Barbora & Ivan in Ross & Brown and Albert I'mStein
Barbora and Ivan bumped into each other during Erasmus in the German town of Wismar. As they spent time together, they discovered they shared far more than just a study stay abroad.
2. December 2024, Author: Barbara Garaj, Photo: Jakub Čaprnka
Though they studied different fields, they complemented each other and learned plenty from one another. Today they share not only a flat, but similar interests and hobbies too.
Barbora was drawn to architecture and urbanism by her fascination with buildings and history, while Ivan dove into a combination of English and German languages. Barbora stayed with architecture – at Hausler & Hausler studio, she transforms creative ideas into real form. She sees architecture as a process of thinking and realisation, when a small sketch on paper becomes actual matter.
"As a society we're changing, and people are increasingly willing to consult an architect and trust them throughout the whole process. When a client believes in you and you create a flat or house together, it immediately shows in the result. Recently we handed over a house on Slavín as a studio. That was a truly exceptional project. Over three years, a beautiful, clean and spacious building grew on that plot – with my involvement."
For the young couple's photoshoot, we chose the terrace of Fertucha bakery on Grösslingova street, which Barbora helped bring to life. In the clean space of soft colours combined with raw concrete, you can enjoy a sweet reward in the form of delicious pastries.
"Fertucha keeps its design somewhere between industrial character and delicate confectionery craft. Exposed concrete wall, black steel beams combined with my beloved pink colour – it's simply great. Consultations were pleasant too, there was always some cake on the table."
Ivan has moved through several positions – in the world of mobile games he worked his way up to user researcher, but after a time he needed a change. An opportunity came along to try working with students and alumni at the University Technical Incubator at STU, where he helped them develop ideas and organise events on various business topics. Ivan isn't afraid of challenges, so his next work steps brought him to the speciality coffee roastery Goriffee, where he handles administration and partly oversees some operational processes.
Baška and Ivko also bonded over a passion for sport, which they actively pursue in their free time. Both found joy in running and don't shy away from competitions either. They've tried the Košice half-marathon and at the start of next year they've set themselves another challenge – they'll run the half-marathon in Seville, Spain.
Barbora likens running to personal spiritual exercise, when she can focus only on herself and steady breathing. She develops spiritual thoughts as a volunteer with the Salesians too, where she's been active for 17 years. For the last 10 years she's been training future animators, though she's also tried organising events and preparing camps for children and youth.
Ivan pursues several physical activities – besides running, he loves racket sports, mainly tennis and squash. He sees sport as a space to step out of the comfort zone, but it also motivates him to perform better.
They've managed to pop into ZITA several times. They always feel comfortable in our optician's and love the frame selection. Ivan returned from contact lenses back to wearing glasses. Most recently he was drawn to a light metal frame from Polish brand Albert I'mStein.
"I chose my first frames at ZITA in 2019 – before that I only wore lenses, but I decided to return to glasses. It was a simple, quick and very pleasant process. I got exactly the feedback I needed, both from the ZITA team and from Barbora, so I didn't hesitate and chose. I have two prescription frames from ZITA and one pair of sunglasses – I wear them all regularly and I'm very happy with them!"
From our diverse portfolio, Barbora chose Italian brand Ross & Brown. She fell in love with the Paris III model, which resembles pure architectural shapes in its form.
"When choosing frames I felt comfortable, I didn't feel any pressure that I should already pick something. I always received good advice and recommendations, but what I appreciate most is the human approach."
Besides sport, they enjoy walks in nature, hiking in the mountains or stays at their favourite cottage in Liptov, where they always love returning. If they're not travelling, they savour meetings with friends over good coffee and cake. You might spot them sometime in Bratislava discovering new places to the sound of laughter and good spirits.
"We don't know if we have one shared goal, a dream that can be named. We're probably learning to live the present moment. To be here for each other. To be healthy and content. To perceive things as they are and take something from them."
