Autoban | About Us

we are autoban

Years of experience

Happy clients

475

completed projects

design arwards

Autoban is an internationally renowned multidisciplinary studio that works across architecture & interiors, and product & experiential design, forging a reputation for thoughtfulness, experimentation and craftsmanship.

Known for its signature multi-layered design approach grounded in storytelling, Autoban creates stimulating and sensory environments and experiences that are deeply rooted in history, location and culture, while pushing boundaries and challenging expectations.

Following the credo of “Form, Function, Experience”, Autoban’s philosophy is to create meaningful designs that put forward enthralling narratives. Singularity in experience is achieved through multiplicity in design, rich materials and textures are layered to create minimal forms and create truly unique, timeless and memorable experiences that speak powerfully to both place and people.

Founded in 2003 by Seyhan Özdemir Sarper and Sefer Çağlar, Autoban is credited with redefining the cityscape of Istanbul, and the studio’s portfolio includes award-winning work in hospitality, transportation, commercial, retail, office and public realm environments in major cities across Europe and Central and South-East Asia. Notable recent works include the new Manchester Stock Exchange Hotel, the Joali Maldives Resort, and the Heydar Aliyev International Airport terminal in Baku.

Autoban also has a signature furniture and lighting collection that is sold at over 50 points internationally. Product and experiential designs have been showcased at major design exhibitions, installations and art events worldwide, including LDF, ICFF, Salon Del Mobile, Design Biennale Interieur Kortrijk ve London Design Biennale.

The studio has been recognized internationally with distinctive design awards including the 2022 Red Dot Design Award for Architecture and Interior Design for the Galataport Cruise Terminal; the Wallpaper Magazine Best Newcomers Award in 2004; the Skytrax World Airports Awards “World’s Best Business Class Airport Lounge”, and 2014 Red Dot Design Award and Architizer Jury’s Special Award in the airport category for the design of the Heydar Aliyev International Airport; and the International Yacht & Aviation Award in Interior Design for Aquarius (the 45m superyacht).

Autoban’s expansive portfolio was also honored with a 2014 Gestalten publication that presents a rich selection of the studio’s first ten years of work.

Meet the team

Seyhan Özdemir & Sefer Çağlar

Seyhan Özdemir and Sefer Çağlar studied architecture and interior design respectively at the Fine Arts Academy of Mimar Sinan University. In 2003, the duo co-founded Autoban, and from their initial studio in Galata, Istanbul, started designing the studio's first interior projects, which was followed by the launching of debut Autoban product collection at Maison et Objet Paris in 2004.

In 2005, Autoban was named ‘Best Young Designers’ by the Wallpaper* magazine, and in 2006, their MüzedeChanga project was awarded ‘Best Restaurant’ by the same title. In 2009, Autoban moved in to their new studio in Beyoğlu, and received their first overseas commison to design the award-winning 208-Duecento Otto restaurant in Hong Kong in 2010. The commision was followed by another overseas F&B project in Madrid. In 2014, the studio received Red Dot Design Award in recognition for their work at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Seyhan Özdemir and Sefer Çağlar have participated as keynote speakers and jury members at significant architecture and design events worldwide, including iF Product Design Awards, Downtown Design Dubai and Milan Design Week, as well as showcasing their product designs internationally at major trade shows.