Meet Asher Marcus | Architect, Developer and Owner of Hubo Studio.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Asher Marcus and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Asher, how do you think about risk?
Imagining the future is implicitly risky.

I was recently told by a major client that they enjoy working with me as I am comfortable in the unknown. It was only recently on the Reggio Emelio International Study Group in Italy that I fully understood that the this comfort with doubt and uncertainty is the ultimate tool in an authentic process driven design approach. It’s the reason that we can so comfortably create kid-centric spaces that are intuitive to children and dynamic in their sensory approach.

In truth, every new project is terrifying but exhilarating. This tension is what creates the special projects that push social and architectural boundaries.

I would no longer consider risk taking as novel- rather it’s a part of daily life.

Design choices have to be daring to be considered design in our spaces.

I do believe that the decision to take the entrepreneurial leap sooner rather than later has helped me to see risk as a fundamental part of the story. I have been smashed with all kinds of surprises and every time there is no option but to emerge from the situation having grown and adapted.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Firstly, I must preface that we are very much on a journey and we are aspiring to grow and perfect our work every day. That being said, we have come a long way and it’s cool to consolidate and see what we have accomplished.

I am proud to be an award winning architect with a sustainable business that transforms spaces and lives.

I am most excited by how our focus on child-centric spaces has been recognized as unique and valuable by the right clients and organizations. This has enabled us to firm up our design philosophy and to focus in on one core aspect of our business. Imagining the future for the future.

Was it easy? No. It’s cool to have an authentic entrepreneurial journey. It’s a slog, it’s the right staff, the wrong staff, wangling out of trouble, salvaging situations and in the end creating magic.

We transform spaces.
We see transformation as the ultimate in sustainable design. The reuse of buildings is the best way to preserve our planet and we show people just how incredible the institutional spaces that they know can become.

In just 5 years we have impacted thousands of lives that pass through and interact within our spaces. We try to inspire a sensory experience, a light and airy space. We truly see space as the third teacher.

We don’t stop exploring and trying to solve problems with the most effective interventions.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Actually Johannesburg is a city with a rich history- a transformative city. Founded on Gold and railway connections, the remaining mine dumps are hastily being processed and repurposed as sludge on Mega Dumps. Nevertheless, this toxic landscape is worth a visit before it completely disappears- contact me for details on how to arrange a tour.

The transformative spaces of the Inner city, Maboneng and the Cradle of Humankind are all worth a visit on your trip. Constitution Hill and Victoria Yards are clear examples of rejuvenation and the energy of these spaces is one of a kind.

The emerging art is off the charts.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person who believes in me the most is my wife Dalya who shares a passion for children and life with me. So imagine waking up next to your biggest backer every day… I think that her position is under threat thanks to the introduction of Nana Marcus to the picture. His grandiose perception of his dada has given me the biggest motivation to fit into his vision and pushes me every day. Lastly, to the Hubo Team, Yoyo and our unique clients (partners)- thank you for buying in to our vision and collaborating in making magic.

Website: www.hubostudio.com

Instagram: @hubostudio

Linkedin: Hubo Architecture and Design

Facebook: Hubo Studio

Image Credits
Chad Nathan Dave Southwood