Mahmut Anlar, a visionary architect and designer, founded GEO as an interior design studio in 1991. With a passion for creating immersive and captivating spaces, he became a trademark with his work in the field of interior design. Over the course of two decades, his portfolio expanded to include numerous bars, restaurants, nightclubs, cineclubs, and wellness centers in Istanbul. Mahmut's unique designs transformed these spaces into the leading venues of nightlife in the city, making his name synonymous with the architect of public entertainment.

 

As GEO grew, Mahmut Anlar realized the potential to extend its impact beyond traditional interior design. In 2013, he took a bold step by establishing two new firms: Geo_ID, in partnership with Tugce Rizeli Bilgi, and Geometre, in partnership with Zeyneb Varnalı.

 

Geo_ID marked a significant shift for GEO as it ventured into the world of multisensory interdisciplinary design. With a team of young creatives from various design fields, Geo_ID focused on crafting unique narratives that revolutionized all aspects of design. Their work encompassed brand identity, visually striking aesthetics, and harmonious spatial arrangements. Each design was tailored to the specific needs and desires of their clients, breathing life and soul into every space they created.

 

Geometre, the construction arm of GEO, worked in tandem with Geo_ID on several significant projects such as the Bebek Hotel, Dragon Restaurant, Petra, and Para Gastroteka. This collaborative approach ensured that Geo_ID's visionary designs were meticulously brought to life, maintaining the essence of each concept throughout the construction process.

 

With the establishment of Geo_ID and Geometre, GEO's identity began to evolve and grow. The shared DNA of these firms laid the foundation for a larger vision that was yet to be fully realized.

 

In 2021, Mahmut Anlar partnered with the young talents Sinan Bora Özışık and Tuğçe Örtmen to co-found GeoStudio. This new addition to the "GEO" family specialized in designing residential projects, retail spaces, and hotels with an unwavering attention to detail. GeoStudio's designs reflected a commitment to creating spaces that seamlessly blend aesthetic beauty with functionality, enhancing the lives of those who inhabit them.

 

In 2022, Mahmut Anlar and Ali Çalışkan co-founded Geomim, an architectural firm that specializes in innovative and sustainable designs. With a team of talented architects and designers, the company has quickly gained recognition for its visionary approach to building design. Also, in 2022, Mahmut Anlar and Tugce Ortmen joined forces to establish GeoGallery, which served multiple purposes within the "House of Geo" building. It not only acted as a showroom for the collectible furniture designs of GEO but also as an art gallery, offering creatives a platform to showcase their designs and artworks. Furthermore, GeoGallery also doubled as a space for events and experiences, fostering a vibrant community of artists and designers.

 

The addition of GeoStudio, Geomim and GeoGallery brought Mahmut Anlar's vision of the "House of Geo" to fruition. The entire building underwent a transformative renovation, embracing the ethos of sensory experiences from the moment visitors stepped inside. Music, scents, artworks, and custom designs surrounded visitors, turning the "House of Geo" into not just an office building, but a true home and a hub for creatives from diverse design disciplines. This collaborative space encouraged meetings, collaborations, and inspiration, fostering a sense of community and shared creativity.

 

Today, the "House of GEO" stands as an interdisciplinary design space, representing the culmination of a decades-long journey in design. It continues to be a symbol of innovation, creativity, and transformation, with its various firms synergistically working together to shape the future of spaces and experiences.