Gokce earned dual Bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from Istanbul Technical University and is a certified LEED Green Associate, reflecting her strong commitment to sustainable design.
She has contributed to architectural design and construction management for major organizations including Amazon and the NYC Parks Department. Gokce played a key role in the installation of the largest green roof in the United States and contributed to landscape projects at ODA New York. Her dedication to sustainability was recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council, awarding her for her work on hurricane-resistant building design.
In addition to her professional design experience, Gokce is passionate about teaching architecture to children. She completed K–12 teacher training through the AIA NYC Chapter and volunteered at the Center for Architecture during many Family Days, helping kids and families with fun architecture activities. She also taught design classes in public schools and organizations across New York City.
In 2012, she founded arKIDect – School of Architecture for Kids, an educational initiative that makes architecture fun, hands-on, and inspiring for young learners. She developed a curriculum that integrates architecture and design with STEAM learning, supporting both homeschool and classroom environments.
Gokce draws her greatest inspiration from her 9-year-old daughter, who deepens her passion for education, creativity, and empowering the next generation of designers and problem-solvers.
‘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 Saygin, Founder of arKIDect
Learning through play instills a lifelong passion for exploration, setting a solid foundation for continuous growth.
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.
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!
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.
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.
To enlist our classes please visit the link below and fill the necessary information for us to contact you. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
arKiDect teaches a way of thinking to kids. Lasting learning occurs through play and carefully planned project work. We are very excited and passionate about teaching the next generation of builders!
Disclaimer:
At arKIDect, we’re passionate about inspiring young minds through architecture and design education. We are not a licensed architectural practice, and we do not offer architectural or construction services. All programs are educational and creative in nature.
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