CKMY Architects is an Istanbul-based architecture and design studio delivering refined, contemporary spaces through a clear and rational design approach. With international education backgrounds and experience in overseas projects, we integrate global perspectives into our local practice.
We work across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, focusing on functionality, context, and long-term value. Our process combines architectural discipline with strategic thinking, ensuring each project is carefully developed from concept to completion.
Committed to quality, precision, and sustainability, CKMY creates timeless environments designed to perform at an international standard.
Can KENDIR
Can Kendir (born 1976, İzmir) is an architect and designer educated in France and based in Turkey. He studied architecture at École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-La Villette (ENSAPLV), under the academic authority of the École des Beaux-Arts de Paris, and graduated in 2000 with the title of Architecte DPLG (Diplômé Par Le Gouvernement).
Between 1994 and 2000, alongside his studies, Kendir worked in Paris at AG Concept Architecture, where he later became an associate architect. During this period, he co-signed numerous private residential, office, and commercial projects with Arnaud Guvan, an award-winning Paris-based architect.
In 2006–2007, he collaborated with his family-owned practice, ASC Architecture, and co-signed The Gürel Residence, recognized as the first high-rise residential building in İzmir.
In 2011, he co-founded CKMY Architects with Mert Yılmaz in Istanbul, where he continues his architectural practice.
Mert YILMAZ
Emin Mert Yılmaz (born 1977, Istanbul) is an architect and designer educated in the United States and based in Turkey. He studied at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1999 and a Bachelor of Architecture in 2000.
Following his graduation, he worked in Boston as an assistant and project architect at the award-winning practice of Carlos Zapata, where he was involved in numerous significant private residential and commercial projects.
Between 2004 and 2006, he continued his professional career in Miami as a project architect at Zyscovich Architects, focusing on the design of large-scale residential high-rise buildings and mixed-use developments.
In 2006, he returned to Istanbul and became a partner in his family-owned design and construction practice, Yiltur, gaining hands-on experience in integrated design and execution processes.
In 2011, he co-founded CKMY Architects with Can Kendir in Istanbul, where he continues to contribute his international design background and multidisciplinary approach to the studio’s work.