We had the distinct pleasure to interview award winning designer S.A.I.T. Studio about their original and creative Villa Site design work. S.A.I.T. Studio is an award-winning architectural designer, that makes our world a better place with their original villa site works.
S.A.I.T. Studio ("SS") answered Design Interview ("DI") questions about their award-winning work Armira Exclusive Villa Site. Interview questions prepared by Frank Scott.
SS : The main inspiration behind Armira Exclusive Villas was to create a peaceful and elegant living environment that harmonizes with nature. Our goal was to blend modern living requirements with the aesthetics of the natural landscape, offering residents a balanced experience of comfort, functionality, and serenity. Throughout the design process, we focused on seamless integration between architecture, interior space, and the surrounding environment. Sustainability, respect for local climate conditions, and the use of natural materials were key principles that guided our approach. By carefully considering light, space flow, and connection with nature, we aimed to design villas that promote well-being and elevate the quality of everyday life.
SS : Our main focus in designing Armira Exclusive Villas was to create a living environment that offers a deep connection to nature while meeting the demands of modern life. We wanted to design spaces where residents could enjoy tranquility, privacy, and comfort, while also benefiting from contemporary functionality and sustainability. We aimed to achieve a seamless balance between architecture, interior spaces, and the natural surroundings. The goal was to ensure that each villa not only blends into the landscape, but also enhances the daily living experience through thoughtful spatial planning, natural materials, and energy-efficient systems. Ultimately, we wanted to create homes that offer long-term value, emotional resonance, and a sense of harmony between people and place.
SS : Our priority is to complete the construction of Armira Exclusive Villas to the highest standard, ensuring that the final built environment fully reflects the vision behind the design. In addition, we have already reached an agreement with the same client to design a new villa site project in the same region. The knowledge and experience gained through Armira Exclusive will directly inform this upcoming development, allowing us to further refine our approach to creating sustainable, nature-integrated living environments. We see Armira Exclusive as both a milestone and a foundation for future projects that align with our design philosophy.
SS : The design phase for Armira Exclusive Villas began in early 2024 and was completed over a period of several months. Given the scale and complexity of the project, we dedicated significant time to site analysis, concept development, detailed architectural and interior design, as well as landscape integration. Throughout the process, we worked closely with engineers, consultants, and the client to ensure that every aspect of the design aligned with both the vision and the site’s natural context.
SS : This design was commissioned by a client who wanted to create an exclusive residential development that blends modern living with nature. From the beginning, we shared a common vision with the client to design a space that offers tranquility, privacy, and comfort, while remaining in harmony with the surrounding landscape. While it was a commissioned project, the concept was also deeply inspired by the natural beauty of the site and our studio’s philosophy of designing environments that promote well-being. The result is a unique collaboration between client vision, site inspiration, and our own creative direction.
SS : The project is being developed by the client who commissioned the design. As S.A.I.T. Studio, we are not only responsible for the full design scope, including architectural, interior, and landscape design, but we are also managing site supervision throughout the construction phase. Since the design is entirely our own, we believe it is essential to be actively involved on-site to answer questions, oversee implementation, and ensure the accuracy of construction details. There are no plans to sell or lease the production rights, as this project was designed specifically for the client and the location, and our goal is to deliver the highest quality result in line with our original vision.
SS : We were inspired by the opportunity to design a residential project that offers a deeper connection with nature while meeting the expectations of modern living. The site itself, with its natural beauty and location, provided a perfect canvas to explore this concept. Our studio philosophy focuses on creating spaces that enhance well-being, comfort, and harmony with the environment. Designing Armira Exclusive Villas allowed us to bring these values to life through a project where architecture, interior space, and landscape are seamlessly integrated. The client’s vision also aligned perfectly with our design approach, making this type of project a natural fit for our studio.
SS : While the primary inspiration for Armira Exclusive Villas came from the site itself and our studio’s philosophy, we are continually influenced by the work of great designers and architects who prioritize harmony with nature, timeless aesthetics, and user-centered design. Rather than referencing specific works, we drew from broader principles seen in well-designed residential projects around the world that successfully integrate architecture with landscape. The project was ultimately shaped by our own vision, the characteristics of the site, and the client’s aspirations.
SS : The target customers for Armira Exclusive Villas are individuals and families seeking a refined and peaceful living environment that offers both privacy and a close connection to nature. This project is ideal for discerning clients who value high-quality architecture, thoughtful design, and modern comfort within an exclusive residential setting. Many potential buyers are professionals or business owners looking for a private retreat that balances luxury with a natural lifestyle, while still offering convenient access to the city and transportation hubs such as Istanbul Airport.
SS : Armira Exclusive Villas stand apart through their seamless integration of architecture, interior spaces, and natural landscape. Many villa developments focus primarily on either luxury or location, but our design emphasizes a holistic living experience where every element is thoughtfully connected. Each villa offers expansive private gardens, direct access to outdoor spaces, natural materials, and energy-efficient systems. The open spatial flow, abundant natural light, and intuitive relationship between indoor and outdoor areas contribute to an elevated sense of well-being. Additionally, the project reflects a deep respect for the local context, balancing modern aesthetics with sustainability and environmental sensitivity. This careful attention to both design quality and harmony with nature is what truly distinguishes Armira Exclusive Villas.
