The Turkish Association of Architects in Private Practice (TAAPP) is a non-governmental organization established in Ankara in 1987 by architects actively engaged in the fields of architecture, design, and practice. The Association is dedicated to advancing the core values of the architectural profession, raising awareness about urban environments, and reinforcing the societal importance of architecture. Its members consist of prominent architectural firms recognized for their significant contributions to both domestic and international projects.
Since 1987, TAAPP has been committed to the progress of the architectural field. The Association's primary objective is to enhance the quality of the architectural profession and elevate the standards and systems within the construction sector in Turkey. It promotes ethical, aesthetic, and rational approaches that further the goals of both the profession and the industry. Additionally, as an active civil society organization, the Association undertakes various social responsibility projects to enrich the architectural environment and cultural landscape.
The members of the Turkish Association of Architects in Private Practice (TAAPP) engage in a diverse range of projects both domestically and internationally, collectively producing approximately 20 million square meters of project services annually. Of this output, around 30% is attributed to international projects. Architectural firms affiliated with the Association provide services for clients of both public and private sectors. While private sector employers have increased in recent years driven by investments in offices, retail, tourism, and healthcare facilities, public institutions remain primary clients for architectural services. Architectural offices also coordinate all project services, including structural, electrical, mechanical, and landscape design. They provide a full spectrum of architectural design and project services, alongside professional supervision and consultancy. Believing that quality in the construction sector begins with the design phase, the Association emphasizes the necessity of qualified architectural services throughout the entire process to ensure superior construction outcomes. Effective structural decisions made during the design phase, the integration of contemporary technologies, and the selection of appropriate and reliable materials are essential components in achieving safe and high-quality construction. TAAPP conducts research and provides guidance on the scope of architectural services for both society and architects. The Association also supports students, continuing education, and the arts through various initiatives and activities hosted at the Architectural Center, including students' exhibitions and training programs within the TAAPP Academy. These activities actively contribute to the advancement of the architectural environment in Turkey.
Since 1992, the TAAPP Architecture Awards have honored architects, institutions, and structures that contribute to the architectural profession and culture. Award ceremonies are organized every two years and include five categories: the Grand Prize, Building Award, Contribution to Architecture Award, Press-Publication Award, and Special Jury Award.
TAAPP further enriches the architectural environment through its publications. While it published the TSMD-MiMAR magazine from 1991 to 1999, it currently publishes the Serbest Mimar magazine, which has been circulating since 2009. The magazine addresses issues related to architectural practice in Turkey. This publication highlights challenges faced by architects during the implementation process and offers potential solutions.