When it comes to family, the team at Azora Group has a lot to say. Brothers Masoud, Farhad, and Amir Sanai helm Vancouver-based residential developer Azora Group. For the trio behind this privately held company, ‘family’ isn’t just another word, but the backbone of their ongoing success. “We are three brothers, and on the construction site, we look after trades, quality, time management—everything,” states Masoud Sanai.
For this family, construction is in their blood. Their grandfather was a renowned architect and developer in Iran whose sons went on to found their own company specializing in home building and road construction. Amir, Farhad, and Masoud represent the third generation of construction expertise.
Many developers are content to fill the market with generic, cookie-cutter houses. Not Azora. For the Sanai family, there is a big difference between providing clients with a house and giving them a home. They know that a lot of this comes down to the careful blending of ideal locations, outstanding construction inside and out, high-quality components, top fixtures and finishes, and smart, functional design solutions.
From crafting modern, stylish exteriors to maximizing space within the home, nothing is left to chance. Experts in creating modern, aesthetically pleasing and inviting spaces, Azora homes feature luxurious amenities typically seen only in much more expensive properties.
Outside, these contemporary homes include quality finishes, private balconies with expansive views, and inviting common spaces where neighbours and children can gather. Inside, the homes include spacious bedrooms and living rooms, and upscale kitchens and bathrooms. Even closets and other storage areas are precisely planned well in advance to maximize usable space.
“We have lots of experience creating flexible spaces in our projects,” says Masoud Sanai. “We look at the market, see what customers like, and create those rooms.” This includes bedrooms that can be easily converted into a studio or a flex area by moving a wall. “One side is a one-bedroom, and the other side is a one-and-a-half or two-bedroom. They can be connected to create a one-bedroom studio, two-bedroom, or three-bedroom. This offers lots of flexibility, and our clients are happy,” he says.
At Azora, the phrase “attention to detail” is both a promise and a practice. Nothing is overlooked, from metal accents to wide-plank hardwood floors, polished quartz countertops, frameless glass shower enclosures, high ceilings, waffle-pattern carpets on stairs and in bedrooms, gorgeous cabinetry, quality appliances, and more.
Location, location, location
Like a sculptor thoughtfully selecting the ideal piece of marble, the Sanai brothers thoroughly research the ideal locations for their projects. A key feature of its locations is that they are often near affluent areas featuring multi-million-dollar homes largely owned by older couples, and mostly out of the reach of younger families just starting out.
Masoud explains the thinking: “Our clients are mostly young couples, second-generation, who want to live close to their first-generation relatives in the very expensive Vancouver West area. Those mansions cost five to ten million dollars. Here, they can have a three-bedroom townhouse for $1.7 million close to their relatives and good school areas. That’s a great benefit for them.” A great strategy, too, and one that appeals to a broad clientele.
Thanks to the mindful choice of location and built-in quality, many buyers don’t view their new Azora Group dwelling as a house to be lived in for just a few years, but as a lifelong home to enjoy as they age in place. “We have a few clients who follow us on each new project,” says Masoud. “They sell their old project—because they made a good profit on it—and follow us on new projects. Many other people buy for life because the quality is excellent.”
Projects past and present
One of the firm’s most recent projects was Shannon 18, featuring 18 upscale, three-bedroom townhomes in the city of Vancouver’s west side. The project—like many others from Azora Group—sold out quickly. And like many projects from Azora, Shannon 18 features modern exteriors, private balconies with spectacular views of Vancouver, an open, common space courtyard, and many other gorgeous exterior features.
This developer has kept busy with other available new home locations as well, including West58. Described by Azora as “charming yet vibrant, connected yet tranquil, modern yet timeless,” West58 is being built at 7487 Granville Street. Its family-friendly neighbourhood is known for some of Vancouver’s best public and private schools, and amenities include parks, supermarkets like T&T, and shops of all sizes, including mom-and-pop stores and big box retailers alike.
Encompassing 23 large, well-planned townhomes and charming garden suites, West58 offers clients a choice of gorgeous Junior, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom homes. With stunning modern architectural designs and Hardie accents by Gradual Architecture Inc., many of the homes boast private, third-floor balconies opening to striking views of Vancouver, set above a central courtyard.
Interiors are designed for functionality and aesthetics, with wide-plank hardwood flooring, multi-purpose flex rooms (with direct underground parking access in some homes), open-concept kitchens, inviting and sophisticated bathrooms and ensuites with double vanities and porcelain tile, and other luxurious touches throughout.
Classic meets contemporary
With a reputation for quality and value, many Azora Group developments sell out quickly, and one of the most recent is Brock House. Located at 2310 Brock Street in East Vancouver’s Kensington-Cedar Cottage area, this multi-family development comprises 10 upscale homes—eight are luxury duplexes and two are single-family dwellings.
Brock House homes “offer strong, classic architectural elements and contemporary materials,” according to Azora. Much like other works from the firm, these homes are a culmination of timeless luxury, from chef-inspired kitchens to bathrooms with the look and feel of a spa. Open and welcoming, Brock House homes convey spaciousness, with nine-foot main floor ceilings and large windows providing welcoming natural light and outstanding views. Select units complement this airy feeling with skylights above corridors and staircases, bringing in even more light.
Brock House homes are situated near scenic General Brock Park, providing a perfect balance of natural beauty and handily placed amenities, including a play area for kids, nearby Trout Lake Park and Community Centre, upscale eateries, cafés, and retail offerings.
The human touch
Unlike some property developers, the Sanai brothers are extremely involved in all their projects. The company’s values—integrity, teamwork, and respect—aren’t empty words, but woven into the fabric of Azora’s ethos. “We are always self-performing our work,” says Masoud. “And as a general contractor, we are very hands-on. We regularly visit sites to make sure everything is going in the right direction.”
Farhad, Amir, and Masoud themselves are regularly on construction sites. To ensure project success, every detail, no matter how small, is carefully considered. And while the Sanai brothers each have their own specialities and responsibilities, they present a strong, united front.
This hands-on approach is one of many reasons for Azora’s success, with others including teamwork, well-managed budgets, timing, and planning. In the early days of the pandemic, the company anticipated shipping delays, price increases, and shortages of building materials. This resulted in Azora stocking up on essentials beforehand and keeping its entire team safe throughout.
Keeping it personal
Offering a 10-year warranty, Azora prides itself in striving to do better with every project. “That’s a big advantage we offer,” says Masoud. “Clients are pleased. We also have excellent after-sales service and have personal relationships with many of them.”
To keep clients informed of future projects, Azora maintains an up-to-date website and has a strong social media presence on platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. To celebrate the company’s 15th anniversary, the Sanai brothers will host a celebration. “We always do events like barbecues for clients, and it’s great for people to visit us and have some fun.”
In the coming years, the Sanai family sees Azora Group continuing to take on quality, multi-family home projects, including four- to six-storey mixed-use buildings. “But 60 to 70 percent of our business would still be townhouses,” Masoud tells us. “That is our vision.”
