These three words are deemed suitable when you are asked to define who is Zubu Design Associates (Zubu DA).

Zubu DA, a growing architecture firm based in Cebu Philippines, is making a significant name of its own in a world of modern and competitive architectures and designs. Founded in 2010 by principal architect Buck Richnold Sia, Zubu DA now has four senior associates and twenty-five professional and intern architects supporting their goal to build safer and better spaces for the next generation. Over the years of doing design exploration, the firm had already taken a wide range of projects that includes residential projects, hotels, commercial buildings, commercial interiors, restaurants, clubhouses, resorts, and more.

“It’s really like more of an exploration for both of us [our clients]. When we design, even I, myself, I’m surprised by how designs turn out because every time we released a product, it’s not a pre-conceived idea, we really do a lot of exploration,” said Architect Sia as he contemplated the system of approaches they do for their projects.

Architect Sia grew the company alone. With his twenty years of experience and flourishing background in the industry, he was able to build his influence and credibility among partners and clients not just locally but even on the global stage. In fact, just before the pandemic happened in 2019, the Zubu Da had received several nominations for the PLAN Award. The PLAN award is an international award-winning body that recognizes excellence in the fields of architecture, interior design, and urban planning. In that same year, Zubu Da was shortlisted as a finalist at the World Architecture Festival and presented their very own Cor Jesu project design.

Zubu Design Associates has always been in the business of challenging the status quo through the medium of design and architecture. It is very evident in their designs that they have established early on the practice of modern architecture which has evolved into an innovative and explorative way of thinking and approaching their projects.

“We align with clients who want a unique proposition,” Architect Sia quoted.

“We love designing our one-off houses. Each of our houses is an evolution in our thought process as well as progresses our design exploration,” he added. Zubu Da has also transformed various local brands and developers to elevate their brands through architecture.

As creators, they tend to design with forms and volumes to create experiences. Moreover, the team is grown to become not just creators but problem solvers as well. They blend the intellectual and intuitive nature of their work to meet the uncertain. And through that, discovering and transforming what is in the unknown. “I’m not good at replicas. I’m really good at creating something new.”

Admittedly, in the first tranche of the global health crisis in 2020; just like any other business, the Zubu Design Associates had to slow down. Fortunate enough, they continued to operate despite the disruption. When everyone else is doing the new normal setup of working inside their homes, the team continued to design homes. However, Architect Sia emphasized that one of the major lessons that the pandemic taught him was that in order to thrive and remain relevant in the gameplay, he needs to further improve the productivity of his team, empowering them through knowledge-based sharing of information [even digitally] and providing for them a good software and hardware to use.

“We cannot do this without advancement in technology, for sure. We will not be able to do this,” he mentioned as he recalled their experiences during the pandemic.

“The good thing about me, and with the strong brand (ASUS), I'm very specific-- it has to be innovative, it has to be progressive…” Architect Sia mentioned when asked why they partnered with ASUS for their technological upgrade.

According to him, technology solutions are very important in the practice of architecture. The way they approach the architecture with a high level of exploration using advanced modeling software –the Building Information Modeling (BIM), demands a faster and tougher tool.

“In our industry, we really need to invest in technology because it would guarantee us a better productivity,” architect Sia cited when ask about technology investments.

He shared that in their line of work, projects need a lot of time, especially in rendering their presentations, and it will take a toll with multiple units and man-hours to complete before the deadline. When your units are also not up to par, multiple crashes can happen as well and can be draining for the team.

Based on ASUS Philippines’ recommendation, the perfect tool for content creators like Zubu DA team is the ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED which is perfect for intensive 3D & CAD/BIM models, as well as Parametric and Rendering Software. While the ASUS ExpertBook B1 is well suited for their back office included those who goes out and meet their clients. Installed with the new Windows 11 Pro, associates from Zubu DA could improve their focus with a simpler, more intuitive experience and effortless navigation. They can also get things done with fewer clicks and swipes using the refreshed Start, Taskbar, and Navigation Center. Zubu DA’s personnel can now search across their PC and online without switching between browser, tabs, and folders, and get quick access to their most recent documents.

From the centered Start and clean layout to fresh icons, wallpaper, and sounds, the new Windows makes their tasks easier. Windows 11 Pro is also the most secure Windows yet, delivering powerful built-in security including hardware isolation, encryption, and malware protection.

“With ASUS ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED series, we can definitely agree that we already found our perfect partner,” Architect Sia as he expressed his appreciation for their newfound partner.

“Here in Zubu Da, we know exactly what we want. We easily decline if the projects or products that don’t align or fit with our values but with ASUS products, it would be impossible to say no,” he added.

“I think I found it and through our designed projects, the world will surely know why.”