Umut Durmuş

Before Istanbul, I lived in Aegean cities until getting a bachelor’s degree in 2004. I got my master’s degree in construction and now, I am writing my PhD thesis on museums and virtual reality technologies at the department of construction and project management, Istanbul Technical University. After working at prominent and well-known architectural design offices in Izmir and Istanbul I established my own studio in 2009 where I have been designing, researching, constructing, and managing projects.

Having been in relation with the rural and traditional settlements since my childhood, I always had an interest in vernacular architecture, native and local construction methods, tangible and intangible cultural heritage, rural development, creating spaces that meet modern needs and coexist with nature. I am also a registered farmer who is looking for ways of creating self-sustaining rural systems in this modern world.

Since 2009 my professional works have been focused on museum and exhibition design. Having chance to work with the best professionals of the field in Turkey and in the world I do design/construct museum exhibitions and museum spaces whose range is enlarging with multipurpose halls, restaurants, education spaces, offices, workshops, entrance services, storages, etc. with the changing needs of visitors and the definition of museum. I do not only give architectural services but also work as a contractor, project manager, consultant, exhibition furniture and lighting designer with necessary business partners within cultural institutes of any size and content.

Multidisciplinary nature of designing exhibitions, facing new challenges at every project, having the chance to work with the artists and other people of the culture industry, urge to meet high standards of the final experience and transmitting the knowledge of the oldest with the help of contemporary tools appeal to me a lot. Therefore, I have chosen to work in this area of expertise for my PhD which is another way for continuous improvement to me. My journey, also in academia, has been focused on 1. designing, 2. realizing the design and 3. managing the process, because one or two of those has never been enough to achieve fulfilling outcomes.

It’s a journey that will take shape with new projects, people, ideas, collaborations, mentors and turn into life with family, home, friends, travel and some fun. I invite you to be a part of it.