Dilek Karaman

Interview with Dilek Karaman

Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?

I have always been interested in the relationship between space, emotion and daily life. Interior architecture attracted me because it is not only about creating beautiful environments, but also about shaping how people feel, move and live inside a space. Over time, this interest became a professional direction. I studied interior architecture and developed a practice focused on structure, light, material and atmosphere. For me, becoming a designer was a natural result of wanting to create meaningful, functional and emotionally balanced spaces.

Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?

DK Interior Architecture is a design studio based in Turkey, working across residential, office and private living environments. The studio approaches interior architecture as an architectural discipline, not as decoration. Our work focuses on holistic spatial experiences where function, aesthetics, material integrity and detailed execution come together. We develop projects from concept to completion, creating refined, timeless and context-driven interiors that respond to the needs of each client and each site.

What is "design" for you?

For me, design means creating a meaningful relationship between function, emotion and form. A successful design should solve problems, improve daily life and create an atmosphere that feels natural to its users. Design is not only about visual beauty; it is also about proportion, comfort, clarity, material honesty and long-term value. I see design as a way of turning needs into experiences and ideas into spaces that people can truly inhabit.

What kinds of works do you like designing most?

I enjoy designing interiors that require a strong spatial identity and a deep emotional atmosphere. Residential projects, private villas, offices and hospitality-inspired spaces are especially meaningful to me because they allow me to work with light, material, circulation, texture and human behavior in a very direct way. I am particularly interested in projects where natural materials, biophilic elements and sculptural forms can be integrated into a coherent architectural language.

What is your most favorite design, could you please tell more about it?

I am especially drawn to designs where a single strong idea organizes the entire spatial experience. Projects such as Riva Villa are meaningful to me because the sculptural staircase, indoor garden atrium, timber surfaces and layered lighting all work together as one complete atmosphere. I like designs that feel calm but memorable, refined but livable. My favorite works are usually those that create emotional impact through restraint, proportion and material quality rather than excess.

What was the first thing you designed for a company?

One of my earliest professional design experiences was related to creating a complete interior language for a client, where space planning, material selection, lighting and furniture decisions needed to work together. That experience taught me that interior architecture is not made of isolated choices. Every detail affects the whole. It was an important moment because it helped me understand the responsibility of designing for real users, real needs and real long-term use.

What is your favorite material / platform / technology?

I have a strong connection with natural materials such as wood, stone, marble, travertine and metal. I like materials that age well, have depth and create a tactile relationship with the user. Warm timber, natural stone and bronze-toned metal details are materials I often return to because they can create both strength and softness. In terms of technology, I value tools that help us control geometry, lighting, detailing and fabrication with precision.

When do you feel the most creative?

I feel most creative at the beginning of a project, when the site, client needs, material ideas and spatial possibilities are still open. I also find creativity in problem-solving moments, when a technical limitation forces the design to become more precise and meaningful. Sometimes the strongest ideas come from constraints. I feel creative when I can connect intuition with discipline and turn an abstract atmosphere into a clear spatial strategy.

Which aspects of a design do you focus more during designing?

I focus on spatial flow, proportion, light, material continuity and the emotional experience of the user. I always ask how the space will be entered, how people will move through it, what they will see first, where they will pause and how the atmosphere will change throughout the day. I also focus strongly on details, because details determine whether a concept feels complete, refined and believable.

What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?

Designing gives me a mixture of excitement, concentration and responsibility. There is always a creative pleasure in imagining a space before it exists, but also a serious responsibility because the final result will affect people’s daily lives. I feel especially connected to a project when the concept begins to find its own rhythm and every decision starts to support the same story.

What kind of emotions do you feel when your designs are realized?

When a design is realized, I feel gratitude and satisfaction. Seeing a concept become a physical space is always powerful, because all the drawings, materials, decisions and details come together as a real environment. I especially enjoy the moment when users start to experience the space naturally. That is when the design stops being a project and becomes part of life.

What makes a design successful?

