Selçuk Avcı has built a career balancing architectural theory and practice. A graduate of Bath University, his early formation in sustainable and multidisciplinary design includes working with Feilden Clegg Bradley Design, Energy Conscious Design Architects, and Arup Associates. He has lectured at the Architectural Association (AA), The Bartlett School of Architecture, Bath University and Delft Technical University, and has taught at Istanbul Technical University, Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, and Bilgi University in Turkey.

Avcı Architects was founded in London in 1988, later expanding operations to Türkiye, Italy, Slovenia, and beyond. The practice integrates cutting-edge sustainable design principles into projects across architecture, urbanism, and strategic planning and operating globally has delivered projects across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The LEED Platinum-certified Turkish Contractors Association HQ in Ankara achieved the highest sustainability score in its region. More recently, the Turkish Airlines Lounges at Istanbul Airport feature the kilometre-long parametric laminated timber ‘Flow Wall’ installation designed in collaboration with Softroom (UK).

In addition to leading Avcı Architects, he co-founded Urbanista, a strategic development consultancy for urban projects, and The Circle, a multidisciplinary collaborative platform that deliberately brings architects into dialogue with economists, philosophers, artists, and communities – the voices too often absent when consequential decisions about the built environment are made. Through The Circle, he has organised the bi-annual GEMSS Award (Emerging Architects Selection & Exhibition), championing young architects under 40 who represent the future of architecture in Turkey.

His work has received international recognition, including the RIBA Regional Award, the Queen’s Civic Trust Award, The Building Award in the UK, the Architizer A+ Awards, and the Sign of the City Best Architecture Award in Turkey. Avcı Architects was listed among Britain’s Top 50 Young Firms in 2001 and in 2019 was awarded ‘Design Centre’ status by the Turkish Ministry of Science, Industry and Technology.
Current projects include the Rimski Vrelec Spa Hotel in Slovenia – a CLT constructed wellness retreat under construction – and cross-generational housing studies with Urbanista. After 38 years of practice, his focus is increasingly on architecture that derives its purpose from more than the visual: from community, from sustainable action, from genuine need.

Architecture and Relevance