Ornela BONJAKU GÖKDEMİR
Istanbul,Ataşehir
Summary
SENIOR ARCHITECT | COUNTRY MANAGER | PROJECT DIRECTOR
20+
Years of International Experience
6
Countries
1.3M+ m²
Projects Delivered
10+
Landmark International Projects
250K m²
EXECUTIVE PROFILE
Senior Architect, Country Manager, and Project Director with 20+ years of international experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering complex, large-scale developments across Europe and Central Asia. Proven expertise in overall project execution, client representation, design and construction coordination, contract administration, and project controls, with a strong focus on budget, schedule, quality, and successful delivery. Experienced in leading international teams and coordinating clients, consultants, contractors, and stakeholders across high-rise, mixed-use, hospitality, healthcare, and transportation developments.
Overview
6
6
Languages
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Country Manager
MABETEX GROUP - Mabco Construction SA
Istanbul, Turkey
01.2022 - Current
- Led country operations and project delivery, managing office setup, client representation, multidisciplinary design and construction coordination, contract administration, budget and schedule management, and international team leadership across major developments in Mongolia, Albania, Kazakhstan, and Switzerland, including Zalaat Tower, Vlora International Airport, Konaeva Congress Hall, National Emergency Hospital, COOP Olympic Training Center, and La Romantica Hotel.
- Identified and resolved complex customer issues, maintaining a positive company image and client trust.
- Streamlined operational processes, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and practices.
- Managed relationships with key clients, resulting in increased loyalty and contract renewals.
Partner
WETEK Project and Consultancy Ltd.
01.2017 - Current
- Oversaw the firm's financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
- Directed office setup and operations, overseeing financial management, budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and financial reporting to ensure operational efficiency.
- Developed company goals and targets based on previous performance and predicted forecasts.
- Developed and maintained excellent client and commercial contact relationships to maintain and expand firm's client base.
Project Manager
RGG Architects Inc.
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Led multidisciplinary design coordination (Architectural, MEP & Interior)
- Managed project planning, technical reviews, budget, and construction organisation to align with project goals
- Coordinated external consultants and design teams throughout all project phases
- Oversaw design development and technical documentation to ensure timely project delivery
- Ensured quality control and compliance with project objectives through consistent reporting
Consultant
MABETEX GROUP - Mabco Construction SA
01.2019 - 01.2022
- Coordinated between architectural firms and manufacturers, overseeing technical and commercial negotiations, supplier engagement, quotation processes, and proposal presentations. Evaluated technical solutions and commercial offers, facilitated stakeholder discussions, and supported selection of suitable suppliers and project solutions.
Design Office Executive Head Architect
İstanbul İmar LTD. ŞTİ.
Istanbul, Turkey
01.2017 - 01.2020
- Led Design Office operations and multidisciplinary teams, managing concept development, feasibility, technical design, integrated coordination, quality, budget, and project delivery. Directed external consultant relationships and facilitated cross-disciplinary collaboration, aligning design and delivery strategies from concept through construction with project objectives, commercial requirements, quality standards, and schedules.
Design Office Executive Director
Renaissance Construction
Küçükyalı
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Managed multidisciplinary design teams through all project phases, ensuring cohesive collaboration and project alignment
- Oversaw technical design, value engineering, budget, schedule, and quality across all project phases to maintain project integrity and standards
- Directed architectural, structural, MEP, façade, interior, and landscape coordination to ensure integrated project delivery
- Coordinated contractors, consultants, and site teams to ensure timely project execution and adherence to technical specifications
- Led the delivery of a 250,000 m² mixed-use development
Design Office Executive Director
Ege Yapı
Istanbul, Turkey
12.2014 - 10.2017
- Led multidisciplinary design teams through all project phases, ensuring cohesive vision and effective implementation
- Managed technical design, value engineering, budget, schedule, and design quality across all project phases
- Managed technical design, value engineering, and design quality, aligning budget and schedule with project objectives
- Led coordination with clients, consultants, contractors, and site teams, ensuring successful project execution and strategic decision-making
- Directed delivery of large-scale residential and mixed-use developments, achieving successful project outcomes
Implementation & Design Project Director
Sur Yapı
Istanbul, Turkey
01.2012 - 12.2014
- Directed multidisciplinary design teams and technical coordination across all project phases
- Oversaw design quality, budget, schedule, value engineering, and project execution
- Managed stakeholder coordination, fostering collaboration to achieve timely delivery and uphold technical excellence
- Led end-to-end delivery of complex architectural developments, aligning project objectives with client vision
MA Architect
CAG Architecture Workshop
Ankara
01.2010 - 12.2011
- Directed end-to-end delivery of complex architectural projects from concept to construction
- Oversaw technical design, construction planning, and value engineering to optimise project outcomes.
- Integrated architectural, structural, MEP, façade, and specialist disciplines for cohesive project execution.
- Coordinated stakeholder engagement and site activities to ensure integrated project delivery.
