Interview with Harun Kırlıoglu

For me, design is more about organizing than creating. Through my observations of life, I realized that many things need to be organized and improved. That is why I enjoy seeing things and finding ways to bring order to them.

I chose it myself.

Together with my team, I mainly work on landscape architecture, as well as architectural and interior design projects. I would like to make a meaningful contribution to every space people inhabit.

I think it starts with curiosity. Then they should read a great deal, travel, set goals for themselves, and devote a great deal of time and effort to their work.

A good designer is original and distinctive, developing work around a particular philosophy and completing it with a micro-level perspective. A great designer identifies the needs of the global system and approaches design from a macro-level perspective.

Above all, it should be functional, distinctive, sincere, and high-quality.

The value of good design lies in its aesthetics, the quality of the materials used, and good craftsmanship. These qualities make the result sustainable and long-lasting.

I would design better clothes for myself.

I would like to design the past, present, and future within a single moment.

The secret ingredient is purpose. Every design should have a purpose and an environmental harmony that supports and completes that purpose.

The Almighty.

For example, I admire Zaha Hadid for presenting a different perspective, and Norman Foster for expressing the ordinary in the most functional and simple way.

A sports complex. It was a mixed-use project on a large site that brought together many different sports activities.

They should engage with and work in many different areas of life from a young age, follow good designers and draw inspiration from them, read, and conduct research.

I would be a repairman.

Design is the process of giving form and shape to matter and adapting it to the needs of its users.

First God, then my father, my mother, and my wife.

Reading, researching, observing, listening, questioning, and staying curious.

Bureaucracy, financial limitations, and users with narrow perspectives.

Through a visualization or animation that can communicate all the feelings and ideas behind the design.

A villa project with a comprehensive, fully developed concept.

To be understood.

They expect us to explain and communicate our ideas.

By communicating and explaining.

A private villa project.

Mixed-use living projects, because they appeal to people from many different backgrounds.

I would like to see less dependence on technology.

I think it may move in a negative direction because people are becoming increasingly disconnected from life itself.

In fact, usually one or two days.

I start with its surroundings and context.

A different perspective that meets the user’s needs.

It is important because it helps us achieve results that are close to reality.

We use visualization, animation, and office software.

Colors have both functional and psychological effects. When these are considered carefully within a project, the result becomes much more successful.

Its purpose.

Its purpose.

No one in particular.

Design-focused books.

By putting ideas into practice, experimenting, and observing.

Ibn Arabi.

I do not want to be famous, and I do not feel a need for recognition.

Black, my home, döner, spring, and no particular brand.

I once had difficulty explaining my work to my father. He completed primary school and works as a shoemaker. In his profession, there is a tangible product in front of him and he sells it. I, on the other hand, have to sell and create a product that does not yet exist. Explaining that was difficult.

My family, the people around me, exercising, and reading books.

I suppose there were some early signs, judging by the awards I received in drawing competitions during primary school.

I think everything will evolve toward greater disorder.

No, this is enough. A little mystery is a good thing.

A-HAN Mimarlık has been operating for 15 years, providing architectural, interior architecture, and landscape architecture services in project design, consultancy, and contracting. Our team consists of 15 designers, including architects, interior architects, and landscape architects.

Design is the process of giving form and shape to matter and adapting it to the needs of its users.

Together with my team, I mainly work on landscape architecture, as well as architectural and interior design projects. I would like to make a meaningful contribution to every space people inhabit.

A sports complex. It was a mixed-use project on a large site that brought together many different sports activities.

The landscape design for a mass-housing project.

I prefer natural materials most of all. Among them, wood is my favorite.

Usually when I am alone and listening to music I enjoy.

The users’ needs, requests, and preferences.

I generally experience a sense of melancholy.

I feel happy.

The value of good design lies in its aesthetics, the quality of the materials used, and good craftsmanship. These qualities make the result sustainable and long-lasting.

I first identify its strengths, then focus on improving its weaker aspects.

A designer should be socially responsible and environmentally conscious. Since design is created for people, the designer should take a human-centered approach while managing environmental impacts in a balanced and harmonious way.

I think it may move in a negative direction because people are becoming increasingly disconnected from life itself.

I do not enjoy holding exhibitions, so I have not organized one.

Inspiration generally comes from the Creator. That inspiration then evolves into a way of organizing and resolving the problem in front of me.

We do not have one fixed design style. Instead, we develop an approach according to the user and the location. We create spaces and functions that can reshape the user’s life within that particular setting. I do have a personal style of my own, but it reflects me; I do not believe that the same style can or should be imposed on everyone.

I live in Urla, Izmir, Turkey. Yes, every place has its own cultural heritage, and we generally carry out our work with respect for it. However, sometimes requests that disregard this cultural value can be disappointing for us.

We generally work with companies on design and consultancy. At times, we also undertake contracting work.

When companies work with a good designer, they achieve more functional, ergonomic, and aesthetically refined results. This can also reduce financial losses and increase value, while improving the overall quality and image of the company.

The design process begins by getting to know the site, visiting it, and observing it. We then develop the project to a certain stage through dialogue with the client. After that, we examine the issues in detail, conduct research, and begin the design work

Color, line, form, pattern, and light.

I wake up early and spend some time in personal reflection. After breakfast, depending on my daily schedule, I work on project design, visit sites for inspections, or spend time reading.

First, they should know themselves. Then they should read and work very hard.

Solving and organizing a problem, and being understood, is a rewarding feeling. However, it is disappointing when users do not understand the design or treat the designed environment in ways that undermine it.

That its purpose should be good and meaningful

A designer should use all five senses very effectively

Computer-aided software and design-focused books.

Nine-tenths of my design process is spent in contemplation and reflection; one-tenth is spent actually producing the design.

It depends on the object. Sometimes it takes one day, sometimes one week, and sometimes one month.

What is your source of inspiration?

Being asked to complete, in a very short time and using only manual labor, a task that could not realistically be accomplished by manpower alone.

Contractors, industrialists, and public officials.

Together with my team, I mainly work on landscape architecture, as well as architectural and interior design projects. Designing human-centered spaces makes me happy.

To build an even stronger team and create more unconventional projects.

As a team.

We are currently designing a private villa.

By email or phone.

No, thank you.