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Interviews with Hasan Sefa Sofuoglu
Designer profileDesign Legend Interview
6 August 2025
I graduated in Interior Architecture in Istanbul. Then, I completed my master’s degree in Interior and Spatial Design at Domus Academy in Milan, Italy, where I enhanced my skills in innovative and international design.
I am motivated by the power of design to improve everyday life and create meaningful experiences. I became a designer because I love blending creativity with functionality.
Becoming a designer was a conscious choice driven by passion. It was never a force but a natural path.
I am a multidisciplinary and spatial designer, so I design all living environments that shape how people experience life. This includes interiors, public spaces, and any area where life unfolds. Moving forward, I aim to focus even more on holistic and sustainable living environments.
They should stay curious, keep learning, and be fearless in experimenting while respecting the design fundamentals.
A great designer not only creates beautiful work but also understands user needs deeply and solves problems elegantly.
Good design balances aesthetics, usability, and sustainability. I evaluate design by its impact on people and environment.
Good design improves quality of life, increases efficiency, and creates lasting value. Everyone should invest because it pays off long-term.
If I had more time, I would design innovative, sustainable homes not only for people but also for animals. We have occupied so much of their natural habitats that we owe them beautiful, respectful spaces too. Creating environments where humans and animals can coexist harmoniously is a design challenge I’d love to explore.
My dream project is to design a magnificent, inclusive spiritual sanctuary that respects and reflects diverse faiths—be it a mosque, church, temple, synagogue, cathedral, or any place of worship recognized in different cultures, including Eastern traditions. I believe such a space can foster unity, peace, and shared humanity by embracing the sacred architecture of various religions.
My secret is a balance of curiosity, continuous learning, and respecting both function and emotion in design. I always listen deeply to users’ needs and the context of the project.
I draw inspiration from masters like Zaha Hadid for her futuristic forms, Tadao Ando for his harmony with nature, and Philippe Starck for his creativity and wit.
I admire designs that merge innovation with simplicity, like Alvar Aalto’s furniture or Jean Prouvé’s architecture. They are timeless and human-centered.
My greatest design is the Auramaris Yacht, because it seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality, creating a unique narrative inspired by both celestial and maritime elements.
To improve as designers, people should stay curious, practice consistently, and seek diverse experiences. Personally, I focused on continuous learning and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams.
If I hadn’t become a designer, I think I would have pursued a career in gastronomy or perhaps the arts, as I’ve always been drawn to creative fields.
Design is the thoughtful process of solving problems by creating functional and beautiful solutions that improve people’s lives. For me, it’s a blend of art and science.
My biggest supporters have been my family and mentors who encouraged my creativity and perseverance throughout my journey.
A passion for learning, openness to feedback, and a strong commitment to both creativity and functionality helped me become a great designer.
Early challenges included balancing creativity with practical constraints, gaining recognition, and continuously adapting to new technologies and trends.
Contextually, and with storytelling. A good presentation makes the concept, process, and impact visible.
I’m working on a hospitality project that blends wellness, nature, and spatial storytelling. Expect more sensory-driven spaces.
To design spaces that leave emotional traces and contribute to more conscious living.
Innovation, clarity, and meaningful design with depth. People expect visionary thinking grounded in real human needs.
Design shapes behavior, builds empathy, and improves quality of life—it’s a quiet force for cultural and social change.
A cultural space in the Mediterranean that merges architecture, art, and nature. It’s a poetic design journey.
Projects where clients trusted the process and we created something timeless with emotional depth.
Less trend-following, more authenticity. And a stronger focus on sustainability and emotional value.
Toward hybrid disciplines, immersive experiences, and emotionally intelligent spaces.
It varies, but concept to completion usually spans 1 to 4 months, depending on complexity.
I begin with context—site, culture, user habits—then build the concept around those layers.
Dream boldly, draw softly, build meaningfully. Design is not decoration—it's emotion, memory, and quiet revolution.
motto is ''Less ego, more soul. Let the space speak.''
motto is ''Less ego, more soul. Let the space speak.''
Great design sets trends by anticipating human needs. Trends may inspire, but true design leads.
Technology expands possibilities—it’s my silent collaborator in precision, efficiency, and experimentation.
