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ELIF ESRA AYDIN

Environmental Performance Specialist | Computational Designer | Scientist

PhD in Urban Design and Science | MSc in Computational Design | Architect

I am a computational urban designer and scientist who has expertise in environmental performance analysis for 10 years over several research projects. Experienced in independent research as well as interdisciplinary collaboration between universities and governmental agencies with a concrete background in environmental performance evaluation tools and methods. Focusing on sustainable urban developments and evidence-based policy-making, my interest is multi-scalar parametric design, its sustainability performance evaluation, and applications, extending from architectural design to urban planning. 

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I have been training myself for mentoring and consultancy, as I have been reached out for my expertise and multi-dimensional discussions. Because I have a superpower of being able to make invisible correlations between aspects/topics/people solid connections.

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I am also a daughter, a sister, an auntie (this is my favorite one), and a friend. I enjoy organizing events, dancing (recently lindy hop), painting, reading, and photo walks. Also, for feeding your curiosity: I  invented "elesay " nickname from "el"if "es"ra "ay"din when I was in high school!

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For more details of my expertise and work, Please do not hesitate to contact me.

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EDUCATION

PhD     | Singapore University of Technology and Design - Urban Design and Science 

MSc     | Yasar University - Computational Design

BArch  | Yasar University - Architecture

WORK EXPERIENCE

2023 - 2025     | Lead Researcher & Designer | SUTD

2021 - present | Environmental Sustainability Consultant

2017 - 2022     | Researcher & Developer | Singapore University of Technology and Design

2014 - 2017      | Research and Teaching Assistant | Yasar University

2012 - 2014      | Architect [1 year in total]

KEY EXPERTISE

COMPUTATIONAL

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DESIGN

ENVIRONMENTAL

PERFORMANCE

ANALYSIS

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BIG DATA ANALYSIS

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CONSULTANCY

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MENTORING

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Know me more...

You can know my technical skills from the number of projects and programs. But if you want to know my personality and soft skills, here are some testimonials from my colleagues and students. 

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Please feel free to contact them over their LinkedIn!

Reference letters from employees/advisors will be provided upon request.

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URA: Urban Redevelopment Authority

SUTD: Singapore University of Technology and Design

YU: Yasar University

Architect | Web Developer
Urban Revelopment Authority

Anna C. Yenardi

"Working with Elif was a joy – she’s bright, cheerful, and always brings a splash of color and positivi-tea to the team. In her work, she always deliver quality work and never cut corners which set her apart as a dedicated professional."

  • LinkedIn

Senior Research Assistant
Net Zero Futures Lab - SUTD

Sezgi Yalcinkaya-Hamarat

"Elif, my former teaching assistant and now a trusted colleague, she is exceptionally intelligent, highly approachable, and consistently kind. She is both reliable and immensely helpful, it is a joy to work with her."

  • LinkedIn

Assistant Professor
Yasar University

Cemre Cubukcuoglu

"Elesay loves sharing her knowledge with the team, bringing a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere to every interaction. Her enthusiasm and approachability make her a joy to work with."

  • LinkedIn

Business Development Executive
SAA Architects Pte Ltd

Sofia Foo

"Despite encountering numerous setbacks during her PhD candidature, Elif remained a bubbly student, steadfast and committed to her work, showcasing unwavering perseverance and tenacity. Additionally, she adeptly communicated complex ideas with clarity and ease, fostering collaboration with many."

  • LinkedIn

Senior Research Assistant
Adaptive Design Lab - SUTD

Zebin Chen

"Elif has expertise in her field, showcasing her knowledge and skill in our collaboration project. Coupled with her delightful personality, she always brings joy to the lab and volunteers to offer help to others. It is a good experience working with her!"

  • LinkedIn

Head of Design (Buildings)
Ramboll Singapore

Yvonne Wong

"Dr Elif is an absolute joy and pleasure to work with. Not only she is so good at her craft and subject specific knowledge, she is generous to share and guide the team to achieve greater heights. Her strong interpersonal skills also makes working with her an enjoyable and highly successful experience."

  • LinkedIn

PhD Student
Net Zero Futures Lab - SUTD

Praveen  Govindarajan

"Elif has been instrumental in my PhD journey, introducing me to building performance simulation and guiding me through setting up my simulation model. A people person, she takes initiative in organizing lab events and fosters a collaborative environment. Her support in writing and proofreading my papers has been invaluable. She is an inspiring mentor and an exceptional colleague."

  • LinkedIn

Senior Lecturer
University of Auckland

I-ting Chuang

"Knowing Elif both as a dear friend and a PhD peer has been a true privilege. She has an incredible warmth and is always ready to support others, offering a helping hand whenever needed. Elif's dedication to her work is truly inspiring; she strives for the best in everything she does. Her passion for research is contagious, and her bright, inquisitive nature brings so much light to our academic journey. I am grateful to have her in my life and to witness her journey firsthand."

  • LinkedIn

PhD Candidate
Adaptive Design Lab - SUTD

Doreen Mlote

"It is my pleasure to recommend Elif Esra Aydın as a researcher, a colleague, and a friend. Her profound expertise in computational design and environmental performance is matched by her extensive experience, which I have witnessed firsthand in our team projects. Elif excels not only in her technical skills but also as a leader and teammate, consistently fostering a collaborative and innovative environment that drives our team to achieve outstanding results. When given the chance, Elif always exceeds your expectations."

  • LinkedIn

PhD Candidate
Adaptive Design Lab - SUTD

Jing Zhi Tay

"Working with Elif has been an exceptional experience. Her thorough research methods and clear communication reflect her professionalism and dedication. Elif is not only a valuable team member but also a wonderful friend, colleague, and mentor. She will undoubtedly be a great addition to any team."

  • LinkedIn

Address

Adaptive Design Lab, Singapore University of Technology and Design

8 Somapah Rd, Singapore 487372

Email

Connect

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