An Istanbul, Turkey native, Ekser, along with her identical twin sister, attended Mimar Sinan University of Fine Arts where they received Bachelor of Architecture degrees. From 2010 to 2014, Ekser served as an architect for H.E. Architecture in Istanbul before relocating to the United States following her marriage to Burcin Ekser, MD, PhD. In 2019, Ekser obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis before continuing her studies at Ball State University where she obtained dual master's degrees in Historic Preservation and Conservation, and Architecture in 2021. While attending Ball State, Ekser served as an architectural intern at Schmidt Associates.
Throughout her tenure, she has worked on a variety of projects within the firm's K-12 and higher education studios. Long term, she hopes to obtain her architecture license and become registered in the State of Indiana.
"The principals and I are pleased to have Elif joining the firm full-time," said Sarah Hempstead, AIA, LEED AP, CEO and Principal of Schmidt Associates. " For the last two years, it has been a pleasure watching Elif develop professionally, while adding a unique design perspective that truly benefits our Owners. I look forward to seeing her continued growth as an architect."
Schmidt Associates has also hired Trinity Bray, Zach Gearing, and Nathan Snyder as engineering graduates.
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A graduate of the University of Dayton, Bray has completed intern and student staff experiences with Eli Lilly and Company and Johnson Controls. Additionally, she is a volunteer with Camp Healing Tree and the Indianapolis Zoo.
Following his graduation from Trine University, Gering got his career start as an electrical engineering intern for MacTac North America, with Nipsco as a field engineer, and CHA Consulting as an assistant engineer.
With a diverse background in mechanical engineering, Snyder graduated from Purdue University and spent time as a production and maintenance supervisor at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and as a test cell engineering tech for the Cummins Test Center. Before joining Schmidt Associates, Snyder was a building automation engineer with Siemens Smart Infrastructure.
"We're excited to welcome, Trinity, Zach, and Nathan to Schmidt Associates," said Eric Broemel, principal in charge of engineering. "As we continue building our mechanical, engineering, plumbing, and technology service offerings, their combined experiences will be an asset to the firm and our clients."
