Q+A with Erkut Sancar

How do you describe your job to people outside of the industry?

I describe my job as an architect who is in charge of designing public and private spaces, in which people live, work, and enjoy performing their daily activities. While doing this, I believe that a good architect should be creative – a maker and communicator at the same time. As a creative, he should respond to aesthetic problems and give the form and identity to the work by always searching for the contemporary one. As a maker, he should find solutions to the technical and professional requirements of the work, such as structure, function, material, sustainability, and economic concerns. Lastly as a communicator, he should be able to establish various positive relations between the work and society, culture, and the natural environment in which it exists.

Why did you decide to become an architect?

Initially, I decided on architecture since it is a very creative profession and gives you an opportunity to turn your design into a reality. As time passed, I saw how buildings could affect the way we live, our mood, and our behavior, and this has greatly increased my interest in the profession. We spend most of our lives in buildings. Through architecture, we can improve our lives.

How would you describe life at Ghafari?

Life in Ghafari is very active; it varies from challenging, dynamic and fast days to enjoyable and fun ones. It allows merging them together, a kind of work-life balance. What makes mutual continuity between these dualities possible is being a good team. Overcoming the challenges and then enjoying together.

What is the most exciting thing that has happened during your time here?

To be part of the Turkish Airlines Critical Facilities design team. In particular, it was very exciting to see the design come to life on the field.

What is a key idea or lesson you have learned while working at Ghafari?

The importance of interdisciplinary co-working from beginning to end. It results in more detailed, coordinated, and quality projects. Additionally, I consider this kind of collaboration as training as well. It helps participants to develop different perspectives and learn always-new information from others, a kind of self-development session.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I like spending my time with my family and friends. As an activity, I enjoy woodworking and cycling. I think cycling is a very efficient way to perceive the city, as it enables you to communicate with the city directly, to observe urban patterns.