S.A.I.T. Studio

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer S.A.I.T. Studio ("SS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

SS : S.A.I.T. Studio was founded by architect Kemal Cetin and senior interior architect Sait Guray Yalcin. Our team brings together a strong academic and professional background. Kemal Cetin graduated as faculty and department valedictorian from both the Architecture and Civil Engineering departments at Yildiz Technical University, one of Turkey’s leading technical universities, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Architecture. Sait Guray Yalcin graduated with honors from Halic University with a Master’s degree in Interior Architecture and has extensive training in architectural theory and spatial design. He has also completed advanced international programs, including The Architectural Imagination at Harvard University, enriching the studio’s global design perspective. At S.A.I.T. Studio, we embrace a multidisciplinary philosophy that integrates architecture, interior design, engineering, and digital technologies. We are dedicated to crafting spaces that elevate the human experience through innovation, functionality, and aesthetic clarity. Our work is rooted in a spirit of continuous learning. We actively engage in international design forums, academic research, and cross-disciplinary collaborations to remain at the forefront of design innovation. Curiosity, collaboration, and a relentless commitment to quality define everything we do.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

SS : At S.A.I.T. Studio, we are driven by a passion to improve the way people experience space. For us, design is a powerful tool to shape environments that enhance everyday life — both functionally and emotionally. We believe that architecture and interior design should not only meet practical needs but also inspire, connect, and uplift the users. Our motivation comes from the opportunity to combine creativity with technical knowledge, crafting spaces that resonate with human sensibilities and contemporary lifestyles. Both of our founding partners, Kemal Cetin and Sait Guray Yalcin, pursued design because of a deep interest in how architecture and design impact people’s well-being and social interactions. Over time, this passion has evolved into a mission — to create intelligent, sustainable, and aesthetically refined environments that contribute positively to their context and users. Every project presents a new opportunity to innovate, solve complex challenges, and leave a lasting impact. That continuous pursuit of meaningful design is what keeps us motivated.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

SS : We absolutely chose to become designers. For us, design has always been a conscious passion rather than an obligation. Both of us, Kemal Cetin and Sait Guray Yalcin, were naturally drawn to architecture and design from an early age, fascinated by how well-designed spaces can enrich human life. Over time, this curiosity became a deep commitment to the field. We view design as a form of expression, a responsibility, and an opportunity to positively influence the world around us. Choosing this path was one of the most meaningful decisions of our lives. It continues to inspire us every day.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

SS : At S.A.I.T. Studio, we design a wide range of projects including residential complexes, private villas, smart interior spaces, and advanced kitchen systems that integrate technology with daily life. We focus on creating environments that balance functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Looking ahead, we would like to design more innovative spaces that incorporate smart systems, AI-powered solutions, and circular design principles. We are especially interested in projects where architecture, interior design, and advanced technologies come together to create intelligent, adaptive, and human-centered environments. We also wish to engage in more international projects that allow us to explore different cultural contexts and design challenges.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

SS : We believe that young designers should cultivate curiosity, resilience, and a constant desire to learn. Design is a lifelong journey. Success comes not only from talent but also from dedication, hard work, and the ability to adapt and grow with each project. We encourage young designers to explore different disciplines, understand new technologies, and be open to collaboration. It is also important to develop a strong personal philosophy and design identity, while remaining responsive to the needs of users and the world around us. Participating in respected international competitions such as A' Design Award is also very valuable. These platforms provide not only recognition, but also the opportunity to receive professional feedback, improve their work, and connect with the global design community. Most importantly, they should never stop asking questions, never fear failure, and always aim to create meaningful designs that make a positive difference.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

SS : In our view, a good designer creates functional and visually appealing solutions. A great designer goes beyond that. A great designer understands the deeper impact of design on people, culture, and the environment. They create work that is timeless, meaningful, and able to resonate emotionally with users. Great designers are also those who constantly push boundaries, challenge conventions, and are not afraid to take risks. They are curious, open to feedback, and committed to continuous learning. They care deeply about details, while always keeping the bigger picture in mind. Ultimately, a great designer creates designs that not only serve their purpose today, but also inspire and endure over time.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

SS : For us, a truly good design is one that seamlessly balances form and function, while addressing the needs of users in an intuitive and inspiring way. It must go beyond surface aesthetics and create an experience that is both meaningful and lasting. We evaluate good design based on several key principles. It should solve problems effectively, improve daily life, and offer clear value to its users. It should also be sustainable, responsible, and considerate of its cultural and environmental context. Additionally, we believe that good design must have a timeless quality. Trends come and go, but great design continues to resonate with people across time and cultures. When a project connects with users emotionally and leaves a positive impact, we consider it a true success.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

SS : Good design adds value at every level. It improves quality of life for users, enhances functionality, and elevates the overall experience of a space or product. For businesses and clients, investing in good design is an investment in long-term success. Well-designed environments foster well-being, boost productivity, and create emotional connections with users. They also contribute to brand identity and differentiation in competitive markets. Moreover, good design often leads to greater efficiency, sustainability, and adaptability, which translates into economic and environmental benefits over time. We believe that thoughtful design is never just an expense; it is a strategic asset that delivers measurable value and lasting impact.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

SS : If we had the opportunity, we would love to design an airport. Airports are fascinating spaces where architecture, functionality, user experience, and advanced technology must come together seamlessly. Designing an airport is an extraordinary challenge. It involves managing complex logistics, creating intuitive wayfinding, ensuring passenger comfort, and delivering an iconic architectural identity, all while meeting strict technical and security requirements. It would be an exciting project for us because it aligns perfectly with our multidisciplinary approach and our passion for creating intelligent, human-centered environments that enhance everyday life on a large scale.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

