Our Team
Sinan Kafadar
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Principal Partner
Principal Partner – Sinan Kafadar
Sinan Kafadar was born in 1964 in Istanbul into a family outside the architectural profession. After graduating from Istanbul Technical University in 1986, he began his career abroad, working in London and later in Montreal on architecture and interior design projects, including a mountain resort for artists and musicians. These early international experiences shaped his design vision and gave him a broad perspective on architectural practice.
Returning to Istanbul in 1990, he joined Leo Design under Reşit Soley, where he met Cavit Sarıoğlu during the construction of the Robinson Hotel in Marmaris. In 1992, their collaboration led to the founding of Metex Design / Architects, where Kafadar became a partner.
In the early years of the practice, he contributed to landmark hospitality and residential projects, such as the Ritz Carlton Istanbul and Maçka Residences. One of the most significant milestones of his career was his work on the Four Seasons Hotel Sultanahmet, a project that went on to win multiple Condé Nast Traveller Awards and establish itself as one of Istanbul’s most iconic destinations.
Over the years, Kafadar has developed a portfolio spanning concept design, interior design, façade design and master planning. Today, as Principal Partner of Metex, he leads the firm’s creative direction and strategic growth. Beyond practice, he regularly participates in architectural conferences, where he engages with younger generations and professionals to discuss environmental concerns, new materials, evolving architectural visions, and changing market needs.
“In architecture, being interesting alone is not enough; I believe in creating original buildings without compromising rationality, using sustainable materials that withstand the test of time.” says Kafadar.
In 2009, he published My Sketch Book, a compilation of selections from 26 sketchbooks kept between 1985 and 2008. The book documents his journey from university student to practice leader and emphasizes the role of sketching as both a design tool and a personal diary. With this publication, Kafadar aimed to share his professional evolution while inspiring younger designers to adopt the habit of carrying and using sketchbooks as a way to capture ideas, places, and moments that shape their design language.
He is an active member of the İstanbul Association of Architects in Private Practice (İstanbulSMD), serving on its administrative council, and also a member of the Idealist Interior Architects Association.
A. Didem Çalışkan Gençsoy
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Partner
Partner – A. Didem Çalışkan Gençsoy
A. Didem Çalışkan Gençsoy is an architect whose career at Metex Design / Architects spans over two decades of creative leadership and technical expertise. A graduate of Yıldız Technical University’s Faculty of Architecture, her early exposure to architecture came through her aunt, a practicing architect whose mentorship left a lasting impact on her passion for design.
Didem’s journey with Metex Design / Architects began in 1999 with the Ritz Carlton Hotel Istanbul project, where she took on key responsibilities throughout the interior design and construction phases. Her early exposure to high-profile hospitality projects, including the Sofa Hotel Istanbul, taught her to prioritize both form and function. These projects instilled in her the importance of aligning conceptual design with on-site realities—a philosophy that continues to guide her work.
Didem has led numerous large-scale projects throughout her career, with a notable highlight being the Acıbadem Taksim Hospital, which she spearheaded from 2013 onwards. Her direct involvement in all stages—design, client coordination, and on-site management—set a new standard for Metex’s healthcare work. Her portfolio now includes a growing number of hospitals, showcasing her depth in navigating complex, high-stakes environments.This project marked a major step in expanding Metex’s healthcare portfolio, and her leadership in subsequent hospital projects helped elevate the firm’s credibility in medical architecture.
In 2020, her contributions were formally recognized when she became a Partner at Metex. Since then, she has been actively involved in the firm’s strategic evolution, including the transition to a studio-based structure and the expansion of international operations. She continues to lead projects across multiple geographies, including Baku, Malta, Tashkent, Kinshasa, Abuja, and beyond—bringing a thoughtful and adaptive design methodology to each context.
Didem’s leadership style is defined by open communication, attention to detail, and a commitment to professional integrity. She works closely with Principal Partner Sinan Kafadar to direct both the creative and operational vision of the studio. Within Metex, she also plays a pivotal role in mentoring younger architects, fostering an environment that values both discipline and innovation.
Looking ahead, she aims to expand her contributions to the academic world by offering seminars on hotel and hospital design—sharing insights gained through years of practical experience. She is a member of both the Turkish Chamber of Architects and the IstanbulSMD, where she continues to support the wider architectural community.
METEX DESIGN TEAM
ACCOUNT AND MANAGEMENT
STUDIO PARTNERS
Burcu Arkut Acun
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Deniz Kefeli
Devrim Göl
Mert Duyal
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Gözde Kösemen
Nermin Dinkçi -Büyükçapar
+5
Yalın Çağatay
Tuğba Çağatay
+3
Murat Önal
+1
Selcan Turan
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