contact


Email: mcelik18@pratt.edu
Instagram : miraycelikkoll





a bit about me


From a young age, I have been captivated by the layers of stories and knowledge embedded within architectural history. My earliest summers were spent in the warm embrace of my grandparents' home, a tradition that became the gateway to my lifelong fascination with ancient sites. Each year brought new adventures to Ephesus, Magnesia, Miletus, Hierapolis, and Knidos. These excursions transformed from mere visits to profound learning experiences as I grew. With my grandfather as my guide, we would wander the remnants of bygone eras, where I learned to appreciate the delicate interplay between ancient architectural systems and the human psyche.

In an exciting update to my journey, this past summer I participated in an archaeological dig at Knidos, enriching my connection with one of the very sites that sparked my passion. This hands-on experience deepened my understanding of the complexities involved in preserving monumental structures, allowing me to be a part of the story I have always cherished.

Beyond the ancient world, my creative pursuits branch into the realms of cinema and music. I'm an ardent cinema enthusiast, immersing myself in the art of visual storytelling, while my love for music sees me weaving narratives through melodies and rhythms. Travel, too, is a constant in my life, an endless source of inspiration and a means to gather the eclectic influences that shape my perspective on design and creativity.

education


brown university
_global engagement course
_summer 2018

architectural association of istanbul
_urban dreams program
_summer 2019

kinnelon high school
_highschool diploma
_class of 2020

pratt school of fine arts
_conservation and restoration in art and architecture course
_printmaking course

pratt institute school of architecture
_bachelor of architecture
_ 2025 (in process)


experience


ODA Architecture
design intern (Feburary 2018 to June 2018)

_working with architects and interior designers on developing _design schemes
_drafting plans
_building relationships with clients
_assisting the financial department with organization and archiving system
_selecting materials and samples for interiors

ArchNative
architecture and design editor (May 2022 to current)

_interviewing fellow women in the field of architecture, design, construction and real estate development
_responsible for social media and marketing
_creating content and outreach platforms
_organizing collective events and pannels for students and industry members

Teaching Assitant at Pratt School of Archiecture
_Technics 101
_Design 101

Pratt PI-FAB Production Facilities
Laser Shop Monitor
September 2022-current

_ instructing students from various academic levels on the usage of laser cutters and vaccuform machinery at the Pratt Institute Fabrication center

Femmes of The Future (https://femmesofthefuture.cargo.site/)
Co-Founder 
September 2022-current

  • Leadership: Guiding the strategic direction of the organization to ensure it aligns with our mission of promoting women as active leaders and mentors in the design industry.
  • Program Development: Designing and implement innovative programs and services that advance education, leadership, and mentorship among cross-generational scholars within the design community.
  • Advocacy: Serving as a leading voice and advocate for gender equality in design, working to dismantle social constructs that hinder the advancement of women.
  • Networking and Partnerships: Building and nurture relationships with industry partners, educational institutions, and other organizations to support and advance our mission.


AIAS Pratt Chapter  (https://aiaspratt.cargo.site/)
Vice President of AIAS
2023-2024

  • Leadership Assistance: Acting as a secondary executive within the chapter, stepping in for the President when necessary, and assist in leading chapter meetings and initiatives.
  • Program Development: Collaborating with the President and other board members to develop compelling programs and events that promote the educational and professional development of chapter members.
  • Member Engagement: Working to increase membership and active participation within the chapter, developing strategies to engage students and faculty effectively.
  • Event Coordination: Assisting in the planning and execution of chapter events, including lectures, workshops, networking events, and any other AIA-associated activities.
  • Outreach: Establishing and maintain relationships with other AIA chapters, professional firms, and industry partners to create opportunities for collaboration and sponsorship.
  • Advocacy: Advocating for the interests of Pratt architecture students within the larger framework of the AIA, ensuring their needs and voices are represented.

softwares

__________rhino
_______sketchup
____adobe illustrator
__adobe photoshop
____adobe indesign
_______autocad
_______revit
_____grasshopper
_______twin motion

design in crisis and change


The world is a living canvas, continually evolving with each new stroke that time and human ingenuity add to its vast tableau. Keeping pace with this ever-changing landscape is a challenge ripe with learning and insights.

In the realm of art and architecture, the true essence lies in drawing inspiration from people and creating spaces that resonate with community spirit. I hold a deep belief in the wisdom of the ancient world. Our interactions with artifacts are conversations with history, as these are tangible compilations of memories and passions.

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My academic and professional journey has been a mosaic of vibrant experiences, each enriching my perspective on architecture and its symbiotic relationship with urban culture. As part of the Urban Dreams TMMOB program, I delved into the complex layers of Istanbul's urban fabric, critically analyzing the impacts of "urban renewal" and gentrification on the city's vitality. This experience sharpened my understanding of the delicate balance between development and the well-being of urban communities.

In a quest to bridge my love for art with architectural practice, I immersed myself in the venerable art of printmaking in Venice. At the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica di Venezia, I honed my craft using ancient materials and techniques, with a mindful eye on sustainability. This melding of old and new in a city marked by its historical resilience against the elements left a lasting impression on my design philosophy.

Further broadening my international experience, this summer I volunteered at the UIA World Congress of Architects in Copenhagen. There, I played an integral role in organizing and guiding tours of the pavilions, facilitating the exchange of innovative ideas among professionals from around the globe. These encounters have been invaluable, providing me with a tapestry of insights into diverse architectural traditions, environmental considerations, and the intrinsic value of community engagement.

Currently, as I enter the fourth year of my bachelor's degree in architecture with a minor in museum and gallery practices at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, I carry with me this eclectic array of experiences. They are not just memories, but lessons that continue to shape my approach to the built environment and its resonance with the human experience.