A successful design is one that feels inevitable, as if every decision belongs to the space. It should be functional, comfortable, durable and visually coherent. It should also have emotional depth. For me, success is not only about appearance; it is about whether the space supports the user, respects the context and maintains its value over time. A good design should age gracefully and continue to feel relevant.

When judging a design as good or bad, which aspects do you consider first?

I first look at clarity, proportion, functionality and material integrity. A design may be visually impressive, but if it does not function well or if the details are not resolved, it loses strength. I also consider whether the design has a clear concept and whether every element supports that concept. Good design feels balanced. Bad design often feels disconnected, forced or visually excessive without purpose.

From your point of view, what are the responsibilities of a designer for society and environment?

A designer has a responsibility to create spaces that support wellbeing, comfort, accessibility and long-term use. We should avoid unnecessary waste, choose materials carefully and design with durability in mind. Designers also shape culture and daily behavior, so we have a responsibility to create environments that are not only beautiful, but also respectful, healthy and meaningful. Good design should improve life without harming the future.

How do you think the "design field" is evolving? What is the future of design?

I believe design is moving toward more human-centered, responsible and integrated solutions. The future of design will not be defined only by aesthetics, but by wellbeing, sustainability, technology, adaptability and emotional quality. Clients are becoming more aware of comfort, material health, lighting, acoustics and long-term value. I think the future belongs to designs that combine intelligence with warmth, and innovation with timelessness.

When was your last exhibition and where was it? And when do you want to hold your next exhibition?

Our work is primarily presented through completed projects, digital platforms, award programs, press features and professional portfolios rather than traditional gallery exhibitions. International design awards and publications allow our projects to reach a wider audience. In the future, I would be interested in presenting selected works in a curated exhibition format that focuses on material, atmosphere, process and the relationship between interior architecture and daily life.

Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?

My inspiration comes from nature, architecture, material behavior, light, art, travel and human experience. I am especially inspired by natural forms, coastal calm, stone textures, timber warmth, shadows, gardens and the rhythm of movement through space. I feed my creativity by observing places carefully, studying materials, following international design developments and remaining open to the specific story of each project.

How would you describe your design style? What made you explore more this style and what are the main characteristics of your style? What's your approach to design?

I would describe my style as refined, timeless, tactile and emotionally calm. It often combines natural materials, sculptural forms, layered lighting, biophilic elements and a strong sense of proportion. I am interested in quiet luxury rather than visual excess. This approach developed from my belief that interiors should feel both sophisticated and livable. The main characteristics are clarity, material depth, controlled details, warmth and a strong connection between architecture and atmosphere.

Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?

I live and work in Turkey. Turkey has a rich cultural heritage shaped by layers of architecture, craft, material culture and spatial traditions. This background naturally influences my work, especially in the way I value materiality, hospitality, texture and the relationship between interior and exterior life. Living in Turkey is an advantage because it offers a deep visual and cultural memory. The challenge is to interpret this heritage in a contemporary way without becoming nostalgic or decorative.

How do you work with companies?

We work with companies through a structured design process that begins with understanding the brand, users, operational needs and spatial goals. After defining the concept, we develop space planning, material direction, lighting, furniture, technical details and implementation coordination. I believe communication is essential. A successful collaboration requires trust, clarity and a shared commitment to quality.

What are your suggestions to companies for working with a designer? How can companies select a good designer?

Companies should choose a designer whose vision, discipline and communication style align with their goals. A good designer should not only create attractive visuals, but also understand function, budget, timing, user experience and long-term value. My advice is to look at the designer’s previous work, consistency, attention to detail and ability to listen. The best results come when companies involve designers early and allow the design process to develop with trust.

Can you talk a little about your design process?

Our design process usually begins with research, site analysis and understanding the client’s needs. Then we develop the main concept and spatial strategy. After that, we work on planning, material palettes, lighting, furniture, details and technical coordination. I like to move between big ideas and small details throughout the process. A strong project needs both: a clear conceptual direction and precise execution.

What are 5 of your favorite design items at home?

