Could you describe the roles you have undertaken within Seba İnşaat and Seal Investment, and how you shape the vision of these brands?

As a Board Member of Seba İnşaat, I carry the responsibility of being a third-generation representative with great pride. For me, it is not merely about continuing a strong legacy spanning over 30 years; it is about carrying that legacy into the future by reinterpreting it through the lens of my own generation and constantly building upon it. I believe that, alongside the attention to detail inherent in a female perspective, having lived in various countries has significantly enriched my vision. My aesthetic sensibility, which began with the Italian school of design during my early education, evolved into something far more global and multi-layered after making London and New York my homes. I strive to harmonize elements drawn from the architecture, culture, and lifestyles of these cities—as well as the refined taste that has naturally taken shape within me—with Seba İnşaat’s strong DNA, infusing the brand with my own unique perspective. SEAL, on the other hand, is deeply personal to me; it is the first investment venture I created from scratch and nurtured with great care. This journey, which I began with the philosophy of "never putting all your eggs in one basket," reached a whole new level when my father stepped in to guide me, sharing his experience and support. I have always believed in creating long-term value through investments and staying within a field I truly understand—an approach heavily influenced by Warren Buffett, whose investment principles I have long adopted. I was born into the real estate world, and New York is home to me; consequently, SEAL represents a natural intersection of my professional expertise and my sense of belonging. The story behind the name is just as personal to me as the brand itself. SEAL is a combination of my family members' initials and is also the design of my first tattoo. The play on the phrase "let’s seal the deal," combined with the sense of permanence and legacy evoked by the concept of a seal, rounds out the brand’s character for me.

Given your background spanning the New York, London, Milan, and Istanbul axis, what is the current perspective of international investors regarding high-quality real estate projects in Turkey?

Living across the New York, London, Milan, and Istanbul axis has given me the opportunity to interpret life and markets not merely from an investment standpoint, but by experiencing diverse cultures, architecture, lifestyle rituals, and tastes. I define myself as a *bon vivant*; I love experiencing a city as a whole—not just through its buildings, but through its restaurants, art, streets, people, and way of life. I believe this has significantly shaped my approach to real estate. Today, international investors are no longer just buying square meters; they are investing in a lifestyle, a culture, and long-term value. In this regard, Istanbul and Bodrum possess a powerful character that is difficult to replicate elsewhere in the world. However, for the global investor, the word "luxury" alone no longer suffices; the entire experience—from architecture and materials to service and branding—must meet international standards and maintain internal consistency. I believe this is precisely where Turkey’s true strength lies: with the right project and the right positioning, we can offer not just quality real estate, but a powerful *art de vivre*.

In your opinion, what is the most strategic investment advantage that sets Istanbul apart from metropolises like New York and London in the global real estate market?

I believe Istanbul’s most strategic advantage is the accessibility afforded by its geography. It is situated within a few hours' flight of the world's major economic centers, right at the heart of a vast pool of capital and population. This makes Istanbul not merely a city to live in, but a natural hub for international investors. On the real estate front, however, the space available for developing high-quality new projects in Istanbul’s most valuable locations is extremely limited. Genuine "prime" land—particularly along the Bosphorus and in the city’s established districts—cannot be recreated. Consequently, a high-quality property in the right location is not just an asset; it is a value that is becoming increasingly scarce. New York and London are far more mature markets where values ​​are largely "priced in." In Istanbul, however, I believe there is still significant scope for value creation for investors who can identify the right location, the right timing, and the right product. For me, the investment thesis for Istanbul lies precisely here: global reach, limited prime supply, and potential that has not yet been fully realized.

What are the advantages and challenges of being a young female leader in traditional sectors like real estate and construction?

I was born into this industry; since childhood, I have been immersed in construction sites, project meetings, and decision-making circles. Consequently, I never viewed myself as an outsider or at a disadvantage within the sector. On the contrary, I eventually realized that thinking differently and interpreting details from a unique perspective were among my greatest assets. In real estate, we don’t just construct buildings; we shape how people live and how they feel within a space. That is why aesthetics, details, and user experience are just as crucial as the technical and financial aspects of the business. As for the challenges of being a young woman in this field, people often notice your age before your ideas. This reality drove me to work harder, be better prepared, and substantiate everything I said with solid reasoning. My father’s approach to me was a pivotal factor in shaping my career. He never simply handed me a position based on my surname; I prepared myself to possess the competence required to shoulder the responsibilities of that role. Nor did he pressure me to be a mere continuation of himself. He listened to me—especially when I held views that differed from his—and created space for my vision, aesthetic sensibilities, and unique perspective. He never singled out the perspective I brought as a woman; instead, he viewed it as an asset that enriched the company. This was one of the most valuable leadership lessons I learned from him: it is not about making room for the new generation, but about instilling in them the confidence to create their own space. Today, what matters to me is not how I am defined at the table, but what I contribute when I sit there.

