In August of 1999, the Izmit Earthquake struck Turkey, ending thousands of lives and leaving about half a million people homeless. At the time, Melek Yilmaz lived in Avcilar, Istanbul, a district that sustained heavy damage. Experiencing the natural disaster firsthand and observing the reconstructive efforts that followed sparked her subsequent desire to create safe, resilient structures that can withstand the elements.

Now, Melek considers architecture a tool for improving human development, psychology, and physiology. She has a pointed interest in net-zero buildings; much of her work incorporates sustainable features such as green roofs and energy-efficient curtain wall systems. Having spent many years producing both architectural and electrical construction documents, she joins Spacesmith with skills that are equal parts aesthetic and technical.

Melek earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology. Outside of work, she applies her talents to passion projects; in collaboration with her uncle, she recently designed and built a treehouse in Chicago for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.