Education is only as good as an institution’s ability to adapt to technological developments and advancements in the field. PAACADEMY is reshaping architectural education by moving beyond the outdated traditional model and offering a direct, hands-on approach to computational and parametric design. 

PAACADEMY understands the importance of connecting students with industry-leading professionals who teach the real-world applications of AI, digital fabrication, and emerging technologies in architecture. This industry-driven approach sets PAACADEMY apart in a crowded field. 

The PAACADEMY Origin Story

Hamid Hassanzadeh, the founder and CEO of Parametric Architecture, recognized the limitations of traditional architectural education and created PAACADEMY to bridge those gaps. However, the high cost of a master’s degree from a top university makes advanced architectural education out of reach for many. 

Hassanzadeh wanted to change that. Even after investing in an elite education, the rapid pace of technological change can quickly render it outdated. So, how did he offer an alternative? 

Rather than waiting for an affordable, up-to-date educational program, Hassanzadeh built his own. He explained, “Rather than relying on institutional education, I built a platform that would connect aspiring designers directly with the world’s leading experts.”

PAACADEMY invited renowned architects, professors, and computational designers to teach, creating an affordable, accessible, and industry-focused learning space. It quickly became a global hub for computational and parametric design education.

Making Waves in the Architectural Education Space

The results and impact of PAACADEMY speak for themselves. The platform attracts over 15,000 active users a month, with many having successfully transitioned into high-tech design roles, proving that education doesn’t need to be expensive or exclusive to be effective. 

Many PAACADEMY students hail from some of the most prestigious architectural firms, including Zaha Hadid Architects, Foster + Partners, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), 3XN, UNStudio, MVRDV, and Office for Metropolitan Architecture. On top of their PAACADEMY education, a good number of students also study at top institutions such as SCI-Arc, Pratt Institute, MIT, Harvard University Graduate School Of Design, and the Architectural Association School of Architecture. 

With a PAACADEMY education, students can apply what they learned to transition into high-tech design roles and integrate computational and AI-driven approaches into their projects and careers.

Using Technology to Stay Ahead 

Architectural education needs to stay abreast of the latest tech advancements, which has led PAACADEMY to teach advanced computational and parametric design, which helps students master algorithmic thinking and rule-based modeling. 

AI is fundamentally transforming how architecture is conceived and executed. To keep up with industry shifts, PAACADEMY teaches students how to integrate AI into their workflows for concept generation, optimization, and automation. The platform also emphasizes data-driven decision-making, with programs focusing on optimization, performance analysis, and data structures. This allows designers to create more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent spaces.

The Keys to Success

PAACADEMY relies on organic growth rather than large-scale marketing. So, how has it gained its recognition? Through community-driven word-of-mouth.

By redefining architectural education, the platform has grown without institutional support or major funding. Through social media and a passionate learning community, it has become a trusted name in architectural education. 

Hassanzadeh explains, “When education is relevant, accessible, and high-quality, it does not need a massive budget to thrive.”

PAACADEMY is committed to evolving with the industry, which is precisely why students are flocking to the platform. As Hamid Hassanzadeh puts it, “The future of design belongs to those who embrace technology, challenge traditional methods, and think computationally.”

Follow PAACADEMY on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

Written in partnership with Tom White