Behind the Scenes: The Design Philosophy of POP Architecture

Behind the Scenes: The Design Philosophy of POP Architecture

Welcome to POP Architecture, an innovative architecture firm in New York and Connecticut. We specialize in lifestyle-oriented sustainable architecture. Established in 2019, our firm has grown rapidly, expanding our reach to deliver groundbreaking design solutions for a diverse array of projects encompassing residential, commercial, and institutional spaces.

At POP Architecture, our hallmark lies in crafting spaces that not only exude aesthetic appeal but also align with the unique desires and aspirations of our clients. Our design philosophy revolves around the creation of memorable spaces that seamlessly merge with one another and foster meaningful connections with the surrounding environment and history, all while maintaining maximum functionality. This approach is deeply rooted in the Mediterranean lifestyle, which has been a wellspring of inspiration for our co-founders, Okan Oncel and Jessica Pleasants.

Our design journey commences with dynamic and engaging dialogues with our clients, where their visions and dreams are transformed into meticulously detailed concepts. Throughout this process, we prioritize active listening, ongoing idea exchange, and vivid visualization to ensure that our clients feel like co-creators, actively participating in the transformation of their vision into reality. Leveraging cutting-edge virtual reality technology, we offer our clients a real-time experience, enabling them to witness their preferences and ideas evolving into stunning, lifelike 3D visuals.

The moniker "POP" not only represents "Pleasants Oncel Practice" but also symbolizes the lively and direct approach of our designs. What distinguishes us as a boutique firm is our family-oriented ethos, with Okan and Jessica being a married couple with young children. This familial bond, coupled with our team, lends expertise in architecture, interior design and construction. Our creative process thrives on innovation, comfort, budget considerations, and effective project management, ensuring the feasibility and value of every design.

At POP, we employ Building Information Modeling (BIM) to seamlessly marry the design and construction phases, minimizing errors and boosting our overall efficiency. Our multidisciplinary approach is rooted in a spirit of collaboration, where our principals and team members actively collaborate across professional boundaries to propose innovative ideas, challenge assumptions, and maintain a steadfast commitment to quality.

At POP Architecture, our ambition knows no bounds. Okan's journey, from his beginnings in Turkey with his father, also an architect, to his passion for large-scale building projects, has shaped our determination to create spaces that ignite and inspire our clients. Our journey began in 1995 with hand drawings and sketching, driven by the desire to assist clients in bringing their visions to life. While our niche expertise in apartment renovations in New York City sets us apart, our aim is to tackle more large-scale projects in the future.

We remain on the cutting edge of the latest industry trends, drawing inspiration from our peers and looking to the past to envision the future. Sustainability is at the heart of our designs, and we strive to incorporate eco-friendly practices into each new undertaking.

One of our most cherished projects, the Roundhouse project, has captivated us since mid-2018, reinvigorating our mission to tackle complex architectural challenges and bring them to fruition. We thrive on the intricate and distinctive aspects of each project because nothing in architecture is simple.

As we look toward the future, POP Architecture aspires to consistently surpass expectations and create spaces that deeply resonate with our clients, all while remaining steadfast in our commitment to sustainability, collaboration, and innovation. Join us on our journey as we continue to shape the future of architecture and design.


POP Architecture may be reached at 212-977-6775 in New York City, or by email at info@popdpc.com. The website is popdpc.com, and you can follow POP on Facebook and on Instagram at @poparchitecturedpc.