I appreciate objects that combine function, memory and material quality. My favorite design items are usually a comfortable armchair, a well-designed lighting piece, a natural stone coffee table, a handmade ceramic object and a textured rug or textile. I value pieces that are not only decorative, but also create warmth, tactility and a sense of personal atmosphere in daily life.

Can you describe a day in your life?

A typical day includes design reviews, site or project coordination, material decisions, client communication and team discussions. I often move between creative and technical subjects throughout the day. Some moments are spent developing concepts or reviewing visuals, while others are focused on details, production questions and implementation. I like that interior architecture requires both imagination and discipline. No two days are exactly the same, which keeps the work alive.

Could you please share some pearls of wisdom for young designers? What are your suggestions to young, up and coming designers?

My advice to young designers is to develop both creativity and discipline. Talent is important, but consistency, patience, observation and technical understanding are equally valuable. They should learn materials, construction, lighting and proportion, not only visual presentation. I also encourage young designers to find their own voice slowly. A strong design identity is built through experience, mistakes, research and continuous effort.

From your perspective, what would you say are some positives and negatives of being a designer?

The positive side is the ability to create spaces that affect people’s lives and emotions. It is very rewarding to see an idea become real. The difficult side is that design requires constant responsibility, decision-making and attention to detail. It can be demanding because every project involves time, budget, expectations and technical constraints. However, these challenges also make the profession meaningful and dynamic.

What is your "golden rule" in design?

My golden rule is that every decision must have a reason. Nothing should be added only because it looks attractive. Form, material, light and detail should all support the spatial idea and the user experience. When every element has a purpose, the result becomes more refined and timeless.

What skills are most important for a designer?

The most important skills are observation, spatial thinking, creativity, technical knowledge, communication and attention to detail. A designer should be able to understand people, read a space, solve problems and coordinate many different elements at the same time. Emotional intelligence is also important, because design is ultimately about people and how they experience their environment.

Which tools do you use during design? What is inside your toolbox? Such as software, application, hardware, books, sources of inspiration etc.?

My toolbox includes sketches, moodboards, material samples, digital drawings, 3D models, visualization tools, technical drawings and site observations. I also use photography, books, art, architecture references, material libraries and lighting studies as sources of inspiration and control. For me, tools are not only software or hardware; they are also ways of seeing, testing and refining an idea.

Designing can sometimes be a really time consuming task, how do you manage your time?

I manage time by organizing the design process into clear stages and priorities. Concept, planning, materials, technical details and implementation each require different types of focus. I try to make important design decisions early, while leaving room for refinement. Good communication with the team, clients and suppliers is also essential. Time management in design is not only about speed; it is about knowing when to explore and when to decide.

How long does it take to design an object from beginning to end?

It depends on the scale and complexity of the project. A small object or furniture piece may take a few weeks, while a complete interior or architectural concept can take months. For me, the timeline should allow enough space for research, concept development, technical coordination and refinement. Good design should not be rushed, but it should also move forward with clear decisions.

What is the most frequently asked question to you, as a designer?

One of the most frequently asked questions is how to create a space that feels both beautiful and functional. Clients often want elegance, comfort and practicality at the same time. My answer is that these qualities should not be seen as separate. A strong design integrates them from the beginning through planning, material selection, lighting, storage, circulation and details.

What was your most important job experience?

Every project has contributed to my experience, but the most important ones are those that required complete spatial thinking from concept to execution. Large-scale residential and office projects have been especially valuable because they demand coordination between architecture, interiors, materials, lighting, custom production and user experience. These projects taught me how important it is to protect the main concept while solving many technical and practical details.

Who are some of your clients?

Our clients include private residential clients, villa owners, corporate offices, healthcare-related workplaces and companies seeking refined interior architecture solutions. Many of our projects are private, so we respect client confidentiality. Rather than focusing on names, we focus on creating long-term value for each client through spaces that reflect their lifestyle, brand, needs and aspirations.

What type of design work do you enjoy the most and why?

