About Us
Established Legacy, Evolving Vision
Founded in 1976 by Cavit Sarıoğlu, Metex Design / Architects began as a visionary practice bridging its dual presence in Istanbul and Rome offices. From the outset, the firm positioned itself at the intersection of architecture and interior architecture, delivering innovative and high-caliber design services across borders.
A significant transformation occurred in 1991 with the arrival of Sinan Kafadar, bringing a dynamic shift towards inventive thinking and visionary leadership to the firm. By 2000, Kafadar had become the sole partner, leading Metex into an era of global expansion and trust-based client relationships that span over two decades. In 2021, architect Didem Çalışkan Gençsoy joined as a partner, injecting the practice with new energy and momentum. Together, they form a leadership team that values tradition while actively embracing change.
A New Model: The Studio System
With the completion of Metex’s new headquarters in Levazım, Beşiktaş, the increased operational capacity created the opportunity to adopt a new working strategy—transitioning to a studio-based structure under the umbrella of solution partnership. This format organizes the practice into smaller, specialized studios—each with its own design focus, team size, and expertise. Projects are assigned strategically, aligning each studio’s strengths with the unique demands of the brief. This approach increases agility, fosters healthy creative competition, and ensures that resources are used with maximum efficiency. While each studio operates with a degree of independence, they remain interconnected, sharing ideas, knowledge, and technical resources across the practice. This balance between specialization and collaboration allows Metex to deliver highly tailored, context-sensitive solutions without sacrificing overall coherence and quality.
Design Philosophy and Disciplines
Metex offers services in architecture, interior architecture, urban planning, and design consultancy. Project typologies include hospitality, residential, healthcare, office, retail, education, and cultural buildings.The firm’s core principles can be distilled into three words — Embracing – Original – Innovative — guiding every aspect of its creative and operational approach. Each project begins with a deep understanding of time, place, and context, respecting existing values while pushing the boundaries of the brief and envisioning what comes next. With a philosophy of;
“Design That Functions,”
Metex prioritizes solutions that are both rational and creative, using materials chosen for their sustainability, production methods, and long-term durability.
The practice has completed projects in over 15 countries, including the UK, Germany, Russia, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Libya, Egypt, Israel, Iran, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Congo, and Azerbaijan. Rather than imposing a fixed style, Metex draws inspiration from each location’s cultural, architectural, and construction traditions, blending them with its own identity.
Our Future – Rooted in Experience, Powered by Youth
Metex continues to evolve, fueled by its wealth of experience and its passion for working with the next generation. With a young and dynamic team, the firm leverages emerging technologies and fresh perspectives to drive innovation. Our goal is to strengthen the legacy of trust we’ve built over the past 35 years—while expanding the reach of the Metex brand on both regional and international platforms.