From architecture to interior design, what details do you prioritize most when defining the concept of luxury living in your projects?

I believe the greatest luxury in life is living happily and peacefully in a place where you truly belong. Alfred Hitchcock’s description of happiness resonates deeply with my own definition of the feeling: a "clear horizon." It is a state of clarity—free from mental clutter, with an unobstructed view ahead, allowing you to channel your energy into creating beautiful things. That is precisely where luxury begins. That is why, with every project, I ask myself, "Would I be happy living here?" My background in Consumer Behavior plays a significant role in this; I view a project not merely through an architectural lens, but through the life that will unfold within it. Timelessness is another crucial factor for me. I believe in staying away from fleeting trends while closely monitoring the evolution of life, technology, and the ecosystem. Durable, low-impact materials, systems that reduce energy and water consumption, proper insulation, efficient lighting solutions, and smart home technologies have become integral to good design. I view green building standards not as an afterthought or an add-on, but as a fundamental criterion to be considered from the very first stages of design. A timeless structure is one that is aesthetically pleasing, uses resources wisely, adapts to technology, and maintains the same quality of life for years to come. After all, true luxury is not about what you show others, but how you feel in your own life.

How do the strong businesswoman profile and aesthetic language you’ve cultivated on digital platforms influence the confidence of international investors?

I am completely authentic in the digital world; I don’t create a persona. There is no gap between the Lara you see online and the Lara you would meet in business or daily life. My work, my travels, my aesthetic sensibilities, the training I’ve pursued in the myriad subjects that interest me, and the things I am curious about are already natural parts of my life; the digital world is merely a small reflection of this. When it comes to investor confidence, I believe in consistency rather than mere visibility. For international investors in particular, while the figures matter, it is equally important to understand the family behind the investment—their reputation, work ethic, culture, and long-term perspective. Ultimately, capital is entrusted not just to a project, but to the decisions and word of the people bringing that project to life. Trust is built over years by upholding the same values ​​and standing by one’s word; the digital world does not create this trust—it simply makes it visible.

Looking ahead, are there any new markets or projects on your agenda for Seba İnşaat and Seal Investment?

An exciting period lies ahead of us. For Seba İnşaat, Istanbul and Bodrum have always been invaluable. As a family business, we do not define growth merely by the number of projects we undertake; our foremost principle is to create projects in the right locations that align with Seba’s DNA and retain their value in the long run. On the SEAL side, activity in New York remains intense. We are highly selective regarding the right assets, prime locations, and bespoke projects, as well as working with the right partners at the right time. At the same time, I closely monitor Europe. My investment philosophy is not to be present in every market, but rather to enter the right markets—those we truly understand and have conviction in—at the right moment. Consequently, our growth agenda is very busy for both Seba İnşaat and SEAL Investment; yet, for me, it is not just about growth itself, but also about where I choose to be—catching the tennis players I’ve admired for years, the US Open, or Formula 1 Grand Prix races, and making sure to book Snow Polo dates a year in advance. Observing and immersing myself in the daily life of those cultures does me a world of good. I always return from my travels not just rested, but with a fresh perspective. Music has also played a vital role in my life; I played the piano for years, and it remains one of the quickest ways to shift my mood. Having played tennis for so long, sports have a similar effect; today, tennis and padel are among the most enjoyable ways for me to clear my mind. I am also naturally very curious. Driven by my interest in psychology, I have taken—and continue to take—courses in the field. I never miss a seminar by masters like Gabor Maté or Tony Robbins, no matter where in the world they are held; understanding human nature, behavior, and the mind still excites me deeply. I cannot limit myself to just one field; I constantly want to learn new things—ranging from the business world to history and general knowledge. For me, unwinding doesn't mean shutting off my mind; it means simply shifting its frequency.

What is the most important principle or piece of advice you have taken to heart regarding your professional life and personal stance?

Oprah Winfrey: “In this life, you only get what you have the courage to ask for.” I truly believe that one shouldn't hesitate to ask for things or make a request. At worst, the answer is “no”; but if you don’t ask, the answer is already “no” from the start. By nature, I am quite proactive. Guided by the belief that “when one door closes, another opens,” I always pursue the areas that spark my curiosity and interest. I have seen the rewards of this in both my professional and personal life. To seek an opportunity, put an idea on the table, or think big, you first need to summon the courage to do so. Because often, what changes your life isn't the answer you receive, but the courage you show in asking the question or knocking on that door.