Simge Çil, architect+researcher
Simge Çil is an architect+researcher based in Istanbul. She received a BA in Architecture from Istanbul Bilgi University in 2019. After graduation, she worked at national and international offices and participated in various competition projects.
She completed her master’s degree at Istanbul Bilgi University in the History, Theory, and Criticism in Architecture program. Her master’s thesis, titled “Traces of Antiquity in Collective Memory: Narrative of the Ancient City at Side,” focuses on the relationship between memory, space, and urban narratives.
Since 2025, she has been pursuing her PhD at Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Architecture, in the Architectural Design Doctoral Program. Her current research interests include collective memory, historic urban landscapes, architectural representation, and critical approaches to heritage and urban transformation.
EDUCATION
Istanbul Technical University
Architecture Faculty, Graduate, Istanbul.
Program: The Architectural Design Doctor of Philosophy, Phd. Ongoing.
Istanbul Bilgi University
Architecture Faculty, Graduate, Istanbul.
Program: History and Theory of Architecture, M. Arch. December 2025.
Thesis: “Traces of Antiquity in Collective Memory: Narrative of the Ancient City at Side.”
Thesis Advisor: Dr. İdil Üçer Karababa
GPA: 4.00
Istanbul Bilgi University
Architecture Faculty, Undergraduate, Istanbul.
Program: Architecture, B.Arch(Architect); June 2019.
GPA: 3.34 (Honour List)
Palacký University in Olomouch
Central Europe: History & Culture - Architecture & Society Summer School
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS
Çil, S. (2026) “Traces of Antiquity in Collective Memory: Narrative of the Ancient City at Side”
Paper accepted for presentation at the 28th Annual International Congress of the Mediterranean Studies Association, Thessaloniki, Greece.
PROJECTS I ACTIVITIES
In Situ I Konya: Terra Sancta, 2023-Ongoing
In Situ: Terrains and Itineraries
“Konya: Terra Sancta” is the working team for the Konya - Terra Sancta project (2023-ongoing), comprising a core group of seven researchers.
Elif Kendir Beraha, Ceren Balkır Övünç, Nilay Yurtsever, Seda Kurt Şengün, Baha Yurttaş, Elif Aybüke Turgut, Simge Çil.
https://www.insitu-itineraria.com/
Space Talks.
Space Talks (Mekan Konuşmaları) seminar series organized by the students of Istanbul Bilgi University Graduate Programs in Architecture.
Assistance has been arranged for talks numbered 99 to 106 in partnership with the Space Talks team.
No.106 Marcelo Spina “Mute Icons & Other Recent Works"
No.105 Tolocar: Konstantin Leonenko “Making Sense Through Making Things”
No:104 Architecture for All Association “Post-Disaster Reconstruction Plan”
No:103 Tarık Şengül "Istanbul/Marmara Earthquake and Resilience: Towards a Multi-Layered/Multi-Dimensional/Multi-Scalar/Multi-Actor Definition and Strategy"
No:102 Bünyamin Derman "Hatay: Her Zamanın Eşsiz Kenti"
No: 101 Itır Erhart "Rebuilding the City and Life After Disaster”
No: 100 Speakers: Bilge Bal, Büşra Al, Caner Bilgin, Deren Uysal, Dilara Sezgin, Hande Ciğerli, Meriç Öner, Oğulcan Üneşi, Seçkin Maden, Seda Gecü “Pecha Kucha Night”
No:99 Emir Drahşan "Girişimci Mimar"
Istanbul Bilgi University End of the Year Exhibition. 2024
assistant organizer.
EXPERIENCE
Academic
Teaching and Administration Assistant
Istanbul Bilgi University Architecture Faculty. Istanbul. Oct'23 - Jul'24
Fall’23-24 assisted courses: Building Materials and Technologies I.
Principles of Conservation and Restoration.
Architectural Design V.
Fall’23-24 assisted courses: Building Materials and Technologies II.
Introduction to Architecture.
Architectural Design VI.
Professional
2023-26 Self-Employed Architect
Dental Clinic, Antalya: Interior Design (Completed)[i]
Apartment Units in Munich, Munich: Interior Design (Completed)[ii]
Boutique Hotel in Rize, Rize: Interior Design & Project Implementation (ongoing)[iii]
2022-23 Hande Köksal Interiors; Istanbul, Architect
Levazım Residence, Istanbul: Interior Design & Project Implementation (Completed)
Nidapark Residence, Istanbul: Interior Design & Project Implementation (Completed)
2021-22 OZA Design; Istanbul, Architect
Galata Residence, Istanbul: Interior Design & Project Implementation (Completed)
Cranleigh Lodge, London: Interior Design & Project Implementation (Completed)
Doro Apartment, London: Interior Design & Project Implementation (Completed)
Sep’21 Walks for Spatial Justice: Salacak
curator with Sinan Logie
2020 Koop Architects; Istanbul, Architect,
Golden Horn Coast Design Competition, Istanbul; National Architectural Project Competition, (3rd Place)
Salacak Coast Design Competition, Istanbul; National Architectural Project Competition, (Shortlisted)
[i] designed in collaboration with Interior Architect Gizem Çalışkan.
[ii] designed in collaboration with Hande Köksal Interiors.
[iii] designed and implemented in collaboration with Dank Design.
ACHIEVEMENTS
2024 Cranleigh Lodge, London; The Best Global Project by Maison Française Türkiye with OZA Design
2020 Golden Horn Coast Design Competition, Istanbul; National Architectural Project Competition, (3rd Place)
with Yusuf Burak Dolu, Fatma Sezgin, Simge Çil, Beyza Emir, Firdevs Ünal, Pelin Yıldız, Sıla Bozdeveci, Serkan Ateş
https://konkur.istanbul/halic//
2020 The Path, Amsterdam; Frame Awards, People’s Choice Trade-Fair Stand of the Year, (Winner) with Yerce Architects