MA Architect, Architectural Acoustics, Design and Consulting
MEZZO Stüdyo
Ankara
01.2009 - 12.2010
- Delivered architectural acoustics design, acoustic simulations, and performance assessments using Odeon for major transportation, educational, cultural, sports, and public facilities.
- Contributed to notable projects including Heydar Aliyev Cultural Centre (Zaha Hadid), Baku; Istanbul Metro Stations; Ankara Arena; Al Fateh University, Libya; and various educational and cultural facilities.
- Developed 3D acoustic models and wall insulation studies, producing technical reports to inform design decisions under the consultancy of Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çalışkan.
Country Manager
YPU (Yapı Proje Uygulama)
Ankara
01.2007 - 01.2008
- Produced architectural design, technical documentation, and implementation drawings for educational, commercial, institutional, and residential developments, covering concept, schematic, and detailed design phases.
- Highlighted key projects: Gaziantep University Campus (educational buildings), SESRIC Headquarters, Kadıköy Shopping Center & Municipality Wedding Palace, Tekçelik Missistanbul Residential Development
- Engaged with team members to ensure successful achievement of project goals.
- Resolved customer issues using clear communication and effective resolution techniques.
Freelancer Designer
We-Consult Ltd.
Germany
01.2004 - 12.2005
- Designed architectural plans for Operation Building at Wastewater Treatment Plant in Skenderaj, Kosovo, met European Commission funding requirements.
Design and Supervision
Basyazicioglu-MASS-Piomak Joint Venture
Kavaja, Albania
01.2004 - 12.2005
- Designed and developed Operation and Administration Building for Kavaja Wastewater Treatment Plant under Kavaja Sewerage Project, financed by German KfW, ensuring alignment with project requirements. Supervised construction and monitored adherence to design specifications.
- Facilitated teamwork to meet project goals effectively.
- Handled customer issues with clarity and effective problem-solving techniques.
Interior and Exterior Designer (Part-Time Employment)
Speed Shpk
Tirana, Albania
01.2001 - 12.2003
- Designed interior and exterior layouts for residential and commercial spaces, enhancing functionality and aesthetics
- Developed technical designs, including floor plans, sections, and detailed drawings, to effectively communicate project vision and specifications
- Analysed client needs and objectives to propose customised design strategies.
- Assessed client needs to ensure design met functional requirements. and adapted design work accordingly.
- Designed visual images fit for brief, going above and beyond client expectations.
Architectural Designer
EDAS Project Co.
Kavaja, Albania
01.2000 - 12.2003
- Created detailed architectural designs for villa projects, enhancing aesthetic and functional appeal
- Implemented interior design plans for a variety of spaces, improving client satisfaction and usability in offices, restaurants, hotels, and apartments in Kavaja
Education
M.A. - Department of Architecture
Middle East Technical University (METU - ODTÜ)
Ankara, Turkey01-2009
Five Year Bachelor's Degree - Architecture
Polytechnic University of Tirana
Tirana, Albania01-2004
Classical High School -
Aleksander Moisiu
Kavaje, Albania01-1999
Skills
- Project management
- Contract administration
- Budget management
- Design coordination
- Project coordination
- AutoCAD design
- SketchUp
- Odeon acoustics software
- MS Office Applications
- Client Relationship Management
- Global partnerships, networking & leadership
- Strategic planning
- Team Leadership
- Strategic leadership
- Innovative Problem Solving
- Visual Communication
Languages
Albanian
Proficient
C2
Italian
Advanced
C1
English
Advanced
C1
Turkish
Advanced
C1
Spanish
Elementary
A2
French
Elementary
A2
Timeline
Country Manager
MABETEX GROUP - Mabco Construction SA
01.2022 - Current
Project Manager
RGG Architects Inc.
01.2022 - 01.2023
Consultant
MABETEX GROUP - Mabco Construction SA
01.2019 - 01.2022
Partner
WETEK Project and Consultancy Ltd.
01.2017 - Current
Design Office Executive Head Architect
İstanbul İmar LTD. ŞTİ.
01.2017 - 01.2020
Design Office Executive Director
Renaissance Construction
01.2017 - 12.2017
Design Office Executive Director
Ege Yapı
12.2014 - 10.2017
Implementation & Design Project Director
Sur Yapı
01.2012 - 12.2014
MA Architect
CAG Architecture Workshop
01.2010 - 12.2011
MA Architect, Architectural Acoustics, Design and Consulting
MEZZO Stüdyo
01.2009 - 12.2010
Country Manager
YPU (Yapı Proje Uygulama)
01.2007 - 01.2008
Freelancer Designer
We-Consult Ltd.
01.2004 - 12.2005
Design and Supervision
Basyazicioglu-MASS-Piomak Joint Venture
01.2004 - 12.2005
Interior and Exterior Designer (Part-Time Employment)
Speed Shpk
01.2001 - 12.2003
Architectural Designer
EDAS Project Co.
01.2000 - 12.2003
M.A. - Department of Architecture
Middle East Technical University (METU - ODTÜ)
Five Year Bachelor's Degree - Architecture
Polytechnic University of Tirana
Classical High School -
Aleksander Moisiu