Interior Design and Apartment Renovation in Zorlu Center, Emaar Square, Yedi Mavi and Ataköy:
A Complete Guide for International Property Owners in Istanbul
Owning a property in one of Istanbul's premium residential developments is one thing. Having it designed, renovated and delivered to the standard it deserves — without being physically present in the city — is another matter entirely.
Zorlu Center, Emaar Square, Yedi Mavi and the Ataköy waterfront developments attract property buyers from the Gulf states, Azerbaijan, Russia, Central Asia and across Europe. Many of these owners complete their purchase, return home, and then face the same question: who manages the interior design and renovation while I'm abroad?
Sonraki Architecture has been answering that question since 2014. We are one of a small number of Istanbul-based interior architecture firms with proven, hands-on experience inside the city's most demanding managed residential buildings — including completed projects at Zorlu Center Residences, Emaar developments and Yedi Mavi Ataköy.
This guide explains how interior design and renovation projects work inside Istanbul's premium residential buildings, what makes these projects genuinely complex, and how Sonraki manages the entire process — from first design meeting to final handover — on behalf of owners based anywhere in the world.
Why Premium Residential Buildings in Istanbul Require a Different Approach
If you own a property in Zorlu Center, Emaar Square or a comparable managed development, you may already know that standard renovation contractors cannot simply walk in and start work.
In most of Istanbul's Grade A residential buildings, the following conditions apply:
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Building management maintains an approved contractor list or requires formal documentation from all firms working on site
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Working hours are restricted — typically Monday to Friday, 08:00–18:00
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All materials must be declared and scheduled in advance; elevator usage is coordinated
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Subcontractors must carry valid insurance and registered company documentation
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Technical specifications vary by building — some require structural engineer sign-off before any works begin
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Common areas must be protected and any damage is the contractor's liability
Managing all of this while simultaneously designing the space, producing bespoke furniture, coordinating tradespeople and communicating with an owner in Dubai or Baku requires a specific kind of firm. Not every interior design studio in Istanbul can do it. Sonraki can — and has.
Zorlu Center Residences
Zorlu Center is Istanbul's most prestigious mixed-use development, located in Beşiktaş on the European side. The Residences component attracts Turkey's highest net worth buyers as well as significant interest from Gulf, Central Asian and European investors.
Renovating or designing a Zorlu Center apartment is among the most logistically complex interior projects in Istanbul. The building management operates to international standards — which is precisely why it attracts premium buyers, and precisely why most local contractors cannot meet its requirements.
Sonraki Architecture has completed multiple projects within Zorlu Center Residences. This experience taught us the specifics: material delivery must be scheduled days in advance, elevator access is allocated by building management, and any deviation from approved plans requires formal re-submission.
Our scope in Zorlu Center projects has included full interior architecture and technical drawings, bespoke joinery and furniture production, material and finish specification, fit-out and installation, and complete project management including all building management coordination.
View our residential project portfolio: Residential Projects
Emaar Square Residences and The Address Istanbul
Emaar Square in Üsküdar on the Asian side is one of Istanbul's most internationally recognised residential addresses. Integrated with The Address hotel brand, the development combines five-star building management with direct access to luxury retail and hotel services.
The profile of Emaar Square owners is distinctly international — buyers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Russia and Azerbaijan are well represented. Many complete transactions remotely and require a firm that can manage design and construction on their behalf, reporting progress digitally and requiring minimal physical presence from the owner.
This is a model Sonraki operates with regularly. Our remote project management process — structured weekly reporting, video site walkthroughs, digital material approval and milestone-based communication — is designed specifically for owners who are not based in Istanbul.
Emaar Square's building management applies strict technical requirements. We are familiar with these and incorporate them from the first day of project planning, not as an afterthought.
Learn more about our turnkey design and build approach: Turnkey Interior Architecture
Yedi Mavi Residences — Charm Blue Ataköy
Yedi Mavi, located within the Charm Blue Istanbul Residences development in Ataköy, is one of Sonraki's completed reference projects. Delivered in 2021, the project covered the full interior design and implementation of a residential apartment — including spatial planning, bespoke wall panelling, custom furniture production, fit-out and interior styling.
The project was managed end-to-end by Sonraki: one contract, one team, one point of contact. The result is a space that reflects the quality expectations of Ataköy's discerning residential market.
Ataköy: Büyükyalı, Sea Pearl, Pruva 34 and the Surrounding Residential Stock
Ataköy has long been one of Istanbul's most established European-side residential addresses. The neighbourhood has seen significant investment in recent years, with Chapman Taylor-designed Büyükyalı İstanbul - by Ozak GYO, the Sea Pearl Ataköy and Pruva 34 development adding premium stock to an already strong residential base.
Sonraki has completed multiple projects in the Ataköy area over the years — covering renovation, interior architecture, technical upgrades and furniture programmes across various building types. Not all of these projects are photographed for publication at the client's request, but the experience is real and the references are available on request.
Büyükyalı , Pruva 34 and Sea Pearl represent a new generation of Ataköy & Zeytinburnu residential stock — delivered to a standard that demands a corresponding level of interior finish. Sonraki works across all of these scenarios: full interior design from shell, renovation of existing interiors, loose furniture selection and placement, or a combination of all three.
