Who Are We?

Gökçe Saygın

Founder, LEED GA

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.

Education

Istanbul Technical University – B.Arch (Architecture)
Istanbul Technical University – B.L.Arch (Landscape Architecture)

Work Experience

2021- Amazon – Design Manager
Contributed to the design strategy and coordination of high-efficiency warehouse facilities, focusing on functionality, sustainability, and team collaboration.
2017- NYC Parks & Recreation – Project Manager
Managed public space improvement projects, supporting the enhancement of green infrastructure and sustainable park development across New York City.
2015- Falcon Engineering – Project Manager
Worked closely with engineers to support innovative design approaches and explore drone-integrated solutions for site analysis and planning.
2014- ODA New York – Green Roof Designer
Played a key role in the design and implementation of the largest green roof installation in the U.S., blending sustainable design with urban ecology.
2012- Ecobuild – Sustainability Director
Led sustainability-focused design initiatives and environmental strategies that earned national recognition and awards for innovation and resilience.

Design Awards

R3Build, U.S. Green Building Council – 2nd Place
3C Comprehensive Coastal Communities – Public Vote Champion
69/70 Urban Design Competition, Utah
Rebuild by Design, Coastal Resilience – Finalist
Bursa Kızyakup Public Park Design – Honorable Mention
Design for Happiness, Junk Playground Design for Kids – Honorable Mention
Leonardini, Wood Toy Design – Honorable Mention

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