25 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Turkey

Ottoman mosques next to grand buildings dating back to the Byzantine Empire along with bustling local markets showcase a remarkable blend of ancient traditions and modern sensibilities within Turkey’s urban fabric. In the later part of the 20th century, following a period of great upheaval in Turkish society as well as various political movements and economic crises, contemporary architectural practices needed to evolve to keep up with their changing developments. More specifically, the country expanded its global trades, highly influencing the local construction industry and placing emphasis on, materiality, sustainability and urban regeneration strategies.

Projects from renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid’s Kartal Masterplan in 2006 as well as Emre Arolat’s many architectural designs have contributed to the country’s skyline and elevated its architectural scene. As a result, present-day architects have transformed Turkish architecture into an amalgamation of its cultural dictionary coupled with less rigid and flexible designs that reflect the country’s diversity and modern identity.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Turkey based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

• The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2024)
• The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2024)
• The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2024)
• The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2024)
• The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2024)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Turkey architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 25 best architecture firms in Turkey:

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25. Orkun Nayki Architecture

Founded by Orkun Nayki in 2018. The firm aims to develop lean, functional and sustainable spaces. In addition, the office realizes projects of various types and scales, aiming to increase the quality of life by considering each project in its own context. Our firm is innovative. In the designs of an office; human, nature and sustainability is our focus. All design ideas are shaped around this focus.

Some of Orkun Nayki Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Orkun Nayki Architecture achieve 25th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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24. PIN Architects

PIN is an international architectural practice focusing on private, commercial and public projects primarily in Turkey and the UK. On the back of diverse and international experiences, established in 2014, PIN emphasise process led work, making and innovation. By promoting collaborative approach to design via education, art and technology, our approach arrives at solutions, be it building, space or product that highlights the context of the project and the aspirations of the client and stakeholders. Establishing deep connections between people and our design is key to our vision.

Some of PIN Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped PIN Architects achieve 24th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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23. arkiZON

arkiZON is a thought, an idea, which redefines the space that brings architecture into play as a tool for developing new projections on contemporary life and alters its use in the complex world of our current society. It aims at the conception of living spaces in a more rhythmic way, by reutilizing the conventional relation of form and function in the architecture interacting with the construction, circulation and program.

Thus providing a link between the new social structure, the effect of contemporary architecture and our lives; it expands the horizon of people’s imagination and alters the ideas that play a role in the formation of modernist architecture with the aid of contemporary technology.

Some of arkiZON’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped arkiZON achieve 23rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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22. Onurcan Çakır

Onurcan Çakır is an architect and architectural acoustics consultant based in Istanbul. His work revolves around residential architecture.

Some of Onurcan Çakır’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Onurcan Çakır achieve 22nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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21. DILEKCI Architects (DDA)

DİLEKCİ Architects (DDA) is a Istanbul based architectural practice founded by architect Durmus Dilekci. Amongst its completed award-winning projects are; Buyaka mixed-use project, steel structured Hilton Doubltree Avcilar hotel and Mi’Costa hotel and residences. Also we are very proud of Mi’costa Hotel and Residences Project that is one of the nominated projects from Turkey for European Union Prize, (Mies Van Der Rohe 2015).

Some of DILEKCI Architects (DDA)’s most prominent projects include:

• Mi’Costa Hotel Residences , Çeşme, Turkey
• Buyaka, Istanbul, Turkey
• 11:11, Istanbul, Turkey
• YKK DLA Piper, Istanbul, Turkey
• Prestige Mall, Istanbul, Turkey

The following statistics helped DILEKCI Architects (DDA) achieve 21st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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20. Slash Architects

Re-thinking various typologies of architecture through urban, operational and spatial potentials; slasharchitects pursuits re-writing the built environment within the urban context. Integrating every scale and area of design, we prioritize a sensitive approach to all.

Combining a number of professions that interfere with architectural design, Slash Architects derives its name from the word “slasher”. Today the word “slasher” points to a structure that embodies various expertise and therefore achieves a more holistic approach to design. As opposed to “one-man-does-all architecture” we aim to generate spaces as a more collaborative work integrating a variety of experiences and skills.