Everything :)
They shape emotion. Color speaks, materials touch, and ambiance hold the memory of space.
I wish they’d ask: “How does it make people feel?” Because emotion is the most honest design feedback.
I think: “What’s the story behind this?” Great design always hides a silent intention.
I believe in co-design—my ideal partner listens deeply, challenges gently, and dares boldly.
Craftspeople and clients who ask meaningful questions both push me to rethink and refine.
“The Eyes of the Skin” by Juhani Pallasmaa and “Invisible Cities” by Italo Calvino shaped my spatial imagination.
By designing constantly, staying curious, failing smart, and surrounding myself with better thinkers than myself.
I’d love to talk with Leonardo da Vinci—a mind that merged science, art, and invention effortlessly.
Recognition is encouraging, but staying grounded is essential. Fame should never outshine the work itself.
Color: Deep green, blue
Place: The Aegean coast
Food: Wood-fired anything
Season: Autumn
Thing: Sketchbook
Brand: The one that tells a story
Place: The Aegean coast
Food: Wood-fired anything
Season: Autumn
Thing: Sketchbook
Brand: The one that tells a story
During a mock-up review, a client sat on a prototype chair we hadn’t fully assembled yet. As the parts gently slid apart, he calmly said, “I think it needs... a little more structure.” We all burst into laughter, and yes, it did.
My day feels truly great when I’m exchanging ideas with my team and we collectively unlock a design solution. Collaboration feeds creativity. I stay motivated by knowing that design is never a solo act—it’s a dialogue.
I used to rearrange furniture at friends’ homes and draw imaginary houses in the margins of my schoolbooks—so yes, the signs were there.
In a thousand years, I believe design will be more about experience than objects—spaces that adapt, heal, and respond to emotion.
I believe design is not about perfection but connection. If my work makes someone feel something real, then it has done its job.
Designer Interview
1 November 2025
I’ve always been fascinated by how art and design merge to shape human experience, which naturally led me to become a designer who creates spaces and objects with emotional depth.
My design studio is an international practice based in Istanbul, with ongoing projects in Dubai, Miami, and across Africa, focusing on creating timeless spaces where art, culture, and design meet.
Design means creating something that reflects life, culture, and emotion in a clear and timeless way.
I enjoy designing residential interiors, executive offices, luxury yachts like Aura, and bespoke commercial spaces that combine functionality with a strong sense of identity.
One of my favorite designs is the yacht Aura. It was a project where minimalism meets luxury — every surface, curve, and material was carefully chosen to create a calm, immersive experience. Winning the A’ Design Award for it was a recognition of the team’s effort to blend functionality with emotion.
The first project I designed for a company was a boutique office space that combined functionality with a unique artistic identity
I prefer natural materials like wood and stone, alongside digital platforms that allow precise 3D visualization.
I feel most creative when exploring new materials and spatial concepts in dialogue with art.
During designing, I focus on how the space or object will be experienced and how it resonates with its environment.
Designing makes me feel curious, excited, and deeply engaged.
When my designs are realized, I feel pride, joy, and satisfaction seeing ideas turn into lived experiences.
A design is successful when it solves a problem elegantly, feels timeless, and connects emotionally with people.
I first judge a design by its functionality, spatial clarity, and emotional impact.
Designers have a responsibility to create solutions that respect cultural context, society, and the environment.
The design field is evolving with technology and sustainability, moving toward interdisciplinary, human-centered approaches.
My last exhibition was in Thessaloniki, Greece, and I plan to hold the next one in Istanbul to explore interactive installations.
Inspiration comes from travel, art, nature, and cultural experiences that feed both curiosity and intuition.
My style blends minimalism, material richness, and emotional resonance, driven by a desire to create spaces that feel alive.
I live in Istanbul, and Dubai, the country’s cultural heritage shapes my designs by providing context, history, and texture, though regulations can sometimes limit creativity.
I collaborate closely with companies, aligning their vision with design while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Companies should select designers whose values match their goals and allow creative freedom for innovation.
My design process begins with research, sketches, 3D models, and iterative refinement until the concept fully communicates the intended experience.
