Dilara and her team are exploring the integration of advanced building technologies across diverse projects to enhance efficiency and design capability. They are also committed to advancing sustainability by developing innovative systems that reduce environmental impact and promote greener built environments. To ensure growth and broaden their positive influence, ATI is strategically expanding into emerging markets. While continuing to lead projects in master-planned communities and high-rise design, these initiatives—leveraging technology, reinforcing sustainability, and driving global expansion—are shaping the firm’s trajectory and upholding its commitment to excellence and user-focused design.

FROM START TO SUCCESS

Dilara Ajun is the Creative Director at ATI. Her journey into architecture began with a fascination for how spaces shape human experience—how cities and buildings tell stories and reflect culture. She pursued formal studies in Architecture and Urban Planning at Istanbul Technical University, followed by a Master’s in real estate development, gaining critical experience at leading firms along the way. Her career milestones include designing award-winning master plans, architecture, and interiors, and being named Young Talent of the Year at the Architecture Leader Awards in 2021. Today, as a Dubai Municipality Accredited Unlimited Licensed Architect, she leads diverse global projects with a focus on positively impacting communities.

THE ROAD AHEAD

Dilara envisions an industry where architecture prioritises user experience, environmental consciousness, and positive community impact over pure aesthetics. As the field evolves to become more technologically integrated and sustainable, success will depend on blending user needs, functionality, and well-being into every space. For ATI, the path forward involves leveraging global expansion into emerging markets while leading in the adoption of advanced building technologies and sustainable systems. Growth is guided by the firm’s core design philosophy—creating unique, user-focused projects in healthcare, education, and other high-impact sectors—ensuring work that reflects human values, cultural identity, and design excellence worldwide.

Leading with Impact

Dilara’s leadership philosophy is centered on collaboration, inclusion, and empowerment. She believes successful projects are built on teamwork and open communication, which is why she fosters a creative and supportive environment that values diverse perspectives. Her core values are driven by a positive, “nothing is impossible” attitude and a desire to positively impact communities through design, particularly in the educational and healthcare sectors. Her approach goes beyond aesthetics, prioritizing user needs, functionality, and well-being to enhance experience. This philosophy inspires the ATI team, as she dedicates time to mentoring young designers and serves as a role model for women in architecture. By establishing a clear project vision and foundational design principles, she ensures the team is aligned and equipped, reinforcing ATI’s position as a preferred partner for prestigious projects.

PROJECTS

That Define Excellence The defining projects that shape Dilara’s work fall into categories with significant community impact, including master-planned communities, healthcare, and educational campuses. These projects are transformative because her design philosophy transcends aesthetics, focusing on blending user needs, functionality, and well-being to create meaningful spaces. Educational and healthcare developments are particularly significant, as their reach positively affects many lives. Large-scale projects, from high-rise residential to harbour developments, are approached with a commitment to environmental consciousness and cultural identity. The resulting portfolio has earned numerous accolades, reflecting both design excellence and alignment with community needs.