ABOUT THE TEAM

studiOH Hospitality Principals Ju Young Oh and Min Sung “Michael” Kang together have over two decades of design, consulting and construction management experience. Natives of South Korea, the pair met in New York with Ju Young receiving her Master of Science in Architectural Interior Design at Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute and Michael a Master of Science in Information Systems at NYU. Working and living in Brooklyn, the couple missed the flavors of Korea and found the nearest options either in Manhattan’s K-Town or Queens, so they opened their first restaurant in 2009. Others followed including Kuun in 2020, Atti in 2022, with more to come in 2024. All their restaurants are designed and operated by the couple with Ju Young the lead on design and Michael managing the operations.

Q&A

with Ju Young Oh Principal In Design

Q: What’s your background and how does it inform your work here in New York?

A: Like any other form of investment, an individual's personality and background profoundly influence real estate investment. Having been born, raised, and educated in Korea, where the dynamic interplay of compact spaces, dense population, and intense competition necessitates a profound understanding of spatial interpretation for optimal efficiency, I bring a unique perspective to my real estate ventures, particularly in New York.This orientation towards efficient layout and architectural design significantly informs my investment strategy.

Q: What makes Brooklyn townhouses unique?

A: My interest in Brooklyn townhouses traces back to my initial exposure to them during my graduate studies inArchitectural Interior Design at Pratt, where the intersection of real estate development and education became apparent. Since then, I have extensively researched, invested in, renovated, and developed numerous townhouses.

The appeal of Brooklyn townhouses lies in their ability to share both south and north or east and west orientations simultaneously, courtesy of their backyards. The vertical circulation allows for diverse connections, extending seamlessly to the rooftop. The ability to interconnect indoor and outdoor spaces is another defining feature that attracts me to townhouses.

Q: What are the considerations when investing in Brooklyn real estate?

A: As I predominantly focus on townhouses in my investments, I first establish my investment goal—whether it is for rental income, flipping, or personal ownership. For example, I initiate a location analysis for a rental property aimed at generating passive income, examining transportation proximity, trends, and prevailing rental market rates. I then delve into efficient layout options that align with tenant preferences.

Regarding a property intended for flipping, where buyer demands differ, I concentrate on research related to family unit needs and preferences. I concentrate on elements that fulfill my specific considerations for a property designated for personal ownership.

Following the determination of my investment goal, intricate calculations come into play, including financial planning, property management, legal and regulatory compliance, assessment of future development and infrastructure projects, and formulation of a long-term exit strategy.

Q: How does design come into play in the process?

A: My inherent inclination leads me to invest significant time in designing and optimizing layouts that accentuate the character and utility of the space uniquely.The ultimate aspiration is for each property I invest in to possess a distinctive personality and character, standing apart from standardized structures.