Name: Murat Kader
Company: iki design group
Position within company: Senior Partner
Website: www.ikidg.com

. Tell us a little about your background in design

I graduated from Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Architecture in 1991 and received my Master’s degree from University of Pennsylvania in 1994. Before establishing my own practice iki design group with Sema Eser Ozsaruhan, I worked with Behruz Çinici in Turkey, Marshalek & Laughclater Architecture in Vienna-Austria and Stanford Wilk Architecture in Boston-USA. Since 1995 I have lead iki design group with Sema Eser Ozsaruhan and I played a pivotal role in most iki design group projects.

.How would you describe your personal design style?

My interest lies in building technologies and design management. My practice is based on constant exploration on dynamic and revolutionary settings by which architecture could vigorously interact with interrelated fields- engineering, urbanism and design.

. Where does your design inspiration come from?

I am committed to developing dynamic and interactive space arrangements that are sensitive to culture and climate. My design focuses on energy-efficient design engagements and concerns to respond to the ecological challenges with the most respect. In each commission I prioritize to deliver environmentally viable, economically feasible and socially vibrant physical settings. My design is based on an idea that sharing ideas, knowledge and imagination are the pillars of architectural practice and enriching social life which is the ultimate purpose.

. In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?

Architecture is facing a significant transformation. Scales are getting large, scopes are becoming complex. To meet the challenges of contemporary architecture which are sustainable development, global warming as wells as vulnerability to the disasters, design process needs to be performed within a more interdisciplinary working environment. To face boldly the challenges of increasingly urbanized and inextricably interlinked yet mobilized society, architecture is supposed to perform with planning and engineering experts along with project management and contractual management specialists. This leads to a new working environment where necessary supports regarding the particularity of each commission have to be provided in-house disciplines. Such an expanding working atmosphere in architecture is getting crucial to be able to face the increasing rigidity of the challenges ahead of architecture. That is why it is not surprising that architectural offices are constantly evolving and getting institutionalized where a multidisciplinary working environment is being fostered.

. Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2014 and beyond.

Combined knowledge, dynamic and interactive space arrangements, singular identity of each commission, sustainable development, global warming and responsiveness to the disasters

. If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design, what would it be?

No matter the scale and scope, every design touch is supposed to bring new interpretations to the interrelations between future, nature, human, environment and urban

. How important are The International Hotel and Property Awards as recognition of talent and achievement?

Reaching a wide spread architectural media and providing a common interaction platform between architects and designers, the IH&P Awards uphold to promote good design.

. What projects are you currently working on?

Emaar Square, Vadistanbul, Tema Istanbul, Arusha Safari City Master Plan, Maslak Eclipse, Baku Custom Academy, Vladikavkaz Stadium & Youth Center, Durmazlar Galery D

. What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?

To be part of global architecture and giving services to oversees.

. Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself

Your most treasured possession?

GAMUT hi-end sterio set

Your favourite holiday destination?

Simy

Your favourite hotel / restaurant / bar?

FourSeason İstanbul, Papermoon İstanbul, Lucca Bebek/İstanbul

Your favourite book / film / song?

The Great Gatsby by Scott Fitzgerald/ BraveHeart / Wish You Were Here

Your favourite food and drink?

Fish and Turkish Raki

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?

Playing golf and then conversations with friends

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?

Film Producer