Your Interview Aslı Özahi Kurt

Introduce yourself (name, company, position, country) and tell us how you got into lighting design (including education/qualifications).

Hello, my name is Aslı. I have been working as the Brand, Marketing, and Commercial Communications Specialist at Heper I am an interior architect and a cultural heritage conservation expert. I earned my degree in Interior Architecture from Bilkent University and my Master's degree in Conservation of Cultural Heritage from Middle East Technical University, including a six-month Erasmus exchange at Politecnico di Milano.

My journey into the lighting industry began in 2018 with another lighting firm in Ankara, where I served as a project manager, managing all processes of interior space lighting projects from engagement with customers to 3D visualizing custom products, making shop drawings, and overseeing production.

After that, I joined Heper as a sales back office coordinator, mostly dealing with North African countries connected to the regional manager and facilitating communication between marketing and sales departments. Due to my background in lighting, I also provide support on how our products perform best in both CAD and simulation environments for the international sales team.

My interest in lighting was sparked during a university project where I explored the impact of lighting on human psychology and interior spaces. Additionally, as a professional in conservation, I have a deep enthusiasm for heritage buildings, their lighting environments, and sustainable, efficient solutions for these types of structures.

In addition to my professional role, my friends and I create digital content for an Instagram account, which shares music and cultural content. This endeavour has honed my content creation and digital marketing skills, enabling me to engage a diverse audience and promote cultural experiences.

Tell us about your work – is there a specific type of project you like to work on or an area you specialise in and why?

I am especially interested in intensive projects that involve bringing together key stakeholders, public initiatives, and lighting industry members. Organizing events to ensure proper lighting implementation and being actively involved in these projects allows me to influence their direction and ensure our lighting solutions meet the highest standards.

My interest in the lighting industry stems from how well it aligns with my views and perspective on the world. I was deeply impressed by this harmony when I entered the field. I believe that by playing an active role, I can achieve significant progress and contribute to opening new doors in the industry. In my role within the marketing, brand, and commercial communications department, I continuously seek to improve our market, brand, product, and individual footprints. I receive ongoing training in sustainable design, which helps us optimize our science-based strategies and contribute to the brand's growth responsibly and innovatively.

What project are you most proud of and why?

One project I am particularly proud of is the Perth City Hall project, where we played a significant role in illuminating a major part of the building. My involvement in this project was comprehensive and deeply fulfilling. I suggested one of our products as an alternative during the project, worked on reporting its performance, and managed the production and shipping of the products.

Understanding the complexity of architectural applications, I took an active role in the assembly and application processes to ensure everything went smoothly. I remember the sense of peace and accomplishment I felt when I received the news that the project was completed.

Additionally, with my recent position change, I was personally involved in capturing the project's success through photography. I coordinated with the photographer and obtained licenses, allowing me to share the project with colleagues and loved ones. Being engaged in every stage—from initial design to final presentation—provided me with an invaluable sense of pride and fulfilment.

What is the biggest challenge that you have overcome in your career?

One of the biggest challenges in my career has been my constant curiosity and desire to explore various fields, which made it difficult to establish a sustainable career path in a single area. For many years, I was deeply focused on becoming an academic and was committed to my doctoral studies. However, deciding to abandon these studies and shift my focus to other professional experiences was one of the most challenging decisions I’ve made.

Transitioning from a long-held ambition to an entirely new direction required me to overcome significant mental and emotional hurdles. Letting go of an idea I had invested so much in was surprisingly difficult, but it ultimately allowed me to embrace new opportunities and grow in different ways. Once I made the decision and realized I was on the right track, the challenges became worthwhile, leading to new experiences and professional development.

How does light inspire you?

Light inspires me through its profound ability to transform spaces and evoke emotions. It has the power to shape environments, enhance architectural features, and influence how people experience a space. I am particularly fascinated by the interplay of light and shadow, and how different lighting designs can create varying atmospheres and moods.

As someone deeply interested in both interior architecture and cultural heritage, I find light’s role in preserving and highlighting historical and architectural details which should be done respectfully to the environment and structures incredibly inspiring. It can bring new life to heritage buildings, respecting their history while providing modern, efficient solutions. This ability to harmonize tradition with innovation fuels my passion for lighting and drives me to explore new possibilities in design.

What is your message for other Women In Lighting?

My message is to embrace your unique perspective and passion. The lighting industry thrives on innovation and creativity, and your contributions are vital in shaping its future. Don’t be afraid to take risks, challenge norms, and pursue projects that ignite your enthusiasm.