Gokce Saygin Batista, Founder
Assoc. AIA, LEED GA

Gokce earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from Istanbul Technical University and is also a certified LEED Green Associate, demonstrating her commitment to sustainable design.

She has managed architectural designs and construction for major companies like Amazon and the NYC Parks Department. She has also contributed to biggest green roof installation of USA  and landscape design at ODA New York. Her dedication to sustainability was recognized when she received the USGBC Award for her work on hurricane-resistant building design.

In addition to her professional work, Gokce is passionate about teaching architecture to kids. She completed K-12 teacher training with the AIA NYC Chapter in 2014 and has taught design and architecture in public schools and educational organizations across NYC.

In 2012, Gokce founded arKIDect, School of Architecture for Kids, where she helps children learn about architecture and design in a fun and creative way. She developed a curriculum integrating architecture with STEAM education, supporting both homeschool and classroom learning. Through her work in both architecture and education, Gokce continues to inspire young minds and promote sustainable, innovative design. she draws her greatest inspiration from her 9-year-old daughter, who has made her more passionate about creativity, education, and the next generation of architects than ever before.

Education

  • Istanbul Technical University – Bachelor Of Architecture
  • Istanbul Technical University – Bachelor Of Landscape Architecture
 

USA Work Experience

  • Amazon– Designing Amazon warehouses was fun!
  • NYC Parks & Rec – Proud to contribute to NYC’s public architecture.
  • Falcon Engineering – The best engineers and drone work.
  • ODA Architecture – Designed the largest rooftop in the USA.
  • Ecobuild – Where my sustainability journey and awards began.
 

Professional Training

  • U.S Green Building Council | LEED GA
  • Green Roof Professional Certification
  • Forest School Teacher Training
  • Montessori Teacher Training
  • Horticulture, NYC Botanical Garden
  • Permaculture Accelerated Training

One of the most fun things about arKiDect is

teaching STEAM through architecture in a fun and engaging way.

‘I’ve been fortunate to travel the world, explore incredible architectural wonders, and work on a variety of design projects. But I’ve never forgotten the little girl who, at six years old, dreamed of becoming an architect—she’s the one who started arKIDect

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.

I am looking forward to meeting you. Let’s design, play and learn together!’

Gokce

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.

Instructor Coaching

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.