Başak Akkoyunlu, a graduate of the Faculty of Architecture at Middle East Technical University, has practiced architecture in Ankara and Istanbul before founding BAD in Izmir, where she is actively involved in both design and implementation services. With BAD, her design philosophy is based on the belief that every project and location has its own unique spirit. She strives to ensure that spaces are aesthetically exceptional and inspiring, without compromising on functionality. We had the pleasure of engaging in an insightful conversation with Başak Akkoyunlu about architecture, interior design, her perspective on Turkish Stones, and the significance she places on its role in her projects.
How was BAD established and what are the core principles of your architectural design?
After graduating from the Department of Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture, Middle East Technical University in 1997, I worked on numerous projects of various scales at different architectural offices in Ankara and Istanbul. During this process, in 2012, I received the “Europe 40 Under 40” award from the Chicago Atheneum, which recognizes 40 designers under the age of 40 in Europe. Since 2013, I have been continuing my professional work in architecture, interior design, and implementation under BAD-Başak Akkoyunlu Design in Çeşme, İzmir.
At BAD-Başak Akkoyunlu Design, our design philosophy is based on the belief that each project and its location have a unique spirit. Our aim is to ensure that spaces are both functional and aesthetically inspiring at the highest level. With a creative perspective and an innovative approach, we strive to leave unique and lasting marks on each project.
In our designs, we prioritize the relationship between living spaces and people, creating environmentally sensitive and aesthetically inspiring spaces while considering both personal and social needs. We always place customer satisfaction at the forefront and aim to bring every project to life in a way that exceeds the client’s expectations.
How has the perception and importance of architecture changed, and what are your views on the role and future of architecture?
Architecture has become more visible and accessible with the development of technology and the rapid evolution of the visual world. People can now easily examine a vast number of designs and visually compare architectural understandings from different cultures. While this has changed the perception of architecture, its importance has never diminished. Good architecture has the power to transform environments and people, and this power will always exist. Furthermore, the future of architecture will not only focus on meeting aesthetic and functional requirements but will continue to evolve towards creating sustainable, socially responsible, and environmentally harmonious designs.
Casa Solis by BAD
Casa Solis by BAD
What criteria influence your choice of building materials, and which materials do you prefer?
When choosing building materials, functional requirements are always considered first. However, material selection is not just functional; it is also an aesthetic choice. Turkish Stones, in particular, are an indispensable material in architecture and always find their place in our projects. The relationship of natural stones with the region where the structure is located is also an important factor. Choosing stones that reflect the cultural and natural structure of the region strengthens the identity of the project. Today, sustainability is a priority in material selection, as it is in every other field. Natural stone is not only an ideal choice for its durability and aesthetic richness but also as a material that becomes even more beautiful and ages well over time, making it an ideal choice for sustainability.
Casa Pendenza by BAD
Casa Pendenza by BAD
Casa Pendenza by BAD
Which stage of a project do you enjoy the most?
The conceptual design phase is both the most challenging and, in a way, the easiest part for me, and it is a very enjoyable process. However, stepping into a project once it has been drawn and seeing it come to life, touching it, and witnessing the design materialize is an indescribable thrill and an enjoyable experience.
What types of projects are in your portfolio?
Throughout my career, I have worked on projects ranging from residential buildings to five-star hotels, and even an airport with 18 bridges. In our office, we have mainly completed residential projects. In addition to single-family homes, our projects also include apartments, residences, hotels, and office buildings.
Casa Solis by BAD
Casa Solis by BAD
Casa Solis by BAD
Is there a special building or design that you aim to create in your professional career?
I would like to work on a large-scale public project that could play a significant cultural role and transform a region. I believe projects such as museums, opera houses, or cultural centers are important structures that not only reshape the identity of a region aesthetically and architecturally but also interact with the surrounding environment, enhance the quality of life of the people, and contribute to the local economy. A well-designed cultural center can revitalize a city or region, supporting social and economic development. In such projects, I aspire to create spaces that combine sustainability, local culture, and modern design, benefiting people from all walks of life, enhancing social interaction, and bringing communities together.
What is the importance of Turkish Stones in your projects?
Stone holds an essential place in our projects as an indispensable material. Both aesthetically and functionally, natural stone is a material that becomes more beautiful over time and adds character to the space. Additionally, it is an environmentally friendly option due to its naturalness and sustainability.
Casa Solis by BAD
You have prestigious designs in the field of residential architecture. Can you talk about your approach to using Turkish Stones in these projects?
In our residential projects, the use of natural stone is of great importance because it is timeless, sustainable, and a material that becomes even more beautiful as it ages. In every project, we utilize the various properties of natural stone to ensure each space has its own unique identity. We prefer it not only for its diversity and visual appeal but also for its qualities that no other material can replace.
In which areas do you use Turkish Stones in your projects?
We primarily use natural stone on façades, as it is durable in exterior conditions and adds aesthetic richness to the space. Like all the materials we use in our projects, natural stone does not stay just on the exterior. In projects where we use natural stone on the façade, we also use the same stone inside the house—sometimes for the flooring of a room, framing a parquet, or even for a specialized wall, fireplace, or TV unit. We also use it for an outdoor kitchen, or even as a 3-meter-long table in some projects.
Casa Pendenza by BAD
Casa Pendenza by BAD
Casa Pendenza by BAD
Casa Pendenza by BAD
