Bengisu Özpirinççi (32), graduate of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Department of Architecture, established her own brand in Portugal, where she went for her doctorate, and became one of the favorite architects of the country by achieving many important projects at a young age. Özpirinççi, who went down in history as the first Turk to be registered with the Portuguese Chamber of Architects, successfully represented Turkey by taking part in many projects ranging from the reconstruction of historical buildings in Lisbon to large-scale housing projects. Özpirinççi, who continues her doctorate at the Department of Civil Engineering at Technical University of Lisbon while advancing in her career, aims to rapidly spread her success in Portugal to other European countries.
Bengisu Özpirinççi from Izmir, who has been interested in painting and art since her childhood, carried this interest and talent to her career and preferred Izmir University of Economics, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Department of Architecture. Özpirinççi, who went to Mississippi State University in the United States (USA) in 2013 with the ‘Student Exchange Program’, graduated from IUE in 2014. After graduating from university, Özpirinççi moved to Istanbul and started working in the project and business development department of DAP Yapı.
MADE A LIFE CHANGING DECISION
Özpirinççi, who had the opportunity to work on projects in Istanbul and Izmir, took the first step of a completely different career journey when she chose Portugal for her doctorate. Özpirinççi, who settled in Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, in 2018, aiming to gain experience abroad while furthering her education, felt the need in the sector and decided to establish her own business there. Özpirinççi, who founded her firm called ‘BAO’, which operates in the field of architecture and project development, quickly climbed the ladder of success. Özpirinççi, who started to work with international companies with projects in Portugal, took part in different projects such as housing projects, student dormitory construction and bringing historical buildings to the present day. Özpirinççi is preparing to realize new projects in Dubai, Luxembourg and London in the coming period with the company BAO, with a team of 5 people.
I DO THE JOB I LOVE
Özpirinççi, who wrote a success story that inspires young people, stated that choosing Portugal was one of the turning points in her life. Stating that Lisbon, which has a historical architectural structure, aroused interest in her and she quickly adapted to it, Özpirinççi said, “My mother was very interested in painting, she gave lectures in this field. My interest in painting and art goes back to my childhood. I studied at the university I wanted, in the department I liked. Doing what you love is a really great feeling. I am also experiencing this pleasure. As soon as I graduated, I worked at DAP Yapı, one of the important brands of the sector, in Istanbul. This period in my life gave me a lot of experience. Then, thinking that I should continue my education, I chose Lisbon. I'm glad did so, because coming to Lisbon was the beginning of a completely different and happy journey for me.”
I WAS BOTH SURPRISED AND HAPPY
Özpirinççi continued as follows: “When I came to Lisbon, I did not have a clear goal of starting a business and establishing my entire career goal here. However, everything changed when I both liked Lisbon and saw that there was a need in the sector in terms of architecture. After completing my first year in Portugal with new projects, I went to the Portuguese Chamber of Architects. When I went to get my approval in January 2019, they said that I was the first Turkish person to register in the Chamber. I was surprised because I did not know this, and I was very happy to be the first in this sense. It is a great honor for me to represent our country here.”
WE MANAGE THE ENTIRE PROCESS
Giving information about her work in Portugal, Özpirinççi said, “Apart from architectural project design and implementation, we also provide services in project management and business development. Especially the selection of the project is a very sensitive process. Before purchasing, we determine the most suitable concept for the region, land or building, and consider the timing together with the business plan. When the construction starts, there must be a third institution in Portugal other than the developer and the contractor. We manage the construction implementation process as a third independent firm. It is a very nice feeling to start together with the investor from the purchase, to see the delivery of the construction and to experience all the processes together. We fulfill all the demands of domestic and foreign investors at the project point.”
DON’T BE DEMORALIZED
Özpirinççi, who also gave advice to students who continue their university education, said, “There is no such thing as impossible in life. Life is full of opportunities that can come your way at any moment. My story is an example of this. Of course, you must have a certain amount of experience to take advantage of these opportunities. Therefore, invest in yourself and make good use of the university period. Analyze the developing trends and the point where your profession is going. Trust yourself and don't hinder your goals by thinking it's too hard or you can't do it. Maybe it will be a classic statement, but follow your dreams. When you start running towards your dreams, you will see the distances getting closer.”