I enjoy projects that allow us to create a complete atmosphere, especially private residences, villas, offices and hospitality-inspired interiors. These projects give space to work with movement, light, material, texture and emotion. I enjoy designs where the interior becomes more than a collection of rooms and instead becomes a coherent spatial experience with its own identity.

What are your future plans? What is next for you?

My future plans include continuing to develop DK Interior Architecture’s work internationally and exploring more projects that combine natural materials, biophilic design, sculptural forms and refined lighting. I would like to expand the studio’s visibility through award-winning projects, publications and collaborations. What comes next is a deeper exploration of timeless, human-centered and context-driven interiors.

Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?

I lead the design direction, concept development and overall spatial language, but interior architecture is always a collaborative process. We work as a team and coordinate with technical consultants, suppliers, craftsmen, engineers and implementation teams. A strong project needs a clear vision, but it also needs teamwork to become real with the right quality.

Do you have any works-in-progress being designed that you would like to talk about?

We are continuously working on residential, office and private living projects that explore material quality, lighting, spatial clarity and emotional comfort. I am especially interested in current projects that combine natural elements with refined contemporary interiors. Each new project gives us an opportunity to develop our design language further while responding to a unique client, site and story.

How can people contact you?

website, social media channels or professional email. We are open to discussing residential, office and private interior architecture projects, as well as collaborations, press opportunities and design-related inquiries. Website: https://dkicmimarlik.com

Any other things you would like to cover that have not been covered in these questions?

I would like to emphasize that for me, interior architecture is about creating spaces that feel meaningful, calm and lasting. I believe a good space should support life quietly but powerfully. It should not only impress at first sight, but continue to offer comfort, beauty and clarity over time. This is the direction I try to follow in every project through DK Interior Architecture.

Designer of the Day Interview with Dilek Karaman

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I am an interior architect based in Turkey with around 16 years of experience in the design industry. My work focuses on residential interiors, private villas, offices, healthcare-related workplaces and refined living environments. Through DK Interior Architecture, I approach each project as a complete spatial experience, where structure, light, material, functionality and atmosphere are developed together. Over the years, I have worked on projects that require both creative vision and detailed execution, from concept development to site coordination and final realization.

How did you become a designer?

My interest in design started with a sensitivity to spaces and how they affect people emotionally. I was always interested in the relationship between atmosphere, proportion, material and daily life. Interior architecture felt like the right field because it combines creativity with practical responsibility. I studied interior architecture and gradually developed my professional path through project experience, client work, construction coordination and continuous research. What drove me most was the belief that good design can improve life, not only visually but emotionally and functionally.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

My main priorities are spatial clarity, material integrity and emotional comfort. I always begin by understanding the site, the user and the atmosphere the space needs to create. My style can be described as refined, timeless, tactile and calm, often combining natural materials, sculptural elements, biophilic details and layered lighting. I use digital tools, 3D modeling, visualization, technical drawings and material studies, but I also rely strongly on intuition, physical samples and site observation. For me, a strong design should have both a clear concept and precise execution.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

Designing gives me a sense of focus, excitement and responsibility. The most exciting phase is often the moment when the first idea becomes clear and starts to organize the entire project. I enjoy the journey from abstract feeling to concrete spatial strategy. There is a special pleasure in seeing how light, material, circulation and details begin to support one another. Design fulfills me because it allows me to transform thoughts and emotions into spaces that people can experience physically.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

My background shaped me through discipline, observation and communication. Interior architecture requires creativity, but it also requires patience, technical awareness and the ability to listen. Working closely with clients, craftsmen, engineers and site teams taught me that a successful project depends on both vision and coordination. Non-design skills such as empathy, organization, problem-solving and decision-making have been very important in my journey. They help me understand people’s needs and transform them into refined spatial solutions.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

My growth path is based on continuous refinement. I want DK Interior Architecture to become more internationally visible while continuing to create timeless, context-driven and emotionally balanced spaces. In the future, I would like to work on more private villas, boutique hospitality projects, healthcare interiors and biophilic living environments. My dream project would be a complete retreat or design hotel where architecture, interiors, landscape, art, light and material are designed as one continuous experience. I would like to be remembered for spaces that feel calm, meaningful and lasting.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