Polat Tower Residence and Torun Center
Polat Tower Residence in Ataköy and Torun Center in Mecidiyeköy both serve a strongly international ownership profile, with Gulf and CIS buyers particularly well represented.
Both developments require experienced project management — Polat Tower for its scale and building management complexity, Torun Center for its mixed residential and commercial structure. Sonraki has project experience relevant to both addresses and is well positioned to manage interior design and renovation commissions in these buildings.
Skyland & Vadi Istanbul
Skyland and Vadi Istanbul in Kağıthane represents a newer generation of mixed-use development in the city — combining residential and office use with modern building management standards. As the residential component matures, interior design and renovation demand is growing. Sonraki's experience across Istanbul's managed developments makes it a natural fit for Skyland and Vadi Istanbul projects.
How a Project Works: From First Contact to Handover
For international property owners, the process with Sonraki typically follows this sequence:
1. Remote or Face to Face Initial Consultation A video call or initial meeting to understand your brief, review the property layout and discuss scope, timeline and budget expectations.
2. Site Visit and Condition Assessment Sonraki visits the property on your behalf, assesses the current condition, reviews building management requirements and prepares a detailed project scope.
3. Interior Design Concept and Technical Documentation Spatial planning, 3D visualisations, material selections and full technical drawings are prepared. Nothing goes to site without a complete project behind it. More on this: How Does the Fit-Out Process Work?
4. Bespoke Furniture and Joinery Production Fixed and loose furniture, built-in storage, kitchen cabinetry and bespoke joinery are designed and produced through Sonraki's manufacturing network. More on production capability: Interior Manufacturing and Supply
5. Construction, Fit-Out and Site Management All trades are coordinated by Sonraki. Building management liaison, material delivery scheduling and programme management are handled entirely by our team.
6. Styling, Loose Furniture and Final Dressing Once construction is complete, loose furniture is placed, decoration is installed and the space is prepared for handover.
7. Relocation Coordination Where required, Sonraki can coordinate the relocation process — furniture delivery, installation sequencing and move-in preparation.
Project Costs in Premium Istanbul Residences
Costs vary depending on the size of the property, its current condition, the scope of works and specification level. As a general reference:
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Renovation and refresh (technical works + surfaces + furniture): approximately €900 – €1,300 / m²
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Full interior design + complete implementation: approximately €1,300 – €1,800 / m²
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Bespoke specification, premium materials and high-detail projects: €1,800 / m² and above
These figures are indicative. Actual costs are confirmed following site assessment and project scope definition. For more on pricing and service scope: Interior Design and Implementation
Frequently Asked Questions
I am based in Dubai / Riyadh / Baku / London. Can Sonraki manage my Istanbul project entirely remotely?
Yes. This is one of the most common scenarios we work with. Sonraki provides structured project updates — including site photographs, video walkthroughs and written milestone reports — throughout the project. Design approvals, material selections and key decisions are managed digitally. You do not need to be present in Istanbul at any stage, though you are always welcome to visit.
Do I need special approval to renovate in new generation residential projects such as Zorlu Center or Emaar Square?
You do not need a government permit for most interior renovation works. However, the building management of these developments requires contractor documentation — insurance certificates, company registration, technical plans — before works begin. Sonraki holds all required documentation and is experienced in navigating the building management processes of Istanbul's premium developments.
How long does a project typically take?
For a mid-sized apartment, the design phase takes 3–5 weeks and construction and manufacturing takes 6–14 weeks depending on scope. In managed buildings, material scheduling and restricted working hours can extend timelines compared to standard projects. Sonraki accounts for this from the outset and builds realistic programmes accordingly.
Can I commission Sonraki for loose furniture selection only — without a full renovation?
Yes. We offer interior design consultancy, loose furniture selection and placement, and interior styling as standalone services. Not every project requires a full construction programme.
What languages does Sonraki work in?
Project communication is conducted in Turkish and English. We regularly work with clients from the Gulf states, Azerbaijan, Russia and across Europe.
Can I only hire a company for construction if I already have a design?
Yes. Existing designs can be reviewed technically and construction and project management services can be provided separately.
Who Is This Page For?
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Property owners in Zorlu Center, Emaar Square, Yedi Mavi, Büyükyalı, Sea Pearl Ataköy, Pruva 34, Polat Tower or Torun Center
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International buyers — from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, Russia or Europe — who have purchased or are considering purchasing a residential property in Istanbul
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Owners based abroad who need a reliable, single-point-of-contact firm to manage their Istanbul interior project remotely
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Anyone considering a renovation, interior refresh or complete redesign of a premium Istanbul apartment
This content is based on Sonraki Architecture's hands-on experience delivering interior design and fit-out projects across Istanbul's premium residential developments since 2014.
About Sonraki Interior Architecture
Sonraki Interior Architecture provides design and build services for villas, apartments, offices and commercial interiors.
With offices in Istanbul and London, the studio works with international clients on residential and commercial projects across Turkey and internationally.
You can check a residential projects of Sonraki: