Simzer Kaya - Founder SK Architects / Lead Architect Simzer Kaya
“Every person is born into life as a blank page and every person leaves life as a full book.”
Christina Baldwin
Simzer Kaya was born on December 23, 1985, in Kyrenia, Cyprus, alongside her twin brother, into a supportive and nurturing family. Growing up on the island, surrounded by nature and encouraged by educated parents who valued freedom of speech and expression, shaped her into a social and engaged individual.From a young age, Simzer developed a deep love for the island’s nature. At just four years old, she took up a pencil and began drawing the first step in a lifelong journey. Inspired by trees, people, buildings, and the harmony of life, she discovered her passion for imagining and creating living spaces. Her motto has always been to start a building on paper and bring it to life, thereby touching people’s lives and creating happiness.
Simzer’s affinity for sports began at age seven, leading her to become an award-winning tennis player. Alongside her physical pursuits, she nurtured her artistic side through music, becoming a certified pianist and continuing to compose music, which she describes as capturing moments in sound.She completed her primary and secondary education in Kyrenia and pursued higher education in Famagusta, Cyprus. Driven by her passion, she studied Architecture at Eastern Mediterranean University, determined to become a respected, trusted, and successful architect. Her artistic spirit and desire for knowledge led her to earn a Master’s degree in Design from The University for the Creative Arts in Kent, UK, focusing on “Characterised Designs According to Different Personalities and Psychologies”. This study emphasized the importance of understanding individuals to design spaces that foster belonging and attachment.
In 2009, Simzer opened her own office in Kyrenia, quickly establishing herself as a respected professional. Her portfolio includes custom residential, commercial, industrial, and interior design projects.
Committed to advancing architectural standards on the island, she served on the administrative board of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Architects from 2014 to 2024, and acted as General Secretary between 2020 and 2024. In 2015, she coordinated the “Continuous Professional Development Centre (CPDC) for Architects” project, funded by the European Union, which remains a leading educational platform for architects and related professionals.Alongside her voluntary duties, Simzer is the Lead Project Manager at ISI Metal Steel Co. Ltd., a renowned steel frame construction company in Northern Cyprus. Influenced by her engineer father, who founded the company, she is at the forefront of integrating engineering innovation with architectural design.
In 2016, she began lecturing part-time at the Faculty of Architecture, Cyprus American University. From 2018 to 2022, she taught final-year students at her alma mater, Eastern Mediterranean University.
Simzer’s passion for travel and exposure to diverse cultures continuously broadens her perspective, enriching her design approach. She actively participates in international seminars and fairs to stay connected with global trends and innovations.
Her work has been recognized internationally with numerous awards, including multiple Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Awards at the International Architecture & Design Awards (IADA) between 2023 and 2025, honoring projects such as the CBM Headquarters, A&S Luxury Home, O&T House, O.T.19, and D|M House. Additionally, she received the Best Luxury Villa Architecture Award at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2025 for the R&F Luxury Villa in Bellapais, Kyrenia.
Looking ahead, she dreams of creating an Art and Culture Centre on the island, providing a platform for talented artists to exhibit their work and fostering cultural growth and creativity in Cyprus.
Simzer Kaya is driven by passion and creativity, constantly designing life scenarios and welcoming new ideas without limits.