Some of Slash Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Slash Architects achieve 20th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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19. Habif Architects

Habif Architects is an Istanbul based office practicing architecture and multidisciplinary design

Some of Habif Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• Bahçeköy House, Bahçeköy Merkez Mahallesi, Turkey
• Akmerkez Management Office , Istanbul, Turkey
• Metrohm Turkey Office, Istanbul, Turkey
• THE MANSION BOSPHORUS, İstanbul, Turkey
• E POOLHOUSE, İstanbul, Turkey

The following statistics helped Habif Architects achieve 19th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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18. MuuM

MuuM is an architectural studio founded by Murat Aksu and Umut Iyigün in 1998.

The studio mainly focuses on architecture, urban and interior design.

Some of MuuM’s most prominent projects include:

• RÖNESANS|BİZ, Şişli, İstanbul, Turkey
• RONESANS|BIZ , Istanbul, Turkey
• Erciyes Congress and Cultural Center, Kayseri, Turkey
• Losev Natural Life Center & Drugless Therapy Institute, Çankırı, Turkey
• D Cafe, Istanbul, Turkey

The following statistics helped MuuM achieve 18th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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17. Motto Architecture

MOTTO is an interdisciplinary studio of architects, engineers, designers and scholars delivering design and consultancy services for the entire building process. Our comprehensive experience covers program development, conceptual design, construction documentation, supervision and consultancy for various building types. We deliver complete design services that answer every requirement of prospective developments from the initial idea to post occupancy state.

We understand and cherish the fact that design cannot be confined to a rigid definition of professional boundaries. Our interdisciplinary approach is based on collaborative work processes that enable us to develop efficient and project-specific design solutions.

Some of Motto Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

• KALECİK CULTURAL CENTER, Kalecik, Turkey
• METU ARCHLABS, Ankara, Turkey
• Van Ipekyolu Municipality, Van, Turkey
• TESKI Headquarters, Tekirdağ, Turkey
• Sakarya Erenler Housing and Social Center, Sakarya, Turkey

The following statistics helped Motto Architecture achieve 17th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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16. GMW MIMARLIK

GMW MIMARLIK was established in 2000 under the leadership of Ali Evrenay Özveren, who was then a senior partner of GMW ARCHITECTS, a London practice originally formed in 1949. Based in Nisantasi district of Istanbul, the practice is currently led by Dicle Demircioglu and Pinar Ilki, who joined Ali Evrenay Ozveren as partners in 2011. Following the completion of the new international terminal project at Istanbul Atatürk Airport in 2000 GMWM has been commissioned to carry out several other major international projects in the transportation sector in Europe, Middle East and North Africa as well as in Turkey.

Some of GMW MIMARLIK’s most prominent projects include:

• Eurasia Tunnel Operation and Maintenance Building, Istanbul, Turkey
• Riyadh Airport Initial Project, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Istanbul Ataturk Airport International Terminal, Istanbul, Turkey
• Cairo International Airport Terminal-3, Cairo, Egypt
• Riga International Airport, Riga, Latvia

The following statistics helped GMW MIMARLIK achieve 16th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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15. OSO Architecture

OSO Architecture is an Istanbul-based architectural studio established by Okan Bayık, Serhan Bayık and Ozan Bayık in 2007. A strong emphasis is given to the critical design process within the studio; we resist predetermining architectural solutions to a client’s brief prior to a thorough investigation of each project’s unique situation.

Our criteria for design is to pay close attention to contemporary design methods, new materials and the economic considerations of the client. We believe that a good project must combine all these areas.

Some of OSO Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

• Bilişim Vadisi – Administrative Building, Kocaeli, Turkey
• Lego Turkey, Istanbul, Turkey
• MG&BPN, Istanbul, Turkey
• Met Global, Istanbul, Turkey
• D&R Headquarter, Istanbul, Turkey

The following statistics helped OSO Architecture achieve 15th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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14. GAD ARCHITECTURE

Global Architectural Development has been a leader in research and concept design in Europe since 1994. The firm is headed by design principle Gokhan Avcioglu who works with a dedicated international staff of architects and collaborators. GAD believes that current architecture and urbanism are influenced by media, culture, technological innovations, consumer habits and how these factors affect the builded environment at different scales.

GAD’s success lies in its methodical research of our client’s programmatic requirements, its iterative process of digital and physical modeling and meticulous process innovation. GAD believes that architecture as a practice relies on understanding historical architecture movements as well as research and experimentation.

Some of GAD ARCHITECTURE’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped GAD ARCHITECTURE achieve 14th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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13. Voltaj Tasarim

VOLTAJ is an interior, furniture and branding design agency based in Istanbul.