My advice to young designers is to be patient and learn the profession deeply. Do not focus only on visuals. Learn materials, construction, lighting, proportion, detailing and how people actually use spaces. Spend time on site, ask questions and observe everything. Young designers should also avoid copying trends too quickly. It is better to develop a personal design language slowly through research, experience and honest practice. The best advice is to stay curious, disciplined and humble.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

I would suggest focusing on consistency, clarity and purpose. Every design decision should have a reason. A project should not be filled with elements only because they look impressive. The strongest spaces are usually those where concept, function, material and detail work together naturally. Designers should also protect the main idea of a project while remaining flexible enough to solve real technical and practical problems. Success comes from balancing creativity with responsibility.

What is your day to day look like?

My day usually includes design reviews, project coordination, material decisions, client communication and team meetings. I often move between creative and technical tasks: reviewing concepts, checking drawings, studying materials, discussing production details or following site progress. I like the small moments when a difficult detail is solved or when a material combination suddenly feels right. Even a busy business day becomes meaningful when the project moves one step closer to its final atmosphere.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

I follow design trends, international publications, award-winning projects, material innovations and global design discussions, but I do not design only according to trends. Trends are useful because they show cultural and lifestyle changes, but timelessness is more important to me. I prefer to understand why a trend exists rather than simply applying it. My inspiration comes from nature, art, architecture, materials, travel, technology and human behavior. A good design should feel current, but it should not lose its value when trends change.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

A well-designed project has clarity, proportion, function, comfort and emotional depth. I know a design is strong when every element feels necessary and connected to the main idea. Good design should solve real needs while creating a meaningful experience. It should be beautiful, but also usable, durable and appropriate to its context. Common mistakes include adding too many unrelated elements, following trends without purpose or ignoring technical details. For me, good design feels balanced and inevitable.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

A design feels ready when the main concept is clear, the function works, the materials support the atmosphere and the details no longer feel disconnected. There is always a way to improve a design, but at some point refinement must become resolution. I decide a project is ready when further changes would not strengthen the idea, but only create unnecessary complexity. A successful design has a sense of calm completion; it feels coherent from the largest spatial decision to the smallest junction.

What is your biggest design work?

Several projects are meaningful to me, but Riva Villa is one of the works I am especially proud of. It combines a sculptural ribbon staircase, a double-height indoor garden atrium, warm timber architecture, natural stone elements and layered lighting into one complete residential atmosphere. The project is special because it creates a strong identity without becoming visually excessive. It balances iconic presence with comfort, craft and daily life. Projects such as Aurea Health Office and Terraced Horizon are also important because they each explore different relationships between space, material, function and emotion.

Who is your favourite designer?

I admire designers and architects who create strong emotional atmospheres through material, light and proportion. Tadao Ando inspires me with his use of silence, concrete and light. Carlo Scarpa inspires me through detail, craft and material intelligence. Zaha Hadid inspires me with fluidity and spatial imagination. Peter Zumthor also deeply interests me because of his sensory approach to architecture. I do not have only one favorite; I am inspired by different masters for different reasons.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

I live and work in Turkey, a country with a rich cultural memory shaped by architecture, craft, material traditions and hospitality. This background influences my work, especially in the way I value texture, warmth, spatial layering and the relationship between interior and exterior life. Istanbul is especially inspiring because it carries many historical and contemporary layers at once. In my lifestyle, I try to stay connected to nature, art, materials and observation. I believe good design is necessary for society because it improves how people live, work, heal and connect with one another.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

At DK Interior Architecture, our work culture is based on clarity, trust, quality and detailed execution. I lead the design direction, but I believe strongly in teamwork and collaboration. We work with clients, consultants, craftsmen, suppliers and site teams to turn concepts into real spaces. I value people who are responsible, precise, open to learning and respectful of the process. The core challenge of our profession is to protect the design vision while solving practical issues such as budget, time, construction and technical coordination. A good designer should be creative, disciplined, patient and emotionally intelligent.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