Five of my favorite design items at home are a handcrafted table, sculptural chair, minimal lighting fixture, abstract painting, and a custom bookshelf.
A typical day includes client meetings, design development, material research, sketching, and studio collaboration.
I advise young designers to stay curious, experiment boldly, and always observe the world around them.
Being a designer offers creative freedom but also demands discipline and responsibility, which can be both rewarding and challenging.
My golden rule in design is that every element must serve both purpose and emotion.
The most important skills for a designer are observation, spatial understanding, problem-solving, and material knowledge.
I use tools like CAD, 3D modeling, rendering software, sketchbooks, and material samples in my design toolbox.
I manage time by setting clear milestones, prioritizing tasks, and allowing flexibility for creative exploration.
Designing an object can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on complexity and scale.
The most frequently asked question I get is how I balance artistic vision with client requirements.
My most important job experience was designing Aura, which received international recognition and shaped my design approach.
Some of my clients include private collectors, luxury hospitality brands, and international corporations.
I enjoy projects that merge art and architecture the most, because they create emotional and functional impact simultaneously.
Future plans include expanding international projects, opening a Dubai office, and exploring interactive art installations.
I work both independently and collaboratively, depending on the project’s scale and requirements.
I currently have ongoing residential and commercial projects across Istanbul, Dubai, and Africa.
People can contact me via Instagram @hssofuoglu or by phone at +905358489462.
Sefa@designsono.com
Sefa@designsono.com
I focus on creating designs that leave a lasting impression, connecting people to spaces, objects, and stories.
Grand Interview
22 October 2025 · Auramaris Yacht
In Auramaris, the integration of celestial and maritime themes was not just an aesthetic gesture—it formed the conceptual backbone of the entire interior design. This dual inspiration guided both emotional tone and spatial decisions. Historically, constellations played a vital role in navigation, and this idea influenced our ceiling lighting compositions, which subtly reflect constellation-like patterns that evoke a sense of direction and movement.On the floor, we introduced inlays that resemble lunar phases and tidal maps, reinforcing the relationship between astronomy and oceanography. Material choices echoed this duality: polished natural stones mimicked the shimmer of starlight on water, while brushed metals and deep walnut tones invoked the tactile warmth of traditional sea vessels.The color palette shifts from cooler metallics in open, communal spaces to warmer, more intimate tones in private cabins—mirroring the transition from the expansive sky to the shelter of a ship’s interior. Auramaris was conceived not just as a luxurious vessel, but as a multi-sensory narrative, where the dialogue between stars and sea becomes the emotional core of the design.
The custom block glass and headboard detail on Auramaris required an intensive collaboration with Murano glass experts to ensure the craftsmanship aligned with both aesthetic vision and maritime functionality. A primary technical challenge was achieving the right balance between durability and flexibility, given the yacht’s constant movement at sea, while maintaining the glass’s clarity and brilliance.Through multiple prototypes and consultations, the thickness of the glass, jointing methods, and supporting structures were carefully optimized. Furthermore, integrating the glass seamlessly with the headboard demanded innovative fastening systems that preserved the design’s fluidity without compromising structural integrity.Overcoming these challenges elevated the design to a level where form met function without compromise. This process not only enhanced the yacht’s visual uniqueness but also ensured longevity and resilience, resulting in an interior feature that stands out both technically and artistically.
The cornerless furniture design in Auramaris was carefully crafted to merge aesthetic fluidity with the rigorous demands of maritime functionality and safety. Rounded edges were intentionally chosen to reduce potential injuries caused by movement onboard and to facilitate smoother circulation within the confined yacht spaces.From a practical standpoint, materials and finishes were selected for their resistance to moisture, vibration, and wear. Additionally, all furniture was securely fastened following marine safety standards and IMO regulations to ensure stability during navigation.Throughout the design process, close collaboration with naval engineers ensured that this seamless aesthetic did not compromise safety or accessibility, especially in emergency situations. The final result is an interior that flows gracefully while maintaining the highest standards of maritime safety and operational practicality.
