Professional Overview
Onur Ekmekci is an accomplished Associate Senior Urban Designer with extensive experience in shaping vibrant and sustainable urban environments. He specializes in innovative urban design and planning strategies, blending his expertise in architecture, research, and stakeholder engagement to drive transformative projects.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As an Associate Senior Urban Designer at HOK in San Francisco, Onur leads multidisciplinary teams in developing visionary master plans and design solutions for complex urban redevelopment initiatives. He collaborates closely with municipal authorities, developers, and community stakeholders to ensure that his designs balance economic, social, and environmental considerations.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Onur served as a Senior Urban Designer at HOK, where he played a pivotal role in several high-profile urban design projects. He also held a Senior Urban Designer position at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), leveraging his expertise in urban research and planning to drive innovative strategies for transforming cities.
Earlier in his career, Onur worked as an Urban Design and Planning Researcher at The City Form Lab, where he contributed to groundbreaking research on post-bubble urban strategies. He also gained valuable experience as a Junior Architect at Tsao & McKown Architects and Curtis+Ginsberg Architects, honing his design skills and understanding of the built environment.
Academic Background
Onur holds a Master of Science in Sustainable Urban Planning and Design from the KTH Royal Institute of Technology. He also earned a masterclass certificate in "Radicalizing the Local: Post–Bubble Urban Strategies" from the Berlage Institute in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and completed post-graduate studies in CIAM Urbanism and "Cities of Tomorrow" at the Bauhaus Kolleg in Dessau, Germany. His educational background provides a strong foundation in sustainable urban design, research, and innovative planning approaches.
Areas of Expertise
- Expertise in sustainable urban design and planning
- Proficiency in leading multidisciplinary teams and stakeholder engagement
- Analytical skills in urban research and data-driven decision-making
- Adept at developing visionary master plans and design solutions
- Proven experience in transforming cities and communities
Professional Impact
Onur's work has had a significant impact on urban environments, contributing to the revitalization of underutilized areas and the creation of vibrant, livable cities. His leadership in high-profile projects and his industry contributions have earned him recognition as a thought leader in the field of urban design and planning.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, academic background, and proven track record of delivering transformative urban design solutions, Onur Ekmekci is poised to continue shaping the future of urban environments, driving sustainable and community-focused development that enhances the quality of life for all.