I believe designers contribute to society by creating spaces that support wellbeing, comfort, dignity and long-term value. Good design can reduce stress, improve daily life and create healthier environments. I am open to supporting meaningful design initiatives, young designers and knowledge sharing whenever possible. I also believe that involving designers in humanitarian, educational or community-oriented projects is very valuable. Design should not only serve luxury or aesthetics; it should also serve people, society and the future.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

Participating in the A’ Design Award has been a valuable experience because it gives international visibility, professional recognition and a stronger platform for communicating design ideas. Design awards help designers reach new audiences, connect with media and position their work within a global design conversation. They also encourage designers to evaluate their own projects more carefully and present them with a clear narrative. Being recognized by A’ Design Award is motivating and meaningful, and being featured as Designer of the Day would be an honor because it allows the story behind the work to reach a wider audience.

Extended Interview with Dilek Karaman

Could you please tell us about your experience as a designer, artist, architect or creator?

I studied interior architecture and built my professional practice around the relationship between structure, light, material and human experience. My background is rooted in interior architecture, but I approach interiors as complete spatial systems rather than isolated decorative decisions. Over the years, I developed a design language focused on clarity, proportion, material integrity and emotional comfort. Through DK Interior Architecture, I continue to work on residential, office and private living environments where concept, detail and execution are considered together.

How did you become a designer?

I am motivated by the ability of space to change how people feel, behave and live. A well-designed environment can create calm, confidence, comfort and inspiration. I became a designer because I wanted to shape these experiences in a meaningful way. Interior architecture allows me to combine creativity with responsibility. It is not only about beauty; it is about improving daily life through thoughtful decisions.

What are your priorities, technique and style when designing?

I chose to become a designer. It was a natural direction for me because I have always been sensitive to atmosphere, material, proportion and the emotional quality of spaces. No one forced me into this profession. I was drawn to it because it combines imagination, discipline, problem-solving and human experience. Design felt like the right language for the way I observe the world.

Which emotions do you feel when designing?

I design interiors and spatial experiences for residences, villas, offices, healthcare workplaces and private living environments. I enjoy projects where architecture, interior design, material and light come together as one complete language. In the future, I would like to design more projects that combine biophilic design, sculptural forms, natural materials, quiet luxury and strong spatial identity. I am especially interested in residences, hospitality-inspired interiors and projects that connect people more deeply with nature.

What particular aspects of your background shaped you as a designer?

I would not describe myself with such a strong word, but I believe young designers should focus on becoming honest, disciplined and consistent. They should learn how spaces are built, how materials behave, how light changes a room and how people actually use interiors. Talent is important, but patience, observation and hard work are just as important. A strong designer develops slowly through experience, mistakes, research and a willingness to keep improving.

What is your growth path? What are your future plans? What is your dream design project?

A good designer can create something beautiful and functional. A great designer can create something meaningful, lasting and deeply connected to its context. The difference is often in the depth of thinking and the consistency of execution. A great designer understands the client, the site, the user, the material and the emotional purpose of the space. Great design does not feel forced; it feels inevitable.

What are your advices to designers who are at the beginning of their career?

A really good design has clarity, purpose and emotional strength. It functions well, feels balanced and remains relevant over time. I evaluate design by looking at proportion, usability, material integrity, lighting, detail quality and the relationship between concept and execution. A good design should not only impress at first sight; it should continue to support life every day.

You are truly successful as a designer, what do you suggest to fellow designers, artists and architects?

Good design creates long-term value. It improves comfort, efficiency, wellbeing, identity and quality of life. In interiors, good design can reduce stress, improve functionality, support privacy, create better light and make daily routines feel easier. Investing in good design is not only investing in appearance. It is investing in a better way of living, working and experiencing space.

What is your day to day look like?

