Founded in 1990, Tabanlıoğlu Architects is an internationally acclaimed architectural practice based in Istanbul. Building on a legacy rooted in modern architectural heritage, the firm develops thoughtful, contemporary design solutions that respond to context, culture, and climate. Its services span architecture, interior and landscape design, and urban planning across a wide range of typologies, including residential, commercial, hospitality, cultural, and infrastructural projects.
Led by Melkan Gürsel, the practice operates from its headquarters in Istanbul, with additional offices in Dubai and Doha. Tabanlıoğlu’s diverse portfolio includes award-winning projects across Turkey, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and Central Asia. The firm has received prestigious recognition from institutions such as RIBA, the Mies van der Rohe Foundation, and the Aga Khan Award for Architecture.
Committed to design excellence, the studio continuously explores the evolving relationship between people, environment, and technology. It aims to create spaces that contribute to the betterment of cities—offering enduring, accessible, and inclusive environments that leave a positive impact on the urban fabric.
Melkan Gürsel
Int’l. Assoc. AIA, Founding Partner
Melkan Gürsel studied architecture at Istanbul Technical University and completed her master’s degree at UPC, Barcelona. She joined Tabanlıoğlu Architects as partner in 1995 and has since led the firm to become one of the most respected and awarded architectural practices in the region and beyond.
Her work has been widely recognized, including being named among the “Europe 40 under 40” (2008) and “Fifty under Fifty: Innovators of the 21st Century” (2015). She has received multiple “Architect of the Year” awards from the Middle East Architect Awards and Big Project ME, and was ranked second on ME Architect’s “Power List” in 2018. Gürsel is also the only Turkish architect featured in Frauen in der Architektur, a publication celebrating 36 influential women architects worldwide.
In addition to her architectural work, she has created installations for international design events including the London Design Festival, Milan Fuorisalone, London Design Biennale, and Dubai Design Week. Gürsel regularly serves on international juries, such as the Dezeen Awards, and contributes to the academic and professional community through lectures and mentoring.
She is a Board Member of several institutions, including the Istanbul Technical University Foundation, Istanbul Modern Museum, and the Baksı Museum. Gürsel is also a partner at the contemporary art gallery Galerist and a contributor to ArchUnlimited Magazine.
