believe strongly that there is no universal idea of functionality that fits all cultures and people. What remains constant is an appreciation of tradition and craftsmanship.
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Studio AHEAD launched its production arm in 2019 and in 2020 began publishing California: AJournal, which chronicles Northern California's vibrant cultural history. The biennial Same Blue as the Sky began in 2023 as a way to celebrate the regional artists who continually inspire us.
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C.V.

Education

Homan Rajai- UC Davis Landscape Architecture and Sustainability

Elena Dendiberia- Samara University of Architecture, Strelka Institute of Media, Architecture and Design, San Francisco Art Institute

Exhibitions Curated by Studio AHEAD

2025  “Same Blue as the Sky II” – San Francisco, CA

2024  Architecture and Design Section – Collectible Fair, New York, NY

2023  “The Lily Too Shall Function” – San Francisco, CA

2023  “Same Blue as the Sky” – San Francisco, CA

2021  WANTED – ICFF,  New York, NY

Exhibitions Studio AHEAD has participated in

2024  “Penumbra” – Mexico City, MX

2024  “Marin MoCA: Opening the Mountain” – Marin County, CA

2024  “Superhouse: Let them Eat Off the Plates” – New York, NY

2024  “Works in Progress” – San Francisco, CA

2023  “Blunk Space: 100 Hooks” – Point Reyes, CA

2021  “Additions” – Berkeley, CA

Awards

2023  1st Dibs 50

2022  CA Home + Design Emerging Designer

2022  Architectural Digest New American Voices

2021  Sight Unseen American Design Hotlist

2020  Dwell 24

Teaching, Lectures, Juries

2024  SF MoMA Architecture + Design Accessions Committee

2024  SF Design Week Interior Design Judges

2024  Untapped Journal Panel at Institute of Contemporary Architecture of San Francisco