Founded by Nesime Önel and Aslı Ayvaz, the studio brings differing perspectives, preferences and experience together to create spaces that are beautiful, functional, secure and aligned with each client’s goals.
Partner & Architect
Prior to co-founding SOFA | Studio of Architecture, Aslı launched her architectural career at GAD where she worked from 2016 to 2021. As a young, talented designer she contributed to numerous hotel and resort projects, villas, and master plans for clients such as Mandarin Oriental, Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, and Hilton International. Her subsequent, independent work includes a complex of luxury villas in Bursa as well as a 400-unit mixed-use medium and high-rise residential complex in Libya. Aslı was awarded a full scholarship for her studies at Bahceşehir University, during which time she also studied at the university's Berlin campus. She applies her impeccable style to all phases of design from the overall concept down to interior detailing.
Partner & Architect
Prior to co-founding SOFA | Studio of Architecture, Nesime worked for 13 years at GAD. From 2012 to 2020, she was an active partner as well as lead architect and project coordinator for numerous of the firm’s award-winning domestic and international projects. Her dedicated team was responsible for its projects from concept to execution, including design, development, coordination, documentation, and construction oversight. Prior to that, she worked for Boran Ekinci as well as for the internationally renowned Emre Arolat Architects. Nesime has received dozens of international awards for her extensive portfolio of complex projects which range from shopping malls, high-rise residential complexes, the Eskisehir Rixos Spa Hotel, the Armani KNDU Villas, the WePublic retail store by Boyner at Akmerkez shopping center, and a 4-million square meter sustainable town plan entitled Media City, which won awards from WAF, MIPIM, and AAP. Her approach to design is meticulous and her expertise spans all phases of architectural work from details, materials, and systems to sustainability techniques to construction supervision.