Interview with Mr. Orçun Özkan
YOO Mimarlık, which delivers design, implementation, and contract projects, was later joined by seven additional companies operating on a global scale. Today, under the umbrella of Mimar Holding, these companies employ 450 people. According to Orçun Özkan, “From interior architecture, luxury retail, and hospitality to chain facility management, e-commerce, and information technologies, we are able to provide 360-degree services across multiple industries through the diverse business lines we have developed. We also export sustainable design and furniture solutions to 15 different countries.”
As Mimar Holding continues to grow, globalization remains at the center of its strategy. In addition to Istanbul, the group operates offices in five countries worldwide, including New York in the United States, Dubai in the MENA region, London in Europe, and Moscow in Russia.
Orçun Özkan states that within 14 years, they have become one of Türkiye’s leading companies providing interior architecture services to globally recognized brands, primarily abroad. “To date, we have been chosen by many internationally renowned premium brands for interior design and implementation services, allowing us to deliver countless projects,” he says. Some of their notable projects include stores and venues for Louis Vuitton, Bvlgari, Michael Kors, Fendi, Armani, Prada, Gucci, Loro Piana, Ralph Lauren, Longchamp, Brandroom, Galeries Lafayette, Beymen, as well as hospitality and commercial projects such as Zuma, Eataly, La Guérite, Nusr-Et, The St. Regis Hotel, D Maris Bay, the Facebook Istasyon Office, Kolektif House, the D’ream headquarters office, and the Tekfen Construction FNN Sustainability Center.
This year, Mimar Holding once again has numerous projects on its agenda. Özkan explains that among their active projects are the implementation works for The Peninsula Hotel within the Galataport Istanbul development, as well as two Japanese restaurant projects in Washington, D.C. — Akedo and Shoto — which are among their most significant projects in the United States. “In 2021, we want to further strengthen the steps we have taken as a brand expanding from Türkiye to the world, while increasing the number of projects we continue through the relationships we have established in America, Russia, Europe, and the Middle East,” he says.
The group aims to increase the share of exports in its annual revenue by 50 percent this year, focusing its growth on America, Europe, and the Middle East. “We will export the expertise and know-how we have gained in Türkiye to these regions,” says Orçun Özkan, adding: “Our partnership negotiations in these geographies are ongoing. The goal we have set for ourselves is to become one of the leading suppliers for luxury-segment projects across Europe, America, and Russia in short, everywhere.”
