From Istanbul to Iconic: How Merve Iscan Built Studio RUUM into London’s Quietly Bold Design Powerhouse

Women Story
12 minutes ago
3 min read

When Merve Iscan landed in London, she wasn’t just carrying a suitcase — she was carrying the blueprint of a future she would build from scratch. A foreign-trained architect in a city teeming with legacy firms and regulations she didn’t yet understand, she had no local contacts, no insider map — only sketches, experience, and relentless clarity of purpose.

In 2021, she founded Studio RUUM, now one of London's rising architectural and interior design firms known for marrying creative excellence with regulatory precision.

Starting Small, Dreaming Bold

With six years of experience under her belt in Turkey, Merve was no novice — but entering the UK market meant starting from square one. She wore every hat: architect, admin, marketer, and manager. She dove deep into planning policy, rebuilt her knowledge brick by brick, and focused solely on what she did best — design that works.

"I was unaware of the system. I was unfamiliar with the individuals. However, I knew design — and I thought that could still speak for itself."

Word-of-mouth carried her talent across boroughs like Hackney, Camden, Enfield, and Lambeth. With each project, her credibility grew — shaped by transparent communication, meticulous drawings, and problem-solving prowess.

The RUUM Formula: Build What You Dream

Today, Studio RUUM is far more than a boutique firm. It’s a one-stop solution for clients seeking architecture, interiors, and planning services under a single roof. From residential renovations and commercial spaces like clinics, cafes, and restaurants, the firm handles it all — concept to council.

"We design with the plumbing, lighting, and council permissions in mind — not just colour palettes. It’s about making beauty buildable."

Merve's team simplifies what many dread: planning. They offer services from pre-application advice to listed building consents, and even change-of-use approvals — making design not just aesthetic, but actionable.

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As Studio RUUM scaled, Merve brought on architect Burcu Dede as a partner. Burcu’s deep knowledge of council procedures added more muscle to RUUM’s operations, making the firm not just visionary, but agile and dependable.

Their collaboration is built on shared values: clarity, cooperation, and compassion.

“We understand what it's like to be outsiders. We go above and beyond to make things easier for our clients because they trust us to handle the entire process.”

Persistence Over Pedigree

Being a woman and a first-generation entrepreneur in a conservative industry wasn’t just rare — it was revolutionary. Merve navigated bias, bureaucracy, and burnout. But it was her persistence and precision that built her niche.

From personally handling every CAD drawing, council call, and planning meeting, she turned hardship into her company’s core strength — designs backed by real technical know-how.

Redefining Design’s Role

At Studio RUUM, design isn’t about trends — it’s about transformation. Whether a growing family needs an extension or a small brand needs a bold storefront, the focus is always the same: make the client feel seen.

Every Studio RUUM project reflects personal stories through practical, warm, and elegant spaces.

"Each client, site, and story is unique. We pay attention, adapt, and deliver something that truly reflects their identity and lifestyle."

The Journey Continues

For Merve, Studio RUUM isn’t just a business — it’s a personal revolution. A quiet defiance of the odds. A celebration of self-belief built brick by brick.

So what’s her advice to the next outsider looking in?