SS : The name "Armira" was inspired by the names of our client’s twin children, Amir and Mira, who were born under very special circumstances. Their story and the joy they brought to the family deeply resonated with us. By combining their names, we created "Armira," a name that carries a sense of personal meaning and positive energy. It felt fitting for a project designed to offer beauty, harmony, and a sense of life in balance with nature.
SS : We used a range of advanced design tools throughout the project. Parametric design software was instrumental in optimizing spatial relationships and ensuring harmony with the natural landscape. We also utilized advanced BIM (Building Information Modeling) tools to coordinate architectural, structural, and mechanical systems, which was key in managing project complexity and precision. For visualization, we employed high-end rendering and virtual reality tools to test the spatial experience and refine material selections. These digital tools, combined with traditional sketching and physical modeling, allowed us to develop a comprehensive and cohesive design.
SS : The most unique aspect of Armira Exclusive Villas is the seamless connection between architecture, interior spaces, and nature. Each villa is designed to foster a strong relationship with its natural surroundings through expansive private gardens, open floor plans, and abundant natural light. The project also offers a distinctive balance of privacy and openness. Residents enjoy intimate, secluded living spaces that still feel connected to the broader landscape. Additionally, thoughtful integration of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems ensures that the design not only looks beautiful but also supports a responsible and comfortable lifestyle.
SS : We collaborated with a range of technical experts and specialists to bring this project to life. Alongside our core design team, we worked closely with structural engineers, landscape architects, mechanical and electrical consultants, and sustainability specialists. This multidisciplinary collaboration was essential to integrate advanced energy-efficient systems, optimize structural integrity, and ensure seamless harmony between architecture and the natural landscape. Throughout the project, open communication between all parties allowed us to refine every detail and achieve a cohesive and high-performing design.
SS : Technology played a key role in both the design and realization of Armira Exclusive Villas. We utilized parametric design tools and advanced BIM systems to optimize spatial relationships and coordinate complex building systems. In terms of the built environment, the project integrates modern energy-efficient systems and smart home technologies such as app-controlled lighting, motorized curtains, and advanced automation for climate and security management. These features provide residents with greater comfort, flexibility, and control over their living environment. Technology also supported our ability to visualize and refine the design through virtual simulations, helping us to better understand light, materiality, and spatial flow long before construction began.
SS : Yes, our design process was deeply informed by data and analytical research. We began with a detailed site analysis to understand topography, climate, and environmental conditions, which shaped key design decisions regarding orientation, spatial organization, and material selection. We also conducted research on sustainable building materials and energy-efficient systems to ensure the project would meet high environmental standards. Collaborating with engineers and sustainability experts, we analyzed energy performance and natural ventilation strategies to create comfortable indoor environments with reduced energy consumption. Throughout the process, we balanced technical data with creative intuition, ensuring that the design was not only high-performing but also emotionally resonant and in harmony with its natural setting.
SS : One of the main challenges was balancing the needs of modern living with the natural characteristics of the site. Integrating sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems while maintaining aesthetic harmony with the landscape required careful coordination and constant refinement. Additionally, working within local zoning laws, construction regulations, and the site’s complex topography presented several technical and design challenges. Ensuring that the architectural vision remained intact while meeting these practical constraints demanded a high level of flexibility and problem-solving. Managing the budget and timeline without compromising design quality was another key challenge, particularly as we worked closely with the construction team to adapt material choices and detailing on site. Ultimately, these challenges helped us to develop a more resilient and thoughtful design.
SS : We believed that Armira Exclusive Villas represented a strong example of our design philosophy and our ability to create meaningful living environments. Since this project embodied our vision of blending architecture with nature and offering a refined user experience, we felt it deserved to be presented on an international platform. Submitting to the A’ Design Award was a natural choice. It is a respected competition with a global audience, and we saw it as a valuable opportunity to share our work with the wider design community.
SS : Designing Armira Exclusive Villas was a valuable learning experience for our team. It deepened our understanding of how to balance complex technical requirements with aesthetic and experiential goals, particularly in the context of nature-integrated residential design. We also advanced our expertise in sustainable materials, energy-efficient systems, and smart home technologies, which are now an even more integral part of our design approach. The collaborative process with engineers, consultants, and the client further strengthened our ability to manage large-scale projects while maintaining design integrity. Overall, this project reinforced the importance of flexibility, attention to detail, and continuous learning in every stage of design.
SS : We would like to express our appreciation for the opportunity to share the story behind Armira Exclusive Villas. As a studio, we are passionate about creating designs that contribute positively to both the built environment and the lives of their users. We believe that meaningful design can foster well-being, connect people to nature, and create lasting value for communities. We hope to continue contributing to this vision through our future projects and collaborations.