The selection of Turkish marble for Auramaris was a deliberate choice grounded in both aesthetic appeal and technical performance. Among Turkey’s diverse marble varieties, we prioritized those known for their durability and unique natural veining that complements the yacht’s luxurious ambiance. Ensuring resistance to humidity and temperature fluctuations inherent to marine environments was a key consideration.Water jet cutting technology enabled us to achieve intricate and precise patterns in the marble, blending geometric and organic forms seamlessly. This method preserves the stone’s integrity, significantly reducing the risk of cracking or deformation along cut edges.During installation, special attention was given to surface finish to ensure not only a visually stunning appearance but also a slip-resistant texture for safety. These combined efforts culminated in a material execution that exemplifies both robustness and refined luxury throughout Auramaris.
In Auramaris, we brought the old stories of sea gods and mythological figures into the design by using simple and elegant details. We showed the power and connection to nature of these gods through abstract shapes and patterns in the interior, but kept them modern and not too decorative.We used natural stones and metal finishes to support this idea, so the design feels both rich in history and very modern at the same time. We carefully balanced the old stories with a fresh look, making sure the yacht stays stylish and up to date.
The modular structure of Auramaris was designed to respond quickly and seamlessly to the varying needs of its users. We created interconnected yet independently adjustable sections within the interior spaces. Furniture and cabin layouts were engineered to transform easily between functions—for instance, a lounge area can swiftly convert into a meeting or sleeping space.This flexibility was achieved without compromising the overall aesthetic by maintaining a consistent palette of materials, colors, and design details throughout all modules. Each segment was crafted with the same design language and high-quality finishes that define Auramaris, ensuring a cohesive look regardless of configuration.Close collaboration between engineering and design teams ensured that the modular components functioned smoothly both technically and visually. The result is a versatile living environment on board that meets high standards of functionality and elegance.
The research phase of Auramaris was enriched by in-depth consultations with experienced yacht owners and industry experts. Their feedback provided invaluable insights both functionally and aesthetically. For example, understanding the daily comfort, storage, and accessibility needs of yacht owners led to practical solutions integrated into the design.Expert advice was particularly influential in selecting materials suited for marine conditions and optimizing modular spaces. Additionally, innovative approaches such as technological integration and energy efficiency were aligned with current industry trends.This collaborative process transformed the design from a purely creative endeavor into a functional, sustainable project deeply rooted in real user experience.
Environmental sustainability was a core priority throughout Auramaris’ design process. We carefully selected materials that are recyclable, have low environmental impact, and are sourced locally whenever possible. Natural stone, wood, and leather were chosen not only for their durability but also for their reduced ecological footprint.To enhance energy efficiency, LED lighting and smart automation systems were implemented to minimize power consumption. Ventilation and climate control systems were designed for low carbon emissions while maintaining high performance.All these eco-friendly measures were seamlessly integrated into the modern, elegant design language, creating an interior that embodies both luxury and sustainability. This approach ensures that Auramaris is not only a sophisticated yacht but also a responsible project mindful of future generations.
The integration of CNC machining technology in Auramaris allowed for flawless execution of intricate natural wood veneer details. This advanced manufacturing approach provided unparalleled precision and repeatability for producing organic shapes and delicate geometric patterns. Beyond traditional craftsmanship, CNC enhanced material efficiency and minimized errors.This capability enabled the creative team to freely implement unique and innovative design elements such as curved surfaces, reliefs, and textured finishes with consistent quality. The production process supported the vision to transform complex forms into reality while saving significant time.Ultimately, the technical excellence and manufacturing flexibility offered by CNC technology elevated Auramaris’s interior design, seamlessly combining aesthetics and functionality at the highest level.
Auramaris is more than a yacht design; it is a manifesto inspired by the infinite dance between sea and sky. Looking ahead, this project will be recognized as a pioneer in narrative-driven, experiential luxury yacht interiors. Its innovations pave the way for a new generation of vessels where aesthetics and functionality intertwine, and every detail tells a story.The marriage of technological precision, sustainable materials, and modular adaptability allows the design to evolve as a living, breathing organism. This approach shatters conventions and expands boundaries in maritime design. Auramaris will be a catalyst for bold, original solutions shaped by both aesthetic vision and environmental responsibility.More than a physical space, the project demonstrates that designing emotional experiences and dreams is possible—redefining luxury through the timeless connection between sea and stars.
