Pratt Institute's Miray Celikkol on Empathy, History, and Femmes of the Future

Miray Celikkol, an architecture student at Pratt Institute, blends her love for ancient history, public programs, and design. Her experiences, from participating in an archaeological dig at Knidos to volunteering at the UIA World Congress of Architects Copenhagen, shape her unique architectural perspective. Miray co-founded Femmes of the Future, advocating for women in design, and explored her skills in conservation and printmaking at the Scuola Internazionale di Grafica di Venezia. Passionate about community, she is also the Vice President of the AIAS Pratt Chapter.

JG: Why did you decide to study architecture?

MC: Since I was little, I have had a natural connection to making things and working with my hands. I have always 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, in which each year brought new adventures to Ephesus, Magnesia, Miletus, Hierapolis, and Knidos. 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.

Spatial analysis of Sixth Street House, looking at materiality and mechanics for representation course.

Model of market, specifically main buildings and the secondary grid structure.

What was the most significant project to you that you worked on in architecture school?

During my third academic year, I collaborated with Jiaxin Liu on a project situated in the vibrant intersection of the East Village, Bowery, Lower East Side, and Chinatown, within the initial stretch of Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Our project was a combination of a fresh food market and learning center, aimed to enrich the local students not only with access to fresh produce but also through a community resource kitchen. This communal space was designed to welcome the area's diverse population, including students and families across generations, encouraging gatherings and shared nourishment. We planned the kitchen and classrooms to be a hub for education in nutrition, culinary skills, and urban gardening, giving residents the knowledge to grow their own food.

This project served as a powerful example of how thoughtful architectural design can very directly influence urban areas and their residents, a lesson I carry forward in my ongoing work. Empowering residents with the knowledge and resources to grow their own food was another important aspect of the project I am particularly proud of. I learned so much about food access, agriculture and the urban landscape as well as that there is a big disparity around food resourcing and how important it is for families to know where their food comes from.

“We, as women, are all actively redefining the traditional paths that have existed previously...With these initiatives, the importance of preserving our past, the joy of educating our future, and the necessity of fostering inclusivity in our present, I feel a deep resonance with who I am.”

— Miray Celikkol

What are some of the initiatives you’ve focused on, and why?

I have found my passion in expressing human stories. My heart lies in the rich facets of history, particularly evident in my work at ancient sites like Knidos. There is something profoundly moving about excavating the same stones that were placed centuries ago, a feeling that viscerally connects me to the past. I believe in protecting these timeless monuments, ensuring their stories continue to inspire and teach others.

Recently, my involvement with the Center for Architecture's K-12 programs has opened my eyes to the boundless potential of architectural education. Working with the students has been an incredibly inspiring experience. Their optimism and vivid imaginations challenge me to think more creatively, especially about public programs and spaces. This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of public architecture to shape community. Volunteering in these residencies has been a powerful reminder that critical thinking and visual learning is a cross-generational vernacular.

In my involvement with Femmes of the Future, we have created a platform for architecture students to be exposed to the chorus of diverse voices in our field. We, as women, are all actively redefining the traditional paths that have existed previously. Every step we collectively take in this initiative is a step towards a more inclusive and vibrant design community, a goal that Madame Architect also articulates. With these initiatives, the importance of preserving our past, the joy of educating our future, and the necessity of fostering inclusivity in our present, I feel a deep resonance with who I am.

Tell me about Femmes of the Future! How did you start it with the group, what are the goals for it, and what are you most excited about for next year?

During our second year of college, five of my classmates and I were all vocalizing many of the shared experiences we had as young women trying to navigate the gendered structures of the architectural field. By having an open dialogue, we felt that we were not alone in our perspectives. We collectively decided to create a student-led platform dedicated to women in design, and that was Femmes of the Future. Since then, our mission has been to amplify diverse voices and redefine women's roles in the design industry, positioning them as leaders and mentors. The endeavor of true equality and empowerment of women is incredibly close to my heart and is something that we, as Femmes, have all committed to.

Looking towards the future, we are planning to introduce more mentorship programs and collaborative events. I am particularly enthusiastic about our upcoming workshops and panel discussions, which will provide another platform for students to interact with professionals. The current group of board members and I believe these interactions are crucial for growth and for reshaping the industry's narrative around women's roles and informing more young students about the path to licensure.

