This research study investigates the design features that both Iranians and Americans care about and notice, the housing characteristics they prefer, and the extent by which evaluation of housing forms may be affected by familiarity. The study also investigates the influence of the Western civilization on the Iranian culture through perceived imagery associated with architectural form.A set of twenty photographs representative of architectural styles commonly found in the city of Tehran, Iran as well as a questionnaire survey were the tools used in this cross-cultural perception study.After analyzing the responses given by the two sample groups, it was concluded that each group was in agreement in their perception of architectural styles and preferred the unfamiliar styles. However both groups did not agree in their association of familiarity and newness. Throughout the study it was evident that the Western civilization had a strong influence on the Iranian culture in their perception and preference of architectural forms. / Department of Landscape Architecture