Oğuz Emre Bal
Senior Concept Designer · Experiential Architect · Spatial Computing
Architect, founder, and spatial computing artist — 13 years translating the relationship between body, space, and cognition into immersive experiences, winning design strategies, and generative products.
Profile
My practice is grounded in one question: how do physical and digital realities intersect, overlap, and transform one another — and how can design make that process visible and meaningful? Trained as an architect at ITU, I developed this through a Ph.D. in multi-cognitive virtual environments and an independent art practice exhibited at Venice Architecture Biennale, Frieze New York, NFT Paris, CYFEST, and a British Council residency in Belgrade (12 selected from 400+ applicants). Commercially, I translate that research into spatial strategies for high-value developer projects, immersive education platforms, and generative luxury products — always with measurable outcomes. Currently leading three ventures in Barcelona. Expert in computational design (Grasshopper), multidisciplinary team leadership, and spatial brand strategy.
Experience
Nov 2025 – Present
Co-Founder — Reality Overlap
Persistent AR/XR platform for spatial collaboration in real architectural environments.
- Built spatial computing platform translating architectural logic into immersive user behavior — spatial anchors, wayfinding systems, place-based memory
- Targeting education, cultural institutions, digital campuses; leading XR architecture, technical roadmap, and venture positioning
Feb 2024 – Present
Co-Founder & CDO — Sólleria
Generative luxury brand: plant-based bio-resin fabrication → authenticated one-of-one accessories. Barcelona & Istanbul.
- Generative design systems producing unique, unrepeatable surface formations — no two pieces identical, even by the makers
- Crystal Clutch, Ellipsis Clutch, Halo Case · limited to 24 main pieces or 12 studies per colorway, each with physical certificate + digital passport
- 60%+ repeat customer rate at €2k–5k price point; validated premium market positioning
Nov 2023 – Present
Co-Founder — Metakışla
Immersive digital twin for embodied learning — multi-user virtual campus built from ITU Taşkışla.
- 18% uplift in learning retention vs. traditional online courses (6 cohorts, NPS 71)
- Platform at the intersection of architecture, cognitive science, and XR; led cross-disciplinary team of architects, researchers, engineers, and experience designers
Apr 2017 – Present
Co-Founder & Creative Director — Unio Design Studio
Design-led architecture studio for developer commissions across EMEA — residential, hospitality, mixed-use, commercial.
- Spatial positioning and design strategy for 30+ winning developer commissions across Europe; coordinated architects, engineers, landscape, brand strategists
- Programme hierarchy and arrival logic for luxury mixed-use: 30% faster retail lease velocity, premium F&B positioning
- Repeatable RFP process — 4-week sprint template, shared visualization language, consistent on-time delivery
Aug 2015 – Feb 2017
Architect & Design Researcher — Global Architectural Development (GAD)
Form-finding and computational design research. VR/AR/3D printing for architectural applications.
- Led algorithmic form-finding; improved stakeholder communication through VR/AR visualization
- Mentored graduate students in computational design methodology
May – Dec 2013
Architect & Interior Designer — ARS Building Construction Engineering
Retail and store interior projects. Feasibility assessment and delivery coordination.
Jan – Jul 2012
Architect & Interior Designer — Hat Architecture & Consulting Office
Residential, commercial, and public space projects. Concept development and materials selection.
Apr – Jun 2011
Exhibition Design Consultant — Salon Architects
Interactive festival booth: responsive human-space relations, 3D modeling, prototyping, on-site production.
Education
Ph.D. in Architecture
Istanbul Technical University
2019 – Present
“Architectural Design of Multi-Cognitive Reality Generated in Virtual Environment”
View research →M.Sc. Architectural Design
Istanbul Technical University
2013 – 2015
“Instant Space Design by the Experience of Movement”
View research →B.A. Interior Architecture
Istanbul Technical University
2008 – 2012
President, CRAK! Cartoon & Animation Club
Core competencies
Spatial Strategy & Design
Grasshopper · Algorithmic systems · Programme hierarchy · Arrival logic · User-sequence mapping · Form-finding
Business & Leadership
RFP management · Multidisciplinary coordination · Brand positioning · Luxury market strategy · Venture building
XR & Fabrication
AR/VR design · Digital twins · 3D printing · Bio-resin fabrication · Real-time rendering · Mixed reality · Unity 3D
Software
Grasshopper · Rhinoceros 3D · 3ds Max · Lumion · Revit · AutoCAD · Adobe Suite · Dynamo · Python
Languages
English C1 · Turkish Native · Spanish A2–B1
Contact