One of our key objectives is to extend our outreach to high school students. We want to open their eyes to the possibilities in architecture and design, showing them the variety of paths in these fields. We aim to inspire the next generation of women, providing them with the guidance and resources they need from an early stage.

Another exciting development for next year is our hope to transition into a nonprofit organization. This step will significantly enhance our ability to make a lasting impact. As a nonprofit, we will have more ways to develop comprehensive mentorship programs, hold educational workshops, and organize broader collaborative events.

Every initiative, every program we introduce, brings us closer to a world where women are not just part of the conversation in design but are leading it. Along with platforms like Madame Architect, we are not only moving towards our goals but also shaping a just future. This journey, filled with challenges and opportunities, is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we unite in the pursuit of equitable representation.

“I’m particularly drawn to firms that are engaged in retrofitting and preservation, as I see architecture as a sustainable conversation between the past and present. It’s exciting to think about working with practices that weave contemporary design into the historical fabric of buildings, creating spaces that are meaningful, narrative-rich, and environmentally mindful.”

— Miray Celikkol

When applying for and thinking about internships, what are you looking for in an architectural company?

In my pursuit of architectural internships, I am particularly attracted to firms that emphasize public programs and spaces. I believe that architecture is a medium for community engagement and storytelling. I'm particularly drawn to firms that are engaged in retrofitting and preservation, as I see architecture as a sustainable conversation between the past and present. It's exciting to think about working with practices that weave contemporary design into the historical fabric of buildings, creating spaces that are meaningful, narrative-rich, and environmentally mindful. In such a setting, I envision contributing to projects that focus on creating spaces embedded both in a community's history and future.

What do you hope to do in your career in general?

I want to express my love for warm spaces, landscapes where human connection can manifest. Intertwined with the knowledge of architectural history, I am inspired to make environments that feel gentle, a place of comfort and belonging. I envision spaces that resonate with laughter, contemplation, and shared stories, where the essence of human experience is felt.

What have you learned in the last six months?

It has been a ruminative and transformative last six months for me. The loss of my grandfather, a guiding light in my life, marked a period of grief and introspection. This experience has instilled within me a new found resilience and a trust in my intuition to pursue my dreams without hesitation. I have come to understand that grief and growth can coexist, each day bringing its own set of challenges and triumphs. I have learned to be more open, more accepting of life's unpredictabilities, and more appreciative of the moments we often take for granted.

Synergy: Pathways Panel, a collaboration between Gensler and Femmes, offering students a wider range of perspectives on possible career paths in architecture and design. Hosted at Studio 53 with students from PrattSoA, CCNY, Cornell and Cooper Union.

Who do you look up to? Both in terms of women in architecture, and in general.

I have the privilege of meeting with many incredible women. One such inspiration is my former Building Environments professor, Julie Torres-Moskovitz. Her pioneering work in Passive House design and energy performance is nothing short of remarkable. Beyond her professional achievements, she is an advisory board member to the Street Vendor Project in NYC.

I have also been fortunate to meet Melodie Yashar, who is a vital leader in space design and technology. Her groundbreaking work at ICON pushes boundaries towards inhabiting space environments. I have a real appreciation for Melodie’s genuine approach in her attitude about her work and her strong character. I cannot forget my mom, who has always been a beacon of inspiration. She has given the invaluable gift of self-belief and an open-minded outlook, qualities that have guided me throughout my personal and professional ambitions.

What advice would you give to those interested in studying architecture? Or those just starting their architectural education?

I would say to let your memories manifest in your passions, in your energy. Believe in the power of empathy and power of feeling. To empathize with others is the greatest gift we can share, and visual thinking is a universal language. Architecture is meaningful because it transcends the physical realm; it is a medium through which we can articulate the nuances of human emotions and interactions. Beside constructing spaces, studying architecture entails the cultivation of environments that resonate with the rhythms of life. Spaces are not just inhabited but they are deeply felt, lived. As architects we have now and will continue to have the unique privilege and responsibility to shape these experiences.