ZESA is a Datça & Istanbul based architecture studio founded by Zeynep Şankaynağı.
We intend not to be integrated into the conventional working structure.
We do not operate in a physical office.
We do not have set working hours.
We aim to practice architecture in an atmosphere that is as free of restrictions as possible.
ZEYNEP ŞANKAYNAĞI
FOUNDER, ARCHITECT
MIMAR SINAN FINE ARTS UNIVERSITY
She graduated first in her class from the Architecture Faculty of Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in 2008.
She has worked as an architect and then as a project manager in Erginoğlu & Çalışlar Architects from 2008 until 2014. Among the projects she has taken part there; Tarsus Sev Elementary School Campus won the 2010 National Architecture Award in the Project category and the 2016 National Architecture Award in the Building categor. Baku New Power Station, a finalist in Aga Khan Awards, also received the 2015 Iconic Awards in Germany. Doğa Dragos Project became a finalist at the 2012 World Architecture Festival. Palanga House where she played a key role in the project and design phase, won the 2017 WA Awards given by the World Architecture Community after having been selected to the Turkish Architecture Annual. Şankaynağı left Istanbul and moved to the small Mediterranean town of Datça in 2014. That same year she co-founded her first architectural practice ZAAS. After 7 successful years with ZAAS, she founded her own practice ZESA in 2021.