Profiles in Design: Brothers of Industry

Designers: Andrew and Peter Hernandez; 509 Maple Ave., Carpinteria; brothersofindustry.com

Specialties: Commercial millwork, architectural