Azerbaijani woman who attended the Trump inauguration – EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

  02 February 2017    Read: 28637
Azerbaijani woman who attended the Trump inauguration – EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Ayten Mirzoyeva was born and raised in Baku as well proudly represented Azerbaijan in overseas over 20 years of her life. She is one of the notable figures of Azerbaijan in the field of medicine, Bashir Guliyev`s granddaughter. Currently, she lives in Paris. She is holding the position of Vice President and Business Developments at VASCONI ARCHITECTS. Her husband, Thomas Schinko is firm’s principle architect.

Ayten Mirzoyeva told about her Baku memories and friendship with the Trump family in her exclusive interview to AzVision.az.



I was born in Baku. I went to school in the heart of the city, which has a huge meaning to me where I gained my foundation and love towards my beautiful city. Almost right after the completion of my high school I moved to states and attended the university in Texas where I graduated with the degree of Science in Management and International Economics. Education and professional achievements were very important to me, in that respect I always tried to attend international courses, conferences, functions where I could gain more experiences

-What do you feel as a granddaughter of Bashir Guliyev, one of the notable figures of Azerbaijan in the field of medicine? We would like to know your views about Bashir Guliyev.

Bashir Guliev was not only a grandfather to me, but mainly my ideal! As a young girl I looked at him as my hero who saved so many lives and families. He was a brilliant surgeon and modest man- there was no limits for his kindness. His intelligence in medicine was exceptionally unique for that time, but his passion towards art, music and poetry could be the best example of the aristocracy of Azerbaijan



-You have been living in France for a long time. How did you move to France?

I have been living in Paris for last 3 years, for many years of my life I was involved in many different projects in the states and my home was New York. Only 3 years ago I decided to focus closely on our head office in Paris and I took the partnership position at Vasconi.

-What does Azerbaijan mean to you? Do you frequently travel to Azerbaijan?

Azerbaijan means to me - my soul, my childhood and a wonderful country which has so much potential to grow in the future. I try to be in Baku as much as I can. I miss Baku when I am not in Baku.

You are the Vice President of Vasconi Architectes. What can you tell about your work there? What kind of projects does the company implement? Do you have any project for Azerbaijan?

I am holding the position of Vice President and Business Developments at VASCONI ARCHITECTS. In my current role, I draw on fifteen years of hotel development and management experience to integrate hotel brands, international investors, and global enterprises to participate in international competitions not only in the hospitality field, but also large industrial projects. Having worked with the world’s top luxury hotel brands, I possess an in-depth understanding of what they need to succeed, enabling me to seamlessly work with VASCONI’s hospitality clients by conducting feasibility studies to ensure there is a demand for a particular hotel brand, connecting hotel brands with investors and developers, and constructing a hotel that meets brand standards.

VASCONI ARCHITECTS is an award-winning architecture studio headquartered in Paris with offices in Luxembourg and Hong Kong with a remote office in New York. Founded by Claude Vasconi in 1973, the firm has significantly expanded under the visionary direction of the firm’s principle architect, my husband Thomas Schinko.

For forty years VASCONI ARCHITECTS has been producing reputable large-scale urban and master plan designs. The firm is recognized for its evidence based design approach to building that meets users’ needs for an efficient layout, while also constructing a sustainable environment by employing innovative green technologies, eco -friendly materials and an energy efficient design.



The firm applies this practice to the entirety of its projects, ranging from luxury office buildings, cutting-edge hospitality-retail design, high-end residences, and interior design to industrial buildings, infrastructural projects, waste-treatment facilities and healthcare facilities.

This process driven design approach has garnered VASCONI ARCITECTS several international awards including a Green Building Merit Award, FIABCI Prix d’ Excellence Award and a Grand Prix d’ Architecture Midi-Pyrenees Award.

VASCONI ARCHITECTS recently took home first-prize for its Astana Expo 2017 venue design in Kazakhstan, an international exhibition that will focus on "Future Energy.”

Our firm also designed the Riyadh International Convention & Exhibition Center (RICEC) in Saudi Arabia—In Hong Kong Vasconi delivered the largest waste treatment facilities in the world.



In Luxembourg we build the head quarter of Royal Bank of Canada, which is a former Dexia Bank.

In Paris we deigned the prestigious Hôtel MELIA Paris La Défense. The slender building is a glass prism characterized by volume and light. The iconic luxury hotel has 369 rooms and suites, a glass elevator and a sky bar with panoramic city views.

VASCONI ARCHITECTS is a leading design firm that combines a history of excellence in architecture with a modern design approach that prizes innovation, sustainability and progress.

Regarding Azerbaijan Projects, we are engaged with Azerbaijan Projects in Georgia and planning to deliver a master plan developments for 3 integrated projects on it.

-What do you do for promoting Azerbaijan in abroad?

I believe being an Azerbaijani woman, carrying Azeri name, running the world international firm, proudly presenting myself as a woman from Azerbaijan it is a big statement for the international world! It is an actual promotion! When someone asks me my background, I am proudly clarify that I am a woman of Azerbaijan.

- What is the secret of your success? Can women easily achieve success?

Everyone can achieve success as long you don’t give up and pursue your dreams. Azerbaijan is a unique land with full of passion, energy and various talents. I feel very lucky that I was born in Azerbaijan and have Azeri blood running in me.



-We would like to ask about your family. How did you get married to foreign citizen? How can you describe a healthy marriage? What can be done to build strong family relationships?

Our long lasting friendship created strong union between two different cultural backgrounds, my husband is purely European, Austrian German who was educated in France, and he is a brilliant architect, talented artist. I am an Azeri woman educated in the states with entrepreneurial background -our combination is totally unique and strong enough to support each other. We work hard in business and inside of the family, our mission is to nourish our family and share our expertise worldwide. Healthy marriage depends on a mutual understanding and respect of each other’s feelings. There is no such a thing in my understanding that someone needs to dominate in a family. I believe that husband and wife need to carry equal rights.

-What is your husband`s view on Baku, Azerbaijan?

My husband loves Azerbaijan, first time he visited Azerbaijan 17 years ago and every time when he visits Azerbaijan he gets amazed by its beauty and changes. Azerbaijan made everything to put its name on the world Market, hosting multiple events, changing the infrastructure and promoting the country worldwide. As an architect he has his own view and appreciation for all innovative changes.



- The local media agencies reported that you attended the President Trump`s inauguration. Who has invited you to the inauguration ceremony? It is reported that you are friend with Ivanka Trump. Do you have friendship relationships with the Trump family?

Correct, I was honored to be part of the historic moment of the United States of America and being personally invited to attend the entire ceremony. I love Ivanka Trump who is an incredible woman, a friend who is not only smart but very modest as well. She is a perfect example of a young woman of our generation. I appreciate people with no arrogance, but with strong personalities. Our friendship comes all the way from New York City where we were actively involved in the similar projects, developments on creative and professional. activities. I have a huge respect towards Ivanka and her family and I was pleased to know them in person.



-Who are Ayten Mirzoyeva`s friends in Azerbaijan? Do you have ties to famous people?

I don’t keep friends because of their status or positions. I have friends from all over the world including Azerbaijan- my classmates, Azerbaijani friends in oversees. I do not choose friends for any famous status. But, of course I ended up in many different events, functions, professional circles where I meet celebrities and famous people.



-What is your advice to youth to be successful?

Never give up, study hard, work hard and respect others.









Hafiz Ahmedov
AzVision.az

More about:  


News Line