I would like to design a retreat-like residence or boutique hospitality space where nature, art, silence and architecture come together. I would design it for people who value calmness, material quality and meaningful experiences rather than excessive luxury. I am interested in spaces that help people slow down, reconnect with themselves and experience architecture through light, texture and movement.

How do you keep up with latest design trends? To what extent do design trends matter?

My dream project would be a complete private retreat or design hotel shaped around biophilic architecture, sculptural circulation, water, gardens and natural materials. I imagine a place where each room has a strong relationship with light and landscape, and where luxury is expressed through atmosphere rather than ornament. It would be a project where architecture, interiors, art, furniture and landscape are designed as one continuous experience.

How do you know if a product or project is well designed? How do you define good design?

My secret ingredient is balance. I try to balance beauty with function, emotion with discipline, luxury with restraint and concept with technical reality. I also believe in listening carefully: to the client, the site, the material and the atmosphere a project wants to create. A successful design is rarely the result of one dramatic gesture. It comes from many careful decisions working together.

How do you decide if your design is ready?

I am inspired by architects and designers who create strong atmospheres through proportion, material and light. I admire figures such as Tadao Ando for his use of silence, concrete and light; Zaha Hadid for fluid spatial thinking; Carlo Scarpa for detail and material intelligence; and Peter Zumthor for sensory depth. I also find inspiration in contemporary interior architects who work with restraint, craft and emotional atmosphere.

What is your biggest design work?

I appreciate designs that feel timeless and emotionally powerful. I admire works where materials are used honestly and where light becomes part of the architecture. Projects by Tadao Ando often inspire me because of their calmness and spiritual clarity. Carlo Scarpa’s work inspires me through its attention to detail and craft. I am also interested in fluid architectural forms that challenge conventional geometry while still creating meaningful spatial experiences.

Who is your favourite designer?

Each project has its own value, but Riva Villa is very meaningful to me because it brings together many aspects of my design approach. The sculptural staircase, double-height indoor garden atrium, warm timber envelope, natural stone elements and layered lighting create a complete atmosphere. What makes it strong is the balance between iconic presence and calm daily living. It feels artistic, but also warm, functional and human.

Would you tell us a bit about your lifestyle and culture?

People can improve by observing more carefully and by understanding both design and construction. A designer should study spaces, materials, proportions, lighting, human behavior and details. I improved myself through education, practice, site experience, project coordination and continuous learning. Every project teaches something new. I believe designers must stay curious and humble, because design is a profession where learning never ends.

Would you tell us more about your work culture and business philosophy?

If I had not become a designer, I would probably have worked in a field connected to art, architecture, visual culture or creative direction. I am drawn to disciplines that involve atmosphere, storytelling and aesthetics. However, interior architecture feels like the most natural place for me because it brings creativity, human experience and physical space together.

What are your philanthropic contributions to society as a designer, artist and architect?

For me, design is the act of giving meaning, order and emotion to life. It is a way of transforming needs into experiences. Good design solves problems, but it also creates atmosphere and memory. In interior architecture, design is the connection between structure, light, material, function and feeling. It is both practical and poetic.

What positive experiences you had when you attend the A’ Design Award?

Every person I have worked with has contributed to my journey in some way. Clients, team members, craftsmen, consultants and collaborators all help a design practice grow. My biggest support comes from the people who believe in the value of design and trust the process. A designer may lead the vision, but meaningful work is always supported by many hands and minds.

Dilek Karaman

About Dilek Karaman

Aurea Office

Terraced Horizon Villa

Riva Villa

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Interview with Dilek Karaman

Designer of the Day Interview with Dilek Karaman

Extended Interview with Dilek Karaman

Join Designers.org & Start Promoting Your Design Worldwide.

Dilek Karaman

About Dilek Karaman

Aurea Office

Terraced Horizon Villa

Riva Villa

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Interview with Dilek Karaman

Designer of the Day Interview with Dilek Karaman

Extended Interview with Dilek Karaman

Stay Updated with Latest Design News

Join Designers.org & Start Promoting Your Design Worldwide.