University Years (1997-2006)
I completed both my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Architecture at Dokuz Eylül University. My Master's thesis, titled "Flexibility and Variability in Multi-Story Steel Structural Residential Buildings," focused on plan flexibility, exploring how residential layouts can adapt to changing user needs over time. This research specifically examined the potential of steel structural systems to provide adaptable living spaces, balancing structural efficiency with spatial versatility.
During my studies, I received formal AutoCAD training, which became an essential part of my design and documentation process. For my undergraduate graduation project, I utilized AutoCAD 2D and 3D extensively to develop both conceptual and technical drawings. Additionally, for my building application project, I focused on precast reinforced concrete elements, creating a detailed implementation project that demonstrated the integration of prefabricated components into architectural design.
My Master's degree was completed in Structural Construction Design, a program that emphasizes construction techniques and incorporates an engineering-oriented approach. This education deepened my understanding of structural systems, material performance, and technical problem-solving, aligning with my desire to gain a broader and more technical perspective on architecture.
Baris Tatli Architecture Office (2006-2008)
My journey with BIM began during my Master's thesis phase in 2006 when I opened my own office in Buca. The first BIM tool I used was ideCAD, which operated in a BIM Level 2 environment. This software allowed both architectural and structural files to coexist in the same model, enabling a truly collaborative design process.
Working with a structural engineer, we were able to design together within the same digital space. The engineer could run analyses and generate outputs directly from the shared model, ensuring that both disciplines worked with the same data. This seamless integration allowed us to detect potential issues before construction began, ensuring a smoother transition from design to real-world implementation.
This early experience with BIM laid the foundation for my current expertise, highlighting the importance of collaborative workflows and early problem-solving in the design process.
Azerbaijan Years (2008-2010)
During this period, I worked as an Architectural Project Designer at Gemiqaya Holding, contributing to large-scale institutional and commercial projects. I was introduced to Revit and SketchUp, using both for design and visualization, though Revit quickly became my primary tool due to its parametric modeling, documentation, and coordination capabilities. This marked my transition into BIM-based workflows, utilizing Revit for construction documentation, quantity take-offs, and project detailing.
I also began developing Revit Families, moving beyond simple modifications to fully parametric components. Additionally, I generated detailed application drawings and performed quantity estimations directly in Revit, improving workflow efficiency and material accuracy.
At Gemiqaya Holding, I worked on government and private sector projects, including schools, hospitals, hotels, and high-end residences, ensuring compliance with municipal regulations while maintaining architectural intent. This experience strengthened my ability to manage complex projects, collaborate across disciplines, and integrate BIM methodologies.
In the final six months, I was in Istanbul leading the Blue Regency Hotel renovation, overseeing all construction phases and making key decisions on design execution, materials, and implementation strategies. This role deepened my site management expertise, bridging the gap between design and construction.
Middle East Years (2010-2014)
In 2010, I started working as a project architect at Tanin Company, a firm specializing in furniture and interior design. During my six-month tenure, I was primarily involved in hotel design and renovation projects, focusing on interior layouts and material selections. This experience expanded my understanding of hospitality design, emphasizing the functional and aesthetic aspects of guest accommodations.
Following this, I co-founded Creative Design with an architect and an engineer, both former colleagues. Over the next four years, we established the firm as a competitive player in government tenders, securing projects in various sectors. My role encompassed project design, team management, and BIM implementation, ensuring that designs met both technical and regulatory requirements.
During this period, my use of Revit became more advanced, particularly in modeling, quantity take-offs, and construction documentation. We integrated MasterFormat and UniFormat coding systems into our workflow, improving project organization and cost estimation. Additionally, I led a team responsible for BIM modeling, overseeing their work and ensuring consistency across projects.
The projects we undertook ranged from large-scale public buildings to private developments, including government offices, hotels, and mixed-use complexes. My responsibilities included both designing and managing the production of application drawings, coordinating with engineers, and ensuring smooth project execution.
In 2014, I decided to leave the partnership as I planned to relocate to Istanbul. This period was instrumental in shaping my leadership skills, deepening my expertise in BIM-based project execution, and refining my ability to manage large-scale architectural projects.
Istanbul Years (2014-2015)
In 2014, I collaborated with Arkizon Architects on a project-based contract, working on a Borusan Holding development that required BIM Level 2 implementation in Revit. This project, a dual-block showroom and service facility, was designed to accommodate BMW, Mini, Jaguar, and Land Rover brands, adhering to their respective design guidelines and technical specifications. My role involved studying and integrating these brand standards into the architectural design, ensuring compliance with corporate identity and functional requirements.
As sustainability was a key aspect of the project, the building was designed to achieve LEED certification. To align with this goal, I undertook LEED training, gaining a deeper understanding of green building strategies, energy efficiency, and sustainable material selection. The project successfully earned the LEED 2009 New Construction Gold Certification, highlighting its commitment to sustainability and high-performance building standards.
To meet BIM Level 2 competency requirements, I obtained the Autodesk Revit Professional Certification, formally validating my expertise in BIM workflows and Revit-based project execution. Within the project, I was solely responsible for architectural design, architectural modeling, and structural modeling, ensuring a coordinated and efficient BIM process throughout the design and documentation phases.
Transportation Project Coordination Years (2015-2023)
During this period, I worked at Prota Engineering, where I played a key role in large-scale public and private sector projects, primarily government-funded tenders. These projects were executed in compliance with BIM Level 2 standards, ensuring a high level of digital coordination and information management. My responsibilities encompassed architectural design, project coordination, BIM implementation, and project documentation.
In addition to my technical contributions, I served as the Architectural Coordinator, leading the İzmir architectural team and overseeing various administrative tasks, including hiring processes, candidate interviews, recruitment decisions, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments.
A key area of my expertise at Prota Engineering was tunnel construction techniques and deep excavation projects. I contributed to the architectural design of NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method) and TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine) tunnels, ensuring seamless integration of structural and functional requirements. My work involved tunnel excavation methods, ventilation planning, and coordination of underground spaces, applying BIM methodologies to optimize design accuracy and construction efficiency.
Additionally, I played a critical role in metro station design, ensuring compliance with NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), TSE (Turkish Standards Institution), and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) regulations. Metro station designs had to adhere to strict fire safety codes, evacuation strategies, and other regulatory requirements that significantly influenced design decisions. My work required an in-depth understanding of fire safety regulations, emergency egress strategies, and the integration of life-safety systems within underground transportation infrastructure.
Beyond technical and administrative responsibilities, I represented Prota Engineering in meetings with government agencies and project stakeholders, actively participating in decision-making processes that shaped project outcomes.
Throughout my time at Prota Engineering, I collaborated closely with engineers specializing in tunnel construction, deep excavation, and geotechnical design, ensuring that architectural solutions aligned with safety regulations and construction methodologies. My experience in large-scale infrastructure projects further strengthened my ability to coordinate across disciplines, apply advanced BIM workflows, and contribute to technically demanding engineering projects.
