He embraces Japandi; Japanese and Scandinavian style simplicity. Travels without a design theme do not float his boat. Watches, on the other side, are an integral part of his personal style. He admits his amazement for the times when he did not use to wear watches. Meet the most charismatic guest of the Be Original by Panerai series: Emre Özücoşkun, co-founder of cisimdesign, an Istanbul-based architectural office.

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Which important elements do you look to most in architectural design?

 

Using natural materials, color/material/form/function harmony and avoiding unnecessary ornaments... All of these are the elements that we discussed day and night while establishing Cisimdesign with my partner Erdem. To this day after 13 years, we still try our hardest to make sure we do not compromise what we have started with.

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You and your partner Erdem Isler are also very close friends. Is it difficult or easy to work out partnership and friendship together? How did your story begin?

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We’ve known each other since the university times. Yet, there were many friends whom we had closer bonds with! It was not until we took a step into this sector that we actually have started bonding. At one point we found ourselves making partnership plans. Like our design approach, our partnership and friendship style sits on a sweet line of balance. We often get together in our social lives as well, and we occasionally go on vacations. A smooth balance of friendship and partnership, I guess such relationship falls into the minority category.

 

How would you define your design approach?

 

Looking at the common theme of our projects, one can easily spot the simplicity of Japanese and Scandinavian. If I had to give a name, I would say “Japandi”.

 

Where and what do you imagine yourself doing ten years from now?

 

I dream of enhancing cisimdesign’s existence in Europe by increasing the number of projects. I would love to have a foot in Europe while maintaining our Istanbul-based presence. Building my own house on the west coast of the Aegean is also among my dreams.​​

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​DEXAMENES AND PERIANTH ARE MY FAVORITE HOTELS

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Can you list the highlights of your personal lifestyle?

 

From fashion to architecture, from art to travel, I have a style that is intertwined with the design. As a touring car geek, BMW’s newest touring model is my favorite. Visvim, which interprets the Japanese authentic attitude in a modern way, is my favorite clothing brand. And the Swiss modular furniture brand USM is the masterpiece of my home.

 

Are the Aegean and Mediterranean your favorite getaway destinations?

 

Bodrum is an inseparable part of mine since my childhood. Recently I have been going to Folegandros, a small Greek island. Unlike Bodrum, it is a calm, quiet island. Which made me realize that I also seek for a balance for my summer vacations.

 

Is design a factor that guides you when deciding on a trip?

 

I can easily say none of my trips lack the factor of design theme! Since I am not a fan of discovering new cities, I usually shuttle back and forth between 7-8 places. It tempts me to feel local, to get lost in the cities I know. The same applies to my hotel choices. 

 

Which hotels stroke you with their designs?

 

Dexamenes in the Peloponnese and Perianth in Athens.