Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Languages
Timeline
Hi, I’m

PINAR BILGIN UNLU

Design Strategy Expert
Lisbon
PINAR BILGIN UNLU

Summary

Design director with 20+ years of experience creating inspirational spaces and leading teams of architects and interior designers. Skilled in utilizing creative thinking to generate design strategies that meet emotional and functional user needs. Extensive work experience in MENA and Europe across sectors such as banking, retail, hospitality, F&B, workspace, and residential. Proven track record in creating innovative customer journey design projects for global brands, enhancing brand awareness and fostering community building.

Overview

21
years of professional experience

Work History

I-AM Associates

Design Director
06.2013 - 02.2024

Job overview

-Directed interior and architectural design project, considering key concepts, strategies and brand positioning.
-Generated design strategies focusing on the users' / customers' functional & emotional needs and expectations to ensure a seamless journey.
-Managed design processes ensuring essential and tailor-made components are incorporated into the design and timely delivery of the projects.
-Coordinated all stages of design process and successfully exceeds pre-established budget goals and productivity targets.
-Simultaneously mentored and supervised a number of different design teams in Istanbul, London & Dubai studios.

-Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering a collaborative work environment.
-Conducted brand key & customer journey workshops.
-Excelled in C level client presentations
-Supported global New Business operations of the company.


I-AM Associates

Head of Concept Design
01.2013 - 06.2016

Job overview

-Developed architectural and interior concepts that provide solutions for both aesthetic and functional needs and requirements of the client.
-Mentored and supervised the local concept design team while challenging and introducing new methods of creative execution.
-Cultivated a culture of innovation within the design team by encouraging experimentation and embracing new approaches to problem solving.
-Delegated & reviewed team assignments to assure design quality and that design directives are followed.
-Customized & orchestrated brand key & customer journey workshops.

Space Architects + Planners

Architectural Design Coordinator / Junior Partner
12.2009 - 06.2011

Job overview

-Awarded 2011 Bloomberg Best Multiple Residence Prize with Park One Residences
-Directed and coordinated the whole design process of all architectural and interior design projects, from preliminary studies to construction phase
-Mentored and supervised both architectural and interior design teams
-Determined design principles to ensure design quality and timely delivery
-Conducted coordination meetings between developers, design teams, contractors, engineering firms and suppliers
-Prepared and managed business contracts and proposals

Self Employed

Free Lance Architect
12.2008 - 12.2009

Job overview

-Collaborated with clients to develop customized architectural solutions, meeting their unique needs and preferences.

-Applied creative problem-solving skills to address unique challenges in the architectural design process.

-Developed comprehensive project documentation, including site plans, elevations, sections, and details for clear communication of design intent.

Emre Arolat Architects

Design Team Leader
09.2008 - 12.2008

Job overview

-Led the design team for the MIPIM ‘Highly Commended’ Award Winner Kagıthane Tekfen Offices project.

-Headed design coordination meetings between the design team, MEP teams and vendors.

Sehilart

Design Development Manager
03.2008 - 09.2008

Job overview

-Supervised & organized the design development phase of 230.000 square meter Akbati Shopping Mall ensuring the essence & guiding principles of concept design are carried on.

I.d. Architecture & Design Atelier

Owner / Principle Architect
11.2006 - 03.2008

Job overview

-Completed a number of small to medium scale Residential & Hospitality projects.

Proto Architects

Design Architect
01.2005 - 11.2006

Job overview

-Worked on both concept and design development stages of high end residential and hospitality projects.

Alper & Alper Architects and Planners

Intern Architect
10.2002 - 08.2004

Job overview

-Assisted in the development of mixed used residential and commercial design concepts.

-Supported senior architects in schematic design phase, refining ideas through sketches and CAD drawings.

Education

School of Architecture, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS at CHICAGO

Master of Architecture
01.2002

School of Architecture, ISTANBUL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Science
01.1999

Skills

    -Design Strategy

    -Customer Experience Design

    -Architectural & Interior Design

    -Critical Thinking

    -Idea Generation

    -Visual & Verbal Storytelling

    -Design Research

    -Design Team Management

    -Creative Direction

    -Problem Solving

    -Consumer Trends Awareness

    -Design Process Planning

Accomplishments

  • Bloomberg Best Residential Award 2011
  • "Housing: An Urban Strategy" Exhibition 2001
  • The Carol Phelan Fellowship 2002
  • UIC Full Scholarship 2000

Languages

Turkish
Native language
English
Proficient
C2

Timeline

Design Director

I-AM Associates
06.2013 - 02.2024

Head of Concept Design

I-AM Associates
01.2013 - 06.2016

Architectural Design Coordinator / Junior Partner

Space Architects + Planners
12.2009 - 06.2011

Free Lance Architect

Self Employed
12.2008 - 12.2009

Design Team Leader

Emre Arolat Architects
09.2008 - 12.2008

Design Development Manager

Sehilart
03.2008 - 09.2008

Owner / Principle Architect

I.d. Architecture & Design Atelier
11.2006 - 03.2008

Design Architect

Proto Architects
01.2005 - 11.2006

Intern Architect

Alper & Alper Architects and Planners
10.2002 - 08.2004

School of Architecture, UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS at CHICAGO

Master of Architecture

School of Architecture, ISTANBUL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY

Bachelor of Science
PINAR BILGIN UNLUDesign Strategy Expert