1. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you from and what do you do?
I’m originally from Ankara and have been living in Istanbul for the past 7 years. I studied Interior Architecture at Bilkent University, followed by a Master’s degree in Interior Design at Domus Academy in Milan and another in Furniture Design at Pratt Institute, New York. After nearly 10 years of professional experience in the industry, I founded my own design studio called BURĒAU. BUREAU is a multidisciplinary design office where we bring interior architecture, implementation, and collectible furniture under one roof. Our aim is to make design not only a visual or technical act, but a complete, well-rounded experience for both client and designer-seamless, inspiring, and thoughtful.
2. What is your most unforgettable escape?
My most unforgettable escape was a journey to Africa with Five and More Travel. Every morning at 5 AM, we would set off for safari before sunrise. Watching elephants, lions, antelopes, monkeys, giraffes, penguins, hippos, crocodiles, and many other animals in silence, in their natural habitat, was an experience like no other. But it wasn’t just the wildlife. The vegetation, the natural rhythm, and the untouched beauty of the landscape left a deep impression on me. What struck me even more was how consciously and respectfully nature was preserved and embraced by the local communities-it wasn’t a luxury or a cause, it was simply a way of life. Throughout the entire trip,
I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude with every passing moment.
3. What was the purpose of your travel?
To experience nature in its most raw and majestic form-and to feel fully present within it.
4. With how many people did you travel?
Except for my parents, I didn’t know anyone beforehand. It was a group of 15 people brought together by Five and More Travel. I met amazing people, and many of them have become lifelong friends. Meeting new people and hearing their stories always inspires me-every coincidence has a reason, I believe.
5. Where did you stay?
We stayed across several places including Cape Town, Chobe, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. The most unforgettable stays were at Chobe Game Lodge and the historic Victoria Falls Hotel-each place held its own story and atmosphere.
6. What did you like most about the trip?
The simplicity and the depth of the experience. Being surrounded by such grandeur in absolute silence is incredibly humbling.
7. Can you share an unforgettable memory from the journey?
For days, I had been hoping to see lions up close-and we finally did on the last day, during a sunset safari. We encountered five leopards and a lion. Afterward, there was a small wine reception under the open sky. The lion’s face-its mane, its eyes, its presence-was one of the most majestic things I’ve ever seen.
8. Your most surprising find during the trip?
I noticed that giraffes don’t all have the same spot patterns-their tones and densities vary. When I looked it up, I found that these differences relate to age, gender, and species. I was also genuinely surprised by the quality and sophistication of wine culture in Africa. Discovering such refined local wines was an unexpected highlight of the trip.
9. Favorite restaurants or food discovered?
Delaire Graff Estate was unforgettable-both in taste and atmosphere. La Colombe was refined and full of character. And La Petite Colombe, while smaller, was just as thoughtfully crafted. All
three offered an experience where the setting and the meal spoke in harmony.
10. What are the must tries in this destination?
You need at least a week to properly experience each region. And without question, a 5 AM safari is a must.
11. Any hidden gems you could whisper to us?
Most safaris are done with open-roof vehicles, but we also had a chance to do a morning boat safari. It was both calm and full of life. We watched monkeys and antelopes interact in perfect harmony. One of the most special moments was seeing a mother elephant playing in the water with her calves—spraying each other with their trunks. Pure magic.
12. Would you go back, and why?
Absolutely. There’s still so much I want to see and experience.
13. Could you list a few of the favorite finds you came back with?
A print by an African artist from Zeitz MOCAA Museum-an extraordinary space built from a converted grain silo. A must-see for anyone visiting the region.
14. Any tips that might be useful to know before going there?
Early mornings on safari can get surprisingly cold due to the wind-layered clothing is essential. Also, be aware that mobile signal can be unreliable in remote areas. And both hotels and restaurants often require reservations, so it’s best to plan ahead.
15. Next stop you would like to visit?
Lake Como in July, where I’ll be attending a design award ceremony. We’re honored to have won three awards-two for interior projects and one for a furniture design.
16. What does traveling and escape mean to you?
As a designer, travel is an essential source of inspiration. It offers me new materials, fresh perspectives, and different ways of thinking. But beyond the professional lens, discovering new places is one of the things that excites me most in life.
17. What’s your summer travel soundtrack?
At BURĒAU, we prepare seasonal playlists-and even curate custom playlists for each project. After every project presentation, we share that list with our clients. This summer’s favorite is definitely our ‘Summer at BUREAU Club’ playlist. It’s a mix of tempo and lightness-perfect for designing or traveling.
18. What about your latest read?
Moby Dick.
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