escapefromsofa

Escapefromsofa is a design studio established in Istanbul in 2009. Catering to various design needs like interior and product design. Escapefromsofa creates high profile solutions by nurturing the contextual and contemporary values of their demographics. We, at escapefromsofa strive to create rich experiences for our clients and their market, with our humble approach towards design considering the disparities in our daily lives. We enjoy working with new and emerging materials and technologies. We believe in simplicity and worship the details.

Biography:
Kerem Erçin (Co-founder / Interior architect)
Kerem Erçin was graduated from Sisli Terakki High school, Istanbul in 2001. He had education in School of Phys. Educ. and Sports in Marmara University between 2001-2004. Then he completed his bachelor’s degree in Interior Architecture department in Yeditepe University between 2004-2009. In 2009, escapefromsofa design studio was founded by Kerem Erçin and Mahmut A. Kefeli. Since 2009, he has completed several projects, including domestic and international, with escapefromsofa.

Education:
High school: Sisli Terakki High school, Istanbul – Turkey (2001)
Bachelor's degree: Marmara University – School of Phys. Educ. and Sports (2001-2004), Yeditepe University – Interior architecture (2004-2009)

Irem Başer Ogan (Partner / Interior designer)
In 2002, I have started my studies in interior design department of NABA Arts and Design school in Milan ( Nuova Acedemia di Belle Arti ). 2003, I have transferred to I.E.D.-Milan ( Istituto Europeo di Design) İnterior design department in İtalian language. 2006, I did my thesis in the sponsorship with ‘’GUZZINI Lightning Systems’’ and ‘’ANGELO PO ‘’ Profesional Kitchen company. I have designed a Concept Restaurant Project that promoted Valtellina region – north of İtaly in the leadership of architect Massimo Mussappi.

2008 I have completed a Masters program in Domus Academy-Product design department. During my studies, I have studied on multidisciplinary workshops on product design and development, design methods and marketing strategies. I had the the privilege to work with acknowledged architects and designers such as Andrea Branzi, Jozeph Forakis, Claudio Moderini. I did my Master Thesis with Dante Donegani and Giovani Lauda for ‘’ Veneta Cucina ‘’ an Italian kitchen company. My project ‘’Living Kitcjen Gallery ‘’ was displayed in Milan Design Week – Zona Tortona Design 2008.

2008 I have started working as an interior designer in the project team in Autoban Design Studio. Participated on various projects from residential to commercial spaces.
Vakko - project team
Komsu Fırın - project team
Private residence - project team
Restaurant – bar - project team

2010 Worked as an freelance designer complited a number of residential projects.
Private housing
Private residence

2011 Started working as an interior designer in Atabarut Architecture Firm.
Private housing - interior designer
Private mansion – interior designer.

2012 I have joined Escapefromsofa Design Team as a Partner and currently I am actively continuing coworking with our design team.

Education:
High school: Istek Acıbadem High school, Istanbul – Turkey (2002)
Undergraduate programme: NABA (Nuova Academia Di Bella Arti) Interior architecture (2002-2003)
Bachelor's degree: IED (Istituto Europeo di Design –Milano) - Interior architecture (2003-2006)
Master degree: Domus Academy - Master in Product Design (2007-2008)

Mahmut A. Kefeli (Co-founder / Industrial designer)
Mahmut A. Kefeli was graduated from Lycée Saint-Joseph, Istanbul in 2003. He completed his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design department in Yeditepe University between 2003-2007. Then he worked as a designer in leading interior offices. In 2008, he moved to Umea,Sweden to study for master degree in Advanced Design Visualisation department in Umea Institute of Design. In 2009, escapefromsofa design studio was founded by Mahmut A. Kefeli and Kerem Erçin. Since 2009, he has completed several projects, including domestic and international, with escapefromsofa.

Education:
High school: Lycée Saint-Joseph, Istanbul - Turkey
Bachelor's degree: Yeditepe University – Industrial design (2003-2007)
Master degree: Umea Institute of Design, Advanced Design Visualisation (2008)