Born and raised in Turkey, Çağdaş completed his architecture degree at Istanbul Technical University, graduating in 2015 with the ‘Best Thesis Award’ and the ‘ArchiprixTR 15 Sustainability Award.’ During his academic journey, he developed a strong passion for the intersection of architecture and urbanism, which motivated him to pursue a master’s program at the University of California Los Angeles, under the guidance of Distinguished Professor Thom Mayne.

Upon completing his education, Çağdaş joined UCLA as a graduate researcher, where he contributed to the finalization of three publications in the fields of Architecture and Sustainable Urban Planning. Subsequently, he gained valuable professional experience while working at prominent firms such as Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) and UNStudio, assuming various roles including Architectural Designer, Urban Designer, GIS Specialist, Parametric Designer, Lead Designer, and Project Manager.

Currently, Çağdaş is employed as an Urban Designer and GIS Specialist at Gemeente Groningen. In addition to his role there, he also operates as a self-employed professional, undertaking projects through his own practice.

EDUCATION

University of California, Los Angeles | Master of Architecture II
Istanbul Technical University | Bachelor of Architecture – Best Thesis Award

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Gemeente Groningen | NL | Urban Designer & GIS Specialist (on-going)
UNStudio | NL | Architectural Designer, Urban Designer & GIS Specialist (2019-2022)
Urban Obscura | TR | Smart City Specialist (2017-2018)
Subroomer Records | TR | Media Artist, Sound Producer (2017-2018)
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP | USA | Architectural Assistant (2016-2017)
University of California, Los Angeles | USA | Graduate Researcher (2016)

HONORS

Los Angeles Times | featured on Opinion: 2050 Sustainable LA Vision
ARCHIPRIX`15 | Sustainability Award
ITU Graduation Projects | Best Thesis Project Award
mimED Student Competition | Jury`s Special Award
AIA NAAB Accreditation Commitee | commitee member
China Garden Expo | landscape design certificate, Wuhan HUST
KNAUFF Internal Wall Systems | fabrication certificate
World Habitat Day 2DwellDesign | participation certificate

REFERENCES

Thom Mayne, Distinguished Prof. | UCLA, Morphosis
Eui-Sung Yi, Adjunct Associate Prof. | UCLA, Morphosis
Michael Mann, FAIA, NCARB, Managing Director | SOM
Caroline Bos, BA, MSc, Int (F)RIBA Co-Founder & Principal Urban Planner | UNStudio
Marcel Klaveringa, Teamleider bij de directie Stadsontwikkeling | Gemeente Groningen