Journal
Notes from the studio on building a house: land, design, light and the decisions in between.
What is a preliminary design (avan proje) in Turkey?
One of the first terms you'll hear from a Turkish architect is avan proje. Here is what it is, what it contains and when it needs approval.
How architects' fees are set in Turkey: a 2026 guide
An architect's fee isn't a single number: it depends on the building's class, its size and the services you need. Here is how the calculation works in 2026.How a villa project comes together: from plot to handover
The seven stages a villa goes through, from zoning to handover, and the decisions you will make at each one.
Buying land to build a house: nine checks from an architect
Two plots at the same price can become a wonderful house or an endless list of costs. Nine things to check before you buy.
Choosing an architect in Istanbul: eight questions to ask
You are choosing someone to think about your home with for years. Eight questions to ask at the first meeting.
A house that touches the land lightly: six principles for building in the forest
Six principles, drawn from Kargalı House, for designing a home in nature that leaves a small footprint and opens up to the view.3D architectural visualization: seeing your house before it is built
Visualization is not a sales tool but a decision tool. What changes when you see the light, the materials and the scale before building?
Residential lighting design: layered light, colour temperature and the right fittings
A room is lit by far more than a single ceiling light. Layered light, the right colour temperature and hidden sources in the home.