Episode 4 - Optimistic Entrepreneur

Macus Hoh is a youth entrepreneur and architectual designer from Singapore. He pursues his architecture career in the United States. After graduation, Macus worked in two famous architect firms and became an Entrepreneur for intelligent architectural documentation. This week, Macus will share his journey to show us how he can complete his education in the United States and establish his business. Macus completed his M.S. in Architecture Degree at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (Sci-Arc).

This week, we had a wonderful conversation with Macus and hoped to learn more about the challenges of his architectural education. Macus establish his architectural consultation and design business in Los Angeles. If you have any suggestions for Macus, please leave a message below.

Challenge 1 - US English and not my English

I think, number one is always the language. Language is always important. I mean, I know I speak my English, but there's always a different accent from Singapore.

Challenge 2 - Transporation System

So I think because I came from Singapore. Singapore is a small country, and then it's we take public transport all over the place. As well the system is good. So when I first came to California, the public transport system isn't that convenient; mostly you know you have to drive. The first thing that I had problems with is learning how to drive, and then it seems pretty dangerous driving in LA with the traffic.

Challenge 3 - Culture different and get used to handling expectations differently.

In response to language issues, teamwork is then conducted on how to communicate between different cultures effectively. I have a teammate from a different cultural background, maybe so. In the discussion, I will do this in a certain way, and they will do it in another way, so you have to get used to handling it differently, and you expect it to be done differently.

Macus loves architectural research and is surprised by Zaha Hadid, Alvar Aalto, and an architect firm on the east coast. He likes the traditional Sci-Arc Thanksgiving pie sharing activity. If students don’t want to pick up the pie, Sci-Arc will share the pumpkin pie with the homeless to spread love in the community.

Macus' Interview

Macus' Project

I am pleased to hear your voice on the challenge of being an international student through this channel. Please feel free to leave your comments below. If you want to know more about Macus, please send us an email. Thank you.

Brief Intro:

VARIATION DESIGN is a young and energetic design studio that develops creative solutions for projects of multiple scales and types. Founded by 3 principals in 2018, Macus Hoh, Klarke Wang & Sophie Cai, Variation Design leverages a broad portfolio of experience in primarily hospitality projects garnered from over 13 years of collective professional work while a few of the largest architecture and design firms in the world.