About Us

Who are we?

Hi there!

I am Gokce. Being an architect was my dream since I was 6 and I made it real!

I have been very lucky to travel around the world to see various architectural wonders. I worked on several design projects, but I never forgot about the little girl dreaming about buildings.

I’m an architect in the busy center of New York City. In 2010, I started arKiDect because I love both building and helping young people learn.Through hands-on experiences, this program gives kids the chance to learn about, discover, and love the fascinating world of architecture.

My 7-year-old daughter Maya is without a doubt the biggest reason I’m doing arKiDect. Every day, I get to see her natural curiosity and unbridled creativity, which reminds me that learning is a process that lasts a lifetime and is made better by what the younger generation knows.

One of the most interesting things about arKiDect is

the art of teaching building through making things.

By making models, sketching designs, and experimenting with different materials, kids not only learn about architecture but also improve their fine motor skills, sense of space, and attention to detail.

Using play to teach people how to solve problems is another important part of the arKiDect philosophy. Through a mix of interactive games and puzzles, kids are urged to face problems head-on, which helps them learn to think critically and analyze things. They help kids learn about space, stability, and design aesthetics at an early age.

The magic happens as they turn their ideas into real things.

This gives kids a sense of success and inspires their creativity.

Yet, even though I’m a teacher, my daughter Maya and I are on a learning journey together. Her insatiable desire to learn makes me look at architecture in a new way, rethink old ideas, and appreciate the pure wonder that comes easily to children.

This reminds me in a humble way that sharing knowledge is a two-way street, and that the young minds I teach have just as much to offer as the skills I teach them.

In effect, arKiDect not only teaches people about architecture, but it also helps them develop life skills that go far beyond blueprints and buildings. It’s a great example of how imagination, play, and the desire to learn can have a lasting effect on both children and adults.

Through this project, I hope to help raise a new breed of creative thinkers, problem-solvers, and artists who will shape the future of architecture and other fields.

Gökce Saygin-Batista
Mother/Architect/Educator

What we do?

Learning through play instills a lifelong passion for exploration, setting a solid foundation for continuous growth.

Architecture Classes

Private | Group

arKIDect offers architecture classes for kids, with options for both private one-on-one sessions and group classes.

Private lessons are crafted to customize the learning journey for each student, considering their unique strengths, needs, skills, and interests. Meanwhile, our group classes focus on developing teamwork skills and promoting collaboration among participants.

Education Consultation

For Schools & Organizations

Welcome to our Instructor Training Program, where we will equip your team with the skills and knowledge to effectively teach architecture to children. This program is designed to make learning engaging, fun, and educational for young minds.

Join us to spark the imaginations of young learners through the captivating realm of architecture!

Afterschool Programs

We bring arKIDect’s unique K-12 workshops into public, private and charter schools. Our experienced educators guide students through the principles of architecture, teaching them about design concepts, spatial awareness, sustainability, and the use of technology in the field. Our program encourages students to collaborate, problem-solve, and think creatively.

Let's learn, design & play together

To enlist our classes please fill the necessary information below for us to contact you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.