Izel's bio
Izel Besikci is a Senior Landscape Architect with over three years’ experience in landscape architecture and urban design, working on the design and delivery of public realm and regeneration projects of varying scale. She began her career in Istanbul, where she contributed to several award-winning landscape architecture projects before joining Gillespies' London studio.
At Gillespies, Izel is part of the team delivering the West King Street and Hammersmith Town Hall public realm project, a transformative landscape-led regeneration scheme that will create a new public square and civic spaces to enhance the setting of the Grade II listed Hammersmith Town Hall and strengthen its presence along King Street. Other notable projects include Coopers Cross in Dublin and the regeneration of Convoys Wharf in London.
Izel holds a Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture (2015) and a Master’s in Urban Design (2018) from Istanbul Technical University. Her master’s research explored social sustainability in urban regeneration, reflecting her commitment to creating inclusive, people-focused landscapes that connect the human and natural environment.
She has received recognition in several national and international landscape design competitions, including first prize in the Meles Stream National Urban Design Competition for her proposal “Urban and Ecological Backbone,” and second prize in the International Bandirma Design Park Competition.
With professional experience in both Turkey and the UK, Izel brings a strong cross-cultural perspective to her approach to sustainable landscape design, urban placemaking and public realm transformation.
