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With 25 years in the business, founder of Deco Moore Studio, architect Banu Altay, brings her broad experience to London design life. She talks about success, luxury and sustainability in the world of modern architecture
As an award-winning architect, how do you define success?
Being a successful architect requires a combination of technical skills, creativity, communication abilities, business acumen and empathy â to understand clientsâ needs is vital. When we were doing our hotel and villa projects in the Middle East, we clearly understood  the importance of empathy. A successful architect must have strong communication skills, an understanding of design principles, building codes and regulations. Also, you should be able to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to design problems. Architects must be able to effectively communicate their design not only to clients, but also to contractors and other stakeholders. Architecture is a constantly evolving field and successful architects must stay current with the latest trends and technologies. Creativity and being solution oriented are the key factors.
How do you find Londonâs architectural heritage as an international architect?
I have lived and worked in London many years as an architect. This timeless city has always inspired me. Being an architect in London can be an exciting and rewarding experience. London is a hub for architecture and design, with a rich history of iconic buildings and a thriving contemporary architecture scene. As an architect, you have the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, from historical preservation to modern high-rise developments. I feel privileged to put my international experiences into practice in this historical city.
How do you combine luxury design with sustainability?
Sustainability and luxury architecture are two concepts that can go hand in hand. One example of sustainable luxury architecture is the use of green roofs, which are covered in vegetation and help to insulate buildings, reduce stormwater runoff, and provide habitats for birds and insects.
Another example is the use of renewable energy sources such as solar panels or geothermal heating and cooling systems, which reduce the buildingâs carbon footprint.
I personally follow and discover every technique and rule. And our clients really love to follow sustainability trends.
What else is on the agenda? Any exciting projects?
Currently, with my architectural team at Deco Moore Studio, we are working on both residential and commercial projects which are unique and exciting to design. Also, our new summer collection furniture and decoration lines are proving popular, and we are getting very good feedback. Hearing our customersâ satisfaction both in Europe and Middle East is our biggest reward.
