Interview with Serra Ozbay

SOSinterior is an interior design firm based in Istanbul, specializing in residential projects. We have been operating for approximately nine years.

Design, for me, is the process of first creating a simulation of a dream, and then bringing that vision to life.

About eight years ago, I decided to specialize in residential projects. I truly enjoy analyzing the relationship between people and their living spaces, and I love coming up with creative ways to enhance and strengthen that connection.

We have completed many projects along the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts of Turkey. As a lover of the sea and summer, working on projects in these regions is particularly enjoyable for me.

Before starting my own business, I worked for various firms specializing in different areas of the industry. My most enjoyable experience was working at a furniture manufacturing facility. Witnessing the process of turning the products I envisioned and designed into reality was incredibly exciting for me.

I have a fondness for integrating the organic textures of natural wood into my projects. Repurposing aged wood is also a detail we often incorporate, adding character and depth to our designs.

I find that my creativity flourishes when I'm traveling. There's something about experiencing new places and cultures that ignites my imagination and inspires fresh ideas.

My focus is on creating spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, environmentally friendly, functional, and imbued with character.

I feel a sense of excitement and passion when I design.

I feel excitement and a renewed motivation to embark on the next project.

To me, a successful project is one that strengthens the connection between the user and the living space in our residential projects, enhancing the sense of belonging the user feels toward the space.

My initial focus lies on how effectively the design captures the essence of the space, its geographical context, and the user's personality. Equally important is the seamless integration of the designer's vision with the unique characteristics of the user.

From my perspective, the responsibilities of a designer for society and the environment include prioritizing sustainability in designs and emphasizing transformational options. This involves making design choices that are environmentally conscious and selecting materials that are sensitive to the environment and nature.

I see the design field moving towards crafting spaces that embody sustainability, environmental consciousness, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and distinctive character. This holistic approach is shaping the future of design.

Our projects have been showcased in various local publications. You can explore these features in the news section of our website: https://sosinterior.com/news. As for future exhibitions, we are currently exploring opportunities to share our work with a wider audience, and we look forward to announcing our next exhibition soon!

I find traveling and immersing myself in new cultures and landscapes incredibly inspiring. It's a constant source of creativity and fresh ideas for my work.

My design style can be described as eclectic, where I ensure to integrate at least one antique piece in every project. I'm drawn to the juxtaposition of modern lines with pieces rich in history. Bold use of color is a hallmark, and I pride myself on adeptly blending multiple styles with finesse.

I live in Istanbul, a city teeming with historical and cultural richness that deeply influences my design approach. Whether crafting new residential spaces or restoring historical buildings, the dynamic blend of old and new in our projects reflects the vibrant tapestry of our surroundings. This cultural immersion provides abundant inspiration, yet occasionally, navigating the complexities of preserving heritage while embracing innovation poses challenges. However, it's precisely this balance that fosters creativity and keeps our designs grounded in the essence of our cultural heritage.

We collaborate with a range of solution partners, both in implementation and procurement. Building strong relationships with them is crucial, and we deeply value their contributions to our projects.

I recommend that companies craft job postings tailored to their specific needs. When the designer's passion aligns with the employer's requirements, it creates a satisfying partnership for both parties.

Our design process begins with exploration and understanding the user's needs, which we consider crucial. Subsequently, we transition to crafting the conceptual design, refining it into the final project, and finally, facilitating its implementation through collaboration with contractors.

Lighting fixtures, artworks, antique pieces.

Certainly! My daily routine varies based on the demands of construction sites or ongoing projects. I usually begin my day by taking my dog for a refreshing walk and enjoying a cup of coffee to energize myself. From there, I dive into either visiting construction sites or working on projects at the office. I find that having a clear plan for the entire week, which we typically finalize at the start of each week, helps keep things organized and ensures we're on track for our goals.

For young designers, I encourage them to embrace courage from an early age, recognize the significance of gaining international experience, and fearlessly pursue their passions.

In my experience, it's all about finding balance in life's ups and downs to keep motivation high and creativity thriving. Exploring what keeps me inspired and on track is an adventure in itself, one that's both rewarding and challenging.

There's no such thing as "impossible"; there's only hard work and dedication to make it happen.

Curiosity, a love for exploration, and passion.

We use AutoCAD, 3ds Max, and SketchUp programs. Additionally, we have a passion for freehand sketching and manual coloring, which add a personal touch to our designs.

Time management is crucial for me. I meticulously prioritize tasks based on established criteria, ensuring that I allocate my time effectively to accomplish what needs to be done. Additionally, I remain adaptable and flexible, adjusting plans as needed to address any unexpected challenges that may arise.

Depending on the scale and nature of the project, we typically complete projects within a range of 45 to 120 days.

People often ask me, "How do you juggle multiple projects at once and stay focused?"

For me, one of the most significant experiences was our first international project, the Amsterdam House. It was invaluable in terms of both project management and execution, marking a pivotal moment in my career journey.

Our clients typically include professionals who lead busy lives and are conscious of the importance of quality in their living spaces.

I find residential projects particularly enjoyable because I love exploring the relationship between users and their living spaces, striving to strengthen this connection.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Amsterdam project and aim to undertake more projects internationally in the future.

We operate with a small design team alongside a group of about 15 implementers.

We're currently working on a vineyard house project in Çanakkale, which is quite exciting for us.

They can contact us through the "Contact" section of our website at www.sosinterior.com