I think that the informal dialogues we have outside of the office during the learning and self-development process are beneficial for both of us.
In addition to the experience, I have the office's 30-year archive at hand. The only disadvantage of working together is the prejudice I encounter when I say, “I work for my father”.
Choice of Profession
Undoubtedly, I had an influence on Nil’s choice of profession. It is not a coincidence that someone whose father, mother, both grandfathers and grandmothers are architects choose to same profession. In my childhood, I used to watch the works of my father and uncle who were architects. In the same way, Nil saw my works. She must have chosen this profession knowing what architecture is. Growing up in a family whose all members are architects affects one inevitably.
Kurtul ERKMEN
My father never directly guided me in choosing my profession. But the oldest toy I remember is my lego-like wooden pieces, with which I can create different huts by interlocking. I am sure that architecture is ingrained in my subconscious, intentionally or unintentionally. The most critical thing my father explicitly commented on was my choice of university. A pleasant campus life was important to him.
Nil ERKMEN
Work Together
Every morning, we go to work together with my daughter and come back together in the evening. If there is a project or topic that comes to mind, we talk on the way. There are fewer opportunities for this in the office, everyone is busy with their own work in the day, time flies so quickly. The relationship between us in the office environment is no different from the relationship she establishes with other colleagues. She spends the day mostly with her colleagues. I think that the informal dialogues we have outside of the office during the learning and self-development process are beneficial for both of us. According to me, there is no disadvantage of working together with my daughter.
Kurtul ERKMEN
When I graduated, many of my father’s friends repeatedly said that it was difficult to work with the family and that relations could be strained. Frankly, they scared me for nothing. I think we have a good balance. Even the biggest tension between us has never extended beyond working hours until now. Of course, the biggest advantage of working together is to benefit from the experience of both himself and the whole team. As a newly graduated architect, it was a great chance to start in such a patient and teaching office. In addition to the experience, I have the office’s 30-year archive at hand. The only disadvantage of working together is the prejudice I encounter when I say, “I work for my father”.
Nil ERKMEN
Father’s Advice
I don’t want to give advice to anyone. Let nature take its course..
Kurtul ERKMEN
Learnings from Father
There are many things. It’s hard to choose among them. However, what I repeat to myself most often is not to act rashly. This advice, which he started to give me when I was little, in my relations with my sister and my friends, continued with my projects while I was at university and then with my professional decisions.
Nil ERKMEN