Interview with H. Guliz Tavukcuoglu

My education in Building Draftsmanship and Technical Construction High School naturally directed me toward architecture and design. Driven by my interest and ability in drawing and spatial thinking, I chose to study at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University. Although I hesitated for a time between graphic design and interior architecture, I realized that interior architecture offered a more comprehensive field that combines technical knowledge with artistic expression. Even after thirty years, I continue to work with the same enthusiasm, and the reason I still feel motivated and inspired is that I genuinely love this profession.

For me, details form the foundation of design. Concept and identity define the direction of my projects, but details bring them to life. The whole is built through the accumulation of carefully considered details. Therefore, proportion, material sensitivity, and technical resolution are as important as the smallest junction point. Spatial coherence and refined detailing are essential in every project I undertake.

Designing creates a sense of excitement and renewal for me. Every new project feels like a fresh beginning that energizes me intellectually. Each design is a journey of discovery, and that sense of exploration is what motivates me most.

My master’s research at Istanbul Technical University focused on the relationship between corporate identity and spatial design. It shaped my understanding of design as a communicative language. Discipline, patience, and attentive listening are non-design skills that strengthen design outcomes.

Aydınlatmayı mimari bir araç olarak ele almaya devam etmek ve koleksiyon niteliğindeki tasarımlarımı uluslararası ölçekte geliştirmek istiyorum. Zamansız ve tutarlı mekânsal deneyimler bırakan bir tasarımcı olarak hatırlanmak isterim.

My advice to young designers is to focus on their inner inspiration. A copy-paste approach may produce short-term results, but originality creates lasting value. Discovering and developing their own design language is their most important investment.

Every designer has a distinctive line. Professional designers should protect and deepen their own design language. Success does not come from imitation, but from clarifying and strengthening one’s own vision.

I usually begin my day by reviewing my notes. Before diving into work, I try to dedicate a moment to myself. If possible, I create a calm start to the day, which allows me to remain focused and balanced throughout my work.

I observe trends but do not design around them. Inspiration comes from architecture, art, and everyday life.

Good design feels inevitable. Nothing feels excessive or missing. It is functional, coherent, and balanced.

A design is ready when further intervention does not add clarity. Perfection may be endless, but concepts reach resolution.

The Gül’iz Collection is undoubtedly the most intensive and personally significant milestone in my career. It represents the crystallization of thirty years of accumulated experience. Among my architectural projects, the Chemical Cargo Tanker and the BigChefs Restaurant projects remain particularly meaningful to me in terms of both process and outcome.

Among Turkish designers, I appreciate the work of Ahmet Alataş. Internationally, I admire the architectural approaches of Tadao Ando and Frank Lloyd Wright. Designers who maintain structural honesty and timeless clarity are always inspiring to me.

My lifestyle is simple and understated, yet attentive to detail. I am drawn to refined and meaningful elements. This perspective naturally reflects in my design language, where I aim to create spaces that are free of excess yet full of character.

Clarity, professionalism, and trust define my work culture. I collaborate with experienced production partners and approach each project with precision and responsibility.

I try to offer internship opportunities to young professionals whenever possible and value the sharing of professional knowledge. Additionally, allocating a portion of the net income from the Gül’iz Collection to social benefit initiatives is one of my strongest motivations.

Design awards provide visibility, international dialogue, and professional validation. The recognition of Gala in 2025 strengthened the international presence of my work.

GNT Interior Architecture was founded in 2007 in Istanbul by interior architect H. Güliz Tavukçuoğlu.
The studio focuses on creating architectural and interior design projects that balance aesthetics, function, and identity in a harmonious way.

At the core of our design philosophy lies the principle of “reflecting corporate identity within space.”
Every project tells a unique story that combines the personality of its owner, the spirit of the brand, and the potential of the space itself.

GNT is recognized for its attention to detail, refined material selection, and timeless elegance.
Under our brand “GNT Design Product”, we also develop the Gül’iz Collection – a series of lighting and decorative objects exploring the emotional dialogue between light, material, and the human spirit.

Combining a scientific and artistic foundation, GNT Interior Architecture aims not only to design spaces, but to complete them with soul, through original lighting and furniture creations that reflect the essence of each environment.

For me, design is a lifestyle, the path from idea to reality.

Corporate spaces such as restaurants, offices, shops.

In my 25th year in the profession, I designed my own office , 25-square-meter space that meets all my needs while reflecting every detail with precision and subtlety. The elegant texture of marble blends with the warmth of wood, while transparent and reflective surfaces create a sense of spaciousness within this compact area. After designing hundreds of spaces for others, I realized that my favorite one is this a small yet deeply meaningful “cocoon,” where every element carries a part of my story and design philosophy.

Borusan Otomotiv Turkey, İstinye conference room corporate design was the first project I created with the finest detail.

I love marble, wood, glass and stainless material. I like to design handcrafted special products and see the realization process.

Proud and peaceful

For me, function always comes first, because function defines the form, and style gives that form its identity. After the initial concept phase, I focus on feasibility and practical realization, ensuring that every idea can be built and experienced as intended. Once those foundations are solid, the aesthetic touches begin to emerge naturally. When all these elements flow together in harmony, that’s when I know the design truly feels complete.

Making a design makes me happy.

Pride and inner peace

The path to good designed spaces and successful project organizations depends on completion of an assignment by delivering the quality, cost and time requirements of the client.

For me, purpose and function have priority, aesthetics are formed automatically when solutions are completed.

In today’s modern, technology-driven world, we spend most of our lives indoors. Therefore, the spaces where we live and work should not only be functional, ergonomic, and aesthetic, they should also create a healthy, peaceful atmosphere that makes life easier and more meaningful. As an interior architect, I believe my greatest responsibility to society and the environment is to design spaces that enhance human well-being, evoke positive emotions, and sustain harmony between people and their surroundings. Guided by this belief, I created the Gül’iz Collection a design initiative born from the desire to transform aesthetic creation into social benefit, and to share the emotional power of design with the community.

Renewable and environmentally friendly designs should increase and consumption should decrease.

This is a process and years of accumulation. I nurture my experience by following the latest innovations and traveling as much as possible.

My design style seeks elegance and meaning within simplicity. In every project, my goal is to let even the most minimal form express its own soul and story through subtle, refined details. Whether it’s a space or a product, the design should convey a sense of modernity, warmth, and quiet sophistication. Clean lines, natural materials, and a distinctive touch are essential elements of my work. I focus on creating precise harmony through delicate details, where every millimeter contributes to a balanced composition. This approach allows each design to reflect its identity naturally, functional, emotional, and timeless.