INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN 

After graduation, I am continuing my academic development by pursuing a master’s degree at OSTİM Technical University, with the aim of supporting my professional practice through academic research. In the long term, I aspire to remain actively engaged in the industry while also advancing in academia, with the goal of becoming an interior architect who researches, questions, and contributes to knowledge. I am grateful to OSTİM Technical University for providing me with the knowledge and experience that have given me a strong foundation for this journey. (2)

I am Ahmet Nurullah Hacıbeyli, a graduate of the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design.

Throughout my academic journey, I would like to emphasize the importance of the education I received at our university. The curriculum’s strong technical foundation, the knowledge and expertise of accomplished faculty members in their respective fields, and the way they shared and instilled this knowledge in us have enabled us to begin our professional careers one step ahead of our peers. The education we received at OSTİM Technical University gave us the confidence and competence to feel at home in professional environments, whether in offices or on construction sites, and made us proud to become Interior Architects and Environmental Designers. After beginning my professional career, one of the things I have been most grateful for has been my university. I sincerely hope that this approach to education will continue to benefit future generations of aspiring professionals as well. With my best regards.

Over the course of these four years, during which I experienced design as a process of thinking and creating, it was not only my projects that took shape, but also my approach to situations, my ideas, and my decision-making methods. Within the “chaotic” nature of the design process, I learned how to establish and maintain my own sense of order, while also learning to make sense of and navigate many aspects of life. Over time, I came to realize that how I think is more important than what I think. I sincerely thank all my professors who guided and supported me throughout this journey.

After completing my undergraduate education, I plan to pursue a master’s degree, with the goal of developing a designer-academic profile that brings together academic research and design practice while contributing to the production and sharing of knowledge. At the same time, one of my long-term goals is to become part of a design team that embraces interdisciplinary thinking and a culture of collaboration, or to establish a team that works with the same spirit.

My years at OSTİM Technical University were a time when I accumulated more drawings than project boards and more plans than coffee cups. There were moments when I thought, “This journey will never end,” but looking back, I realize that it was the journey itself that shaped me. Filled with late nights in the studio, sleepless mornings, and plenty of Ctrl+Z, this experience taught me that architecture is not merely a profession, but a way of life.

These years gave me more than technical knowledge; they taught me patience, discipline, and the confidence to discover my own design identity. I came to understand that design is as much about emotion as it is about precision, and that spending days refining a single idea is an essential part of the creative process. I learned not to fear criticism, to stand behind my ideas, and to begin again whenever necessary. In short, this journey shaped not only the interior architect I have become, but also a more self-aware version of myself. (1)

Throughout this journey, where every submission became a test of character and every jury a small-scale philosophical inquiry, we designed ourselves just as much as we designed our projects. I would like to thank my family, friends, and professors who stood by me throughout this journey and never withheld their support. Each of them became an unseen architect of this story. Graduation is not an ending; it is simply the moment when the “render is complete.” The path of design is long, and the imagination is limitless… (2)

The four years I spent at OSTİM Technical University were an extremely valuable and enriching experience, not only academically but also in terms of my personal development. Thanks to the education I received in the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design, I gained both professional competence and a broader perspective. The knowledge I acquired, the disciplined work ethic I developed, and the meaningful relationships I built throughout this journey will continue to guide and inspire me in the years ahead.

In addition to the technical knowledge and aesthetic perspective I gained throughout my education, I had the opportunity to significantly develop my creative thinking skills. With each project, I learned to approach challenges from different perspectives, remain open to criticism, and adopt a solution-oriented mindset. With the guidance of our professors, I took important steps toward becoming not only an interior architect, but also an individual who researches, questions, and continuously strives to improve.

My years at OSTİM Technical University were a highly valuable experience that went far beyond acquiring professional knowledge, while also making a significant contribution to my personal development. The education I received in the Department of Interior Architecture and Environmental Design helped me develop disciplined work habits, explore different ways of thinking, and understand the multidimensional nature of design. Graduating as the second-ranked student in the faculty was a meaningful recognition of all the effort and perseverance I dedicated throughout this journey. Looking back, I can clearly see that my years here shaped me into not only a prospective interior architect, but also an individual who thinks critically, questions, and embraces the responsibility of creating and contributing. (1)

Throughout my undergraduate education, I had the opportunity to learn that interior architecture is not merely a field of aesthetic production, but also a discipline that develops solutions centered on people and the way they live. Project processes, jury experiences, technical courses, and teamwork taught me the importance of systematic thinking alongside creativity. At the same time, I gained valuable skills in time management, attention to detail, taking responsibility, and professional ethics. These four years not only laid the foundation for my professional competence but also strengthened my ability to express myself intellectually and creatively. (2)

Studying Interior Architecture at OSTİM Technical University has been a journey where I am learning not only to design with aesthetic considerations, but also to understand people, spaces, and emotions. Here, I am developing the awareness needed to become an interior architect who questions ideas, creates original solutions, and embraces design as a way of life.

My years at OSTİM Technical University were filled with valuable experiences. Throughout this journey, during which I developed both academically and socially, I learned a great deal from my esteemed professors and friends. The time I spent with my classmates, along with our courses and projects, strengthened our bonds and gave me new perspectives. This journey provided me with not only professional knowledge but also valuable skills such as problem-solving and teamwork. In addition to helping me develop time management and discipline, it also contributed greatly to the improvement of my communication skills. I would like to thank all my professors, friends, and family who were by my side throughout every moment of this wonderful journey.

My years at OSTİM Technical University were highly productive and enriching, both academically and in terms of my personal development. Thanks to its modern approach to education, well-equipped academic staff, and student-friendly environment, I had the opportunity to grow and develop myself. At the same time, I formed many meaningful friendships and created unforgettable memories.