SS : We constantly seek opportunities to take on ambitious, large-scale projects where design can create a meaningful public impact. Exploring new typologies that blend architecture, advanced technologies, and human-centered experiences remains one of our ongoing aspirations.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

SS : Our secret ingredient is the ability to blend creativity with advanced technical knowledge and a deep understanding of user experience. We approach each project with curiosity and an open mind, always seeking to push boundaries and explore new possibilities. At the same time, we are meticulous in our attention to detail and committed to delivering practical, intelligent, and sustainable solutions. Collaboration is also key. We work closely with experts from various disciplines, as well as with our clients, to ensure that each design is both visionary and grounded in real-world needs. Ultimately, our passion for improving human experience through design is what drives our success.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

SS : I admire everyone who has expressed their inner sense of design and become a designer. If I had to give an example from interior designers, I would say Jean-Michel Frank. He advocated the idea that decoration means creating more aesthetics with less furniture, and he organized her concepts according to this perspective. He used furniture he designed himself in the concepts he created, and his designs have continued to be admired since the 1930s until today.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

SS : One of my favorites is the Eames Lounge Chair. I admire its timeless blend of comfort, elegance, and ergonomic design, showcasing meticulous craftsmanship that enhances both form and function seamlessly.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

SS : My biggest and most proud project to date is the Liberty Signa Resort Hotel project. I was very excited to make both different and harmonious designs in this project, which included many different areas. Receiving an award from an international competition like the A'Design Award makes this project great.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

SS : Practice regularly, seek feedback, and study diverse design styles and principles. I continuously learn from user interactions and stay updated with design trends to improve myself.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

SS : If I wasn't a designer, I'd be an artist or doing anything art-related.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

SS : Design is the intentional creation of solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and user needs to solve problems effectively.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

SS : My family and my business partner Kemal Cetin.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

SS : Continuous learning, practicing diverse design challenges, and incorporating feedback from users and peers helped me grow as a designer.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

SS : Some obstacles I faced included overcoming self-doubt, mastering new tools and techniques, and learning to balance creativity with practicality in design solutions.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

SS : Designers should present their work clearly and succinctly, highlighting the problem-solving process, key insights, and the impact of their designs on user experience and business goals.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

SS : My next project is Villas in Istanbul. In the future, you can expect designs incorporating new technologies that increase creativity and efficiency in interior design.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

SS : My ultimate goal is to be a designer with inspired and exemplary designs.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

SS : People expect innovative solutions, attention to detail, a deep understanding of user needs, and designs that inspire and enhance everyday experiences.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

SS : Design improves society by solving problems, enhancing usability, promoting sustainability, and fostering creativity and empathy among people.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

SS : Currently, I am excitedly designing a large and old mansion as the workspace of a big company.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

SS : The Liberty Signa Hotel project gave me the most satisfaction. Because it caused me to win the A'Design Award.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

SS : I'd like to see more emphasis on inclusivity, sustainability, and ethical considerations in design practices, along with greater integration of emerging technologies for more seamless user experiences.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

SS : The design field is heading towards more personalized, interactive, and technologically integrated solutions that prioritize user experience and sustainability.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

SS : This varies depending on the size of the project and the user's wishes.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

SS : If I had to give an average duration, I would say at least eight to ten weeks.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

SS : Design with empathy, innovate with purpose.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

SS : It's often a reciprocal relationship where design can both set and be influenced by trends. Designers can lead by innovating new concepts, but they also adapt to emerging trends shaped by cultural, technological, and social changes.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

SS : Technology plays a crucial role in modern design by enabling innovation, enhancing functionality, and improving user experience. It allows designers to explore new materials, methods, and interactive elements that shape the way users interact with and perceive design solutions.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

SS : AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3D Max, VR

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

SS : Color, materials, and ambient elements play a pivotal role in design by influencing mood, perception, and functionality, thereby enhancing the overall user experience and aesthetic appeal of spaces or products.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

SS : I wish people would ask about my design process.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

SS : When I see a new great design or product, I think about its innovation, functionality, user experience, and the thought process that went into creating it.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

SS : My ideal design partner is architect Kemal Cetin. Yes, co-design involving collaboration with stakeholders and users can lead to more inclusive, effective, and user-centered design solutions.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

SS : I interact with a diverse range of designers, users, and stakeholders, each contributing unique perspectives and insights that influence my approach to design.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

SS : "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman, "Solving Problems with Design Thinking" by Jeanne Liedtka, and "Universal Principles of Design" by William Lidwell.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

SS : I've developed my skills through continuous learning, practicing diverse design challenges, analyzing user interactions, and staying updated with current design trends and methodologies.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

SS : I would love to meet Zaha Hadid if she were alive.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

SS : It is gratifying to receive awards and appreciation. Being well-known comes with its own responsibilities, such as managing expectations and ensuring the accuracy of information provided. It's more about serving users effectively and keeping up-to-date information.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

SS : My favorite color is black, place is Barcelona, I love all Turkish and Italian food, season is summer, thing is to share life. If it's a fashion brand we're talking about, my favorite is Prada.

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

SS : A great day for me is often fueled by creative challenges, client satisfaction, teamwork, recognition, continuous learning, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I motivate myself by setting goals, seeking inspiration, staying organized, and embracing collaboration and feedback.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

SS : That was always obvious, my family said.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

SS : Predicting a thousand years into the future is highly speculative, but advancements in technology, space exploration, sustainability efforts, and societal changes could drastically reshape humanity's existence. I hope the world will be better in every aspect in the future.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

SS : I'm all about sleek lines, cozy corners, and pops of personality. Whether it's blending modern with vintage or experimenting with bold colors, I love creating spaces that reflect individuality and comfort.