Filiz Basaran, AIA, is a Licensed Architect, Principal, and Chief Operating Officer at WDG Architecture, bringing more than 30 years of experience leading complex architectural projects and firmwide operations. She has delivered more than 50 major multifamily, mixed‑use, senior living, and hospitality developments across the Mid‑Atlantic and Northeast, combining deep technical expertise with a proven ability to guide large, multidisciplinary teams through every phase of design and delivery.

As Principal and COO, Filiz oversees the firm’s business and operational infrastructure, directing strategic planning, financial performance, resource management, recruiting and talent strategy, and enterprise‑wide process improvement. She leads initiatives that strengthen project delivery systems, risk management, quality assurance, and operational efficiency—ensuring WDG’s teams are supported with the tools, workflows, and organizational clarity required to deliver exceptional work at scale.

A respected mentor and industry leader, Filiz blends architectural expertise with business leadership to create lasting value for clients, partners, and the firm. She is known for cultivating high‑performing teams, advancing operational excellence, and developing the next generation of design and operational leaders.

Filiz holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Architecture, and has completed executive education programs at Cornell University, including Executive Leadership, as well as the Chief Operating Officer Program at MIT.