The Story Behind Azuri
Every architectural practice begins with a vision. For Azuri Architects, that vision was shaped by diverse international experience, a shared commitment to creating value, and a belief that architecture should be contextual, practical and enduring. The name Azuri was carefully chosen to reflect these principles. Inspired by African identity, simplicity and elegance, it embodies the thoughtful approach we bring to every project, from early feasibility studies through to completed buildings.
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A Name Inspired by Experience, Design and Value
Hugo and I started Azuri as way to broaden our horizons and simultaneously those of our clients.
We come from different architectural backgrounds: Hugo with more commercial, industrial and retail experience whereas I hold experience in the various healthcare sectors and project feasibility. Both of us have gained experience working outside South Africa’s borders: Hugo in the Netherlands and Germany for five years and myself across Southern and Western Africa and the middle east for more than 10 years.
The two of us are very excited for Azuri’s future. The company’s name reflects much of our architectural outlook: contextual, artistic, technically sound, pragmatic and with an emphasis on value.
Building an Architectural Practice Around Value and Purpose
Value means different things to different people and we pride ourselves on understanding where our clients place their stock and in helping them achieve their vision.
The company name is the outcome of a specific vision and brief:
- The name should consider the context of the African continent – what uniquely pan-African language could be referenced? Swahili, of course.
- What is an easily pronounceable word that makes spelling intuitive because of the unique combination of letters? Short names with limited spelling rules.
- How many syllables should be considered to create a comfortable human rhythm? Three was the natural choice.
- We wanted to be bold in our new venture. Sounds like Z and R are strong and easily recognisable.
- What imagery should the name evoke: we wanted to have a bold name that highlighted a simplicity in it’s meaning. Azuri means poise, grace and elegance – strong qualities because of their simplicity. There is nothing extraneous.
The development of the company’s name epitomises our approach to all our projects. We are precise, thorough, conscientious. These qualities, we believe, are what set us apart.