Throughout this journey, I came to understand the importance of practical education alongside theoretical knowledge. Through project-based work, internship opportunities, and industry collaborations, I strengthened my professional skills. At the same time, I developed key competencies such as teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. It has been a journey that allowed me to discover my own potential. (1)

After graduation, I plan to start working for a company in my field and build my career on a strong foundation. In the medium term, I aim to pursue a master’s degree and further develop myself academically. At the same time, I aspire to continuously learn and grow while making meaningful contributions both personally and to society.

I would like to thank OSTİM Technical University and my esteemed professors for the knowledge and experience they have given us. I wish all my fellow graduates every success in their future endeavors. To future students, I would say: Believe in yourselves, remain open to learning, and make the most of every opportunity. (2)

When I first began my education, I struggled to understand what was happening during the first two months. I felt an incredible intensity and workload. At first, I found myself asking, “What is happening? How can the workload be this intense?” But over time, I adapted to this marathon and realized that the assignments were not actually as overwhelming as they had initially seemed; rather, I was simply unfamiliar with this kind of routine and lacked experience. The following years were much calmer and more peaceful. We were among the university’s second cohort of students. In the beginning, the campus was quiet and relaxed, but as new students joined, the university became considerably busier and more crowded. I recently heard the news about the construction of the new campus. I hope it is completed as soon as possible and that the level of activity and crowding reaches a more comfortable and optimal level.

It taught me how to design, how to use my time as efficiently as possible, and how to respond to challenges. Most importantly, it gave me the opportunity to meet wonderful professors and teaching assistants. I would like to thank each and every one of them. They always worked and made every effort for our benefit and well-being.

As an international Interior Architecture student, the years I spent throughout my education were highly enriching and inspiring for me, both personally and professionally. The relationships I built with students from different cultural backgrounds broadened my perspective and enriched my approach to design. Throughout my Interior Architecture education, I gained not only technical knowledge but also the ability to understand cultural diversity and develop sensitivity toward different perspectives. During this process, I had the opportunity to become closely acquainted with Turkish culture while also incorporating elements of my own cultural background into my design projects. The workshops and project-based courses provided by my university contributed greatly to the development of my practical skills and made it easier for me to keep up with the current dynamics of the industry.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to my esteemed Interior Architecture professors who guided me throughout this journey and always made me feel their support. Through their knowledge and experience, as well as their encouraging approach, they made a significant contribution to my academic development. Thanks to their dedication and commitment, I feel that I have grown professionally and am leaving this educational journey with a great sense of fulfillment. (1)

The four years I spent as an Interior Architecture student not only provided me with professional knowledge and skills, but also fundamentally transformed the way I think, my problem-solving abilities, and my sense of aesthetics. During this time, I learned how detailed and multidimensional the process of designing spaces in a functional, aesthetic, and user-oriented manner can be. Academically, I had the opportunity to develop myself in areas such as technical drawing, 3D modeling, materials knowledge, and building systems. Through the project-based education model, I learned how to generate ideas, develop and present them, while also gaining experience in remaining open to criticism and considering different perspectives. At the same time, my communication skills improved through teamwork, workshops, and presentations, while I gained valuable experience in time management and discipline. While incorporating my own cultural background into my projects, studying in Türkiye provided me with a different cultural perspective and enabled me to bring a more universal approach to my designs. (2)

The education I received over four years taught me how to see the world through different perspectives by placing people at the center of design. I learned to interpret spatial environments beyond the human body through the lenses of ergonomics, functionality, and aesthetics; to develop ideas throughout the design process; and to draw inspiration from a wide range of disciplines, including history, art, archaeology, and architecture. I learned the importance of dialectics and context, the significance of scale, how to use Neufert as a reference, how to develop and present concepts, communicate effectively, receive and embrace criticism, manage my time with discipline, and, above all, the value of excitement and passion.

Now, as I walk through every street and avenue, I find myself searching for beauty in every spatial form I encounter. Because I now see the entire world around me as a composition. With my eyes, mind, and hands, I am able to perceive and understand this environment in a deeper and more meaningful way. (1)

Today, I fully understand how valuable the critiques were and how meaningful every sentence spoken by our professors during those critiques has been. Each critique was, in its own way, a valuable insight into how to navigate the unknown challenges of the future. I can also say that the faculty’s overall educational approach is based on a holistic perspective. Conferences and our professors’ efforts to share their intellectual knowledge and experience make this approach truly effective. Throughout all four years, without exception, I was able to reach my academic advisor whenever I needed guidance and support. (2)

As we graduate from OSTİM Technical University, we are not simply completing an educational journey; we are taking the first steps into architecture’s never-ending journey of discovery. For me, Interior Architecture and Environmental Design has never been merely about walls, materials, and colors. I have always seen space as a quiet yet profound reflection of the people who inhabit it. A space breathes with the rhythm of the lives lived within it; when designed thoughtfully, even the corner of a room can hold an infinite sense of peace. At OSTİM Technical University, we did not learn only technical knowledge; we learned to understand the spirit of a space, the silent music of proportions, and how light can give meaning to a surface. When we say “less is more,” we are not referring solely to minimalism, but to the infinite possibilities found within simplicity. (1)

As I graduate today, I would like to summarize my approach to the profession with a simple yet powerful principle: a space should attain the purest form in which people can exist with a sense of peace and comfort. To achieve this, we must simplify materials, clarify function, and embrace simplicity in every detail. My vision is to contribute to a world where design gains value not through extravagance, but through honesty. Steel should exist authentically in its own weight, wood in its own texture, and light in its natural flow. Every project should be a reflection of this honesty. I would like to thank OSTİM Technical University for giving me this vision, my professors for guiding me throughout my journey, and my friends for inspiring me at every stage. (2)