BİLGE KÖSEM İLHAN

Computational Design • Design Research • Architecture

I am a designer and researcher working at the intersection of architecture, computation, and craft. My work explores how computational systems can meaningfully engage with material intelligence, cultural context, and human creativity to open up new ways of designing and making.

I approach design through a balance of analytical thinking and embodied experimentation, bridging digital and traditional processes to create outcomes that are both contextually grounded and expressive.

I hold a Bachelor of Architecture from the İzmir Institute of Technology (IZTECH) and am currently pursuing a Master of Science in Computational Design at Carnegie Mellon University.

Experience

August 2026 – present

Carnegie Mellon University - Research Assistant at Sit.Co.De Lab

Currently working on ongoing projects regarding mixed reality, hololens, reconstruction of the experience of spaces remotely.

August 2024 - June 2025

Carnegie Mellon University - Research Assistant at WHY Research Lab

E-waste ethernet inner cables were extracted, woven into a fabric, using a recycled modem box as a loom, which has shown varying abilities of touch detection, and performing as a touch sensor with the capacitance approach. The project focused on physical computing with arduino, hands on craft practices for weaving, and understanding of human-object interaction with touch sensitivity.

August - September 2021

Dilekci Architects (DDA) | Istanbul, Turkey - Architectural Intern

Participated in the international architectural competition of the building complex of Jonušas Radvila Palace in research, design, visualizing, modelling stages.

June - August 2021

Kiler REIC | Istanbul, Turkey - Construction Internship

Experienced construction practice at very first hand on 2 staged residential project. Examined process in site, kept reports, experienced in site controlling mechanisms.

August - October 2020

Izmir Insitute of Technology | Izmir, Turkey - Architectural Intern

Participated in surveying and produced technical drawings for the surveying in IZTECH campus

June - July 2019

Building Survey at Barbaros | Izmir, Turkey - Architectural Intern

Studied building surveying & use of surveying materials/tools Produced technical drawing for series of particular buildings under conservation in Barbaros, Izmir

Honors & Awards

American Turkish Society - Promising Turks Fund 2025
Fulbright 2023 Master’s Grant
TEV-DAAD 2023 Germany Master’s Grant
ARCHIPRIX 2022 Turkiye...............................................................................................................................Incentive Award
İzmir SMD “Hello 2022 Student Graduation Projects” Competition.............................................Second Place & Exhibition
Izmir Institute of Technology Architecture Department...................................................................High Honor Degree
Izmir Institute of Technology ........................................................................................................................Dean’s List
Athenaeum 2023 “Bringing Architecture to People” Competition ................................................People’s Choice Award

Education

2018-2022 Izmir Institute of Technology, Department of Architecture | Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Graduated with Ranking 3rd in Faculty of Architecture in 2021-2022 Academic Year

2024-2026 Carnegie Mellon University, School of Architecture | Master of Science in Computational Design (MSCD)

Random Facts

I have two cats: Cosmo and Rocket.

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