Some of Voltaj Tasarim’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Voltaj Tasarim achieve 13th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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12. ATÖLYE

ATÖLYE brings together a creative hub and a strategic design studio to tackle wicked problems and create a positive impact.

Some of ATÖLYE’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped ATÖLYE achieve 12th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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11. Alatas Architecture and Consulting

Alatas Architecture and Consulting is a practice based in Istanbul focusing mainly on commercial architecture.

Some of Alatas Architecture and Consulting’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Alatas Architecture and Consulting achieve 11th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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10. BAD-BasakAkkoyunluDesign

We are a multidisciplinary studio specialized in BESPOKE architecture, interior design and construction.

Some of BAD-BasakAkkoyunluDesign’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped BAD-BasakAkkoyunluDesign achieve 10th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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9. Uygur Architects

Uygur Architects, founded in 1986 by Semra Uygur and Özcan Uygur in Ankara, create urban and architectural projects for 30 years. Alongside with remarkable works on cultural and educational buildings, Uygur Architects also have important experiences in large-scale prestigious private and public office buildings. Interpretation of the requirements and the main reason of the building is an important phase of the design process for Uygur Architects and in most cases these are developed and changed together in discussion with the clients as well. Thinking of not only the users, but also the people who are indirectly affected by the building is a common approach in Uygur Architects’ works.

Some of Uygur Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Uygur Architects achieve 9th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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8. Zemberek Design

Zemberek Design, a team mainly works on interior projects, is conservative about, starting a design process by “finding the right question” is the key element, that reveals the basic and simplest idea, leading to conclusion. This initial and most time-consuming phase of the design process evolves with dialogs and exchanging of ideas between the members of Zemberek Design Team.

Occasionally, constraints of existing building, project requirement, hierarchy of functions or decisions on circulation becomes the main idea of design, in addition to consider the space perception of the user. “The right question” that needs to be answered in the final project are taken into the consideration in its simplest form. Simple architectural solutions as answer to basic demands of the space make the user perceive the initial question. By the perception of space that is prioritized at the beginning of the process, initiation of an involvement process for the user in which the user is able to read and understand the cause-effect relations, is aimed. This approach renders the user-designer relation cyclical.

Some of Zemberek Design’s most prominent projects include:

• VIGOSS Textile – Showroom and Design Office , İstanbul, Turkey
• Grandma Bakery Cafe, Istanbul, Turkey
• V Factory Export Division, Istanbul, Turkey
• Skechers TR-Performance Showroom, Istanbul, Turkey
• Gün+Partners Ankara Office, Ankara, Turkey

The following statistics helped Zemberek Design achieve 8th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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7. Erginoğlu & Çalışlar

Erginoğlu & Çalışlar Architects is an Istanbul based, independent firm of architects founded in 1993 by Hasan Çalışlar and Kerem Erginoğlu. The firm specializes in urban planning, architecture and interior design projects together with providing assistance for planning applications. The ethos of the company is to view each project within its individual context and contribute to it through innovative architectural solutions. The firm has vast experience gained through successful completion of a wide variety of both national and international projects on a range of scales.

Erginoğlu& Çalışlar Architects have won many prizes and awards for their innovative projects.

Some of Erginoğlu & Çalışlar’s most prominent projects include:

• Yemeksepeti.com Office, İstanbul, Turkey
• Sahibinden.com, Kadıköy, İstanbul, Turkey
• Gaziantep Prime Mall Shopping Center , Gaziantep, Turkey
• ITU Cyprus University Campus, Polatpaşa Bulvarı, Gazimağusa
• Varyap Sales Office, İstanbul, Turkey

The following statistics helped Erginoğlu & Çalışlar achieve 7th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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6. AVCI Architects

Selcuk Avci and Sanja Jurca Avci established Avci Architects in London in 1989 and Istanbul. In its first year, the practice won the top prize in the European Union biannual Energy Efficient Buildings Competition, a culmination of years of experience in sustainability which set the tone for the direction of the practice. Although the practice specializes in many sectors in terms of programme, sustainability has become an underlying driving ethos, from the scale of regional masterplanning down to the design of a single product.

Avci Architects has designed projects in the UK as well as Italy, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Serbia, Czech Republic, Slovenia and more recently in Turkey.

