INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Indianapolis-based Schmidt Associates, a regional architecture, engineering, and interior design firm, hires Elif Ekser as an Architectural Graduate.

An Istanbul, Turkey native, Ekser, along with her identical twin sister, attended Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts where they received Bachelor of Architecture degrees. From 2010 to 2014, Ekser served as an Architect for H.E. Architecture in Istanbul before relocating to the United States following her marriage to Burcin Ekser, MD, PhD. In 2019, Ekser obtained a Bachelor of Science in interior design from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis before continuing her studies at Ball State University where she obtained dual master's degrees in historic preservation and conservation, and architecture in 2021. While attending Ball State, Ekser served as an Architectural Intern at Schmidt Associates. Throughout her tenure, she has worked on a variety of projects within the firm's K-12 and higher education studios. Long term, she hopes to obtain her architecture license and become registered in the State of Indiana.

"The principals and I are pleased to have Elif joining the firm full-time," said Sarah Hempstead, AIA, LEED AP, CEO and Principal of Schmidt Associates. "For the last two years, it has been a pleasure watching Elif develop professionally, while adding a unique design perspective that truly benefits our owners. I look forward to seeing her continued growth as an architect."