Our Team
Sinan Kafadar
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Principal Partner
Principal Partner – Sinan Kafadar
Sinan Kafadar (b. 1964, Istanbul) is a Turkish architect and interior designer recognized for his contribution to contemporary hospitality and residential projects.
He graduated from Istanbul Technical University in 1986 as an Architect and began his professional career abroad, working in architectural and interior design practices in London, Montreal, and Rome. These early international experiences played a defining role in shaping his design approach, providing him with a cross-cultural perspective and a refined understanding of global architectural practice.
Metex Design was founded in 1989 by Architect & Engineer Cavit Sarıoğlu as a practice operating in Istanbul and Rome. Kafadar joined the firm as a partner in 1991 and became its principal shareholder in 2000. Didem Çalışkan Gençsoy joined Metex as a partner in 2020.
Over three decades ;Metex has expanded its scope and reputation, delivering projects that combine design clarity with contextual sensitivity and material integrity. A significant milestone in Kafadar’s career was the interior design of the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. The project received international recognition, including awards from Condé Nast Traveler, and established itself as one of Europe’s most distinguished hospitality destinations. The success of this project positioned both Kafadar and Metex on the international design stage.
Over the course of his career, Kafadar has developed a diverse portfolio spanning architecture and interior design across all project phases ,from concept development to execution. His work is characterized by a balanced integration of originality and rationality, with a strong emphasis on long-lasting, sustainable materials and thoughtful detailing.
As Principal Partner of Metex, he continues to lead the firm’s creative direction and strategic development. Beyond his practice, he regularly participates in conferences and professional forums, addressing themes such as environmental responsibility, innovative materials, evolving design methodologies, and the shifting dynamics of global markets. Kafadar summarizes his philosophy as follows:
“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.”
In 2009, he published My Sketch Book, a curated selection from his sketchbooks kept between 1985 and 2008. The publication documents his evolution from student to practice leader and highlights the importance of sketching as both a design instrument and a personal archive. Through this work, he encourages younger generations of designers to cultivate the habit of observing, recording, and reflecting as part of their creative process.
He is an active member of the Chamber of Turkish Arvhitects Association (TMMO) and Istanbul Association of Architects in Private Practice (İstanbulSMD), serving on its administrative council, and 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
+2
Deniz Kefeli
Devrim Göl
Mert Duyal
+2
Gözde Kösemen
Nermin Dinkçi -Büyükçapar
+5
Yalın Çağatay
Tuğba Çağatay
+3
Murat Önal
+1
Selcan Turan
+2