Some of AVCI Architects’ most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped AVCI Architects achieve 6th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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5. Adnan Kazmaoğlu Mimarlık Araştırma Merkezi

(MAM) Mimarlık Araştırma Merkezi has been working on architectural design, urban design, landscaping, project development and consulting branches. Mimarlık Araştırma Merkezi is engaged in different range of projects; housing settlements, residences, office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, tourism & recreation facilities, religious buildings, culture & entertainment centers and sports complexes.

Adnan Kazmaoğlu, M.Arch, 1948, Akhisar-Turkey was born in Akhisar, Manisa in 1948. Graduated from Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University (IDGSA) Faculty of Architecture in 1975. In between 1975-1980, he worked as an instructor at Yıldız Technical University Faculty of Architecture, Department of City and Regional Planning. Worked in projects on regional planning and urban design at the circulating capital group of the department.

Some of Adnan Kazmaoğlu Mimarlık Araştırma Merkezi’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Adnan Kazmaoğlu Mimarlık Araştırma Merkezi achieve 5th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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4. Kreatif Architects

Kreatif Architects is an Istanbul based architectural office founded in 1995 by architects Selim Cengic, Aydan Volkan and civil engineer Mehmet Cengic. Kreatif had completed many national and international projects by combining urban planning, architectural design, interior design and engineering aspects as a complete understanding. Working internationally on healthcare, educational, hospitality, commercial and residential projects, Kreatif Architects has completed over 1,250,000 square meters of design, execution, construction and coordination work. Our vision of good design is providing, functional, sustainable, efficient solutions in a manner of combining inspiration and knowledge with creativity.

Some of Kreatif Architects’ most prominent projects include:

• LA Winery, İzmir, Turkey
• Avantgarde Collection Taksim Square Hotel, İstanbul, Turkey
• Piri Reis Maritime University, İstanbul, Turkey
• Koc University Medical Sciences Campus, Istanbul, Turkey
• MAPFRE Insurance Building Complex, İstanbul, Turkey

The following statistics helped Kreatif Architects achieve 4th place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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3. Yazgan Design Architecture

Yazgan Design Architecture is an Ankara based architectural design and construction firm founded by Kerem Yazgan and Begüm Yazgan, both PhD. architects, in 2003. Since the time of its foundation, the company has designed and developed many architectural, interior design and landscape projects totaling more than 86 million square feet (8 million square meters).

Project locations include a diversity of countries, such as Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Russia, Kazakhstan, Libya, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Azerbaijan, Iraq and Ghana. Yazgan Design works on projects of varying programs and scales covering concept, design development and construction phases. The company portfolio includes: mixed-use buildings, retail, hotel, residential, office, educational buildings, hospitals, cultural centers, airports, sport complexes, along with landscape design, interior design and graphic design projects.

Some of Yazgan Design Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

• OIZ Office, Ankara, Turkey
• Kalkan Altes Villas, Antalya, Turkey
• Middle East Technical University Coworking & Cafeteria, Ankara, Turkey
• Voronet Lila Hotel, Suceava, Romania
• YDA Center, Ankara, Türkiye

The following statistics helped Yazgan Design Architecture achieve 3rd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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2. superspace

superspace is an award-winning architecture practice based in Istanbul that designs distinctive contemporary spaces and places that shape the future. We are a research-driven, and enthusiastic group that believes in the power of design, art and play to enrich the experience of our lives. We are involved in different cultures, exploring the human condition, in the context of potentials, probabilities and possibilities of distinct living styles.

Some of superspace’s most prominent projects include:

• taksim for all, İstanbul, Turkey
• nyc farmy, New York City, New York
• Ascension, Zagreb, Croatia
• turku wave, Turku, Finland
• peak, İstanbul, Turkey

The following statistics helped superspace achieve 2nd place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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1. Tabanlioglu Architects

Tabanlioglu Architects develop innovative, yet efficient and economically viable design alternatives, considering the uniqueness of the place and the individuality of requirements.  The practice focuses on the matters of building in global terms; yet for the achievement of best design quality the architects evaluate the expressions of each country, region and zone, distinctively. Every location offers special conveniences or engenders challenges that require specific solutions.

Some of Tabanlioglu Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Tabanlioglu Architects achieve 1st place in the 25 Best Architecture Firms in Turkey:

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Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “+” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

• Project completed within the last 3 years
• A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
• Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
• High quality, in focus photographs
• At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
• Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
• Inclusion of construction photographs

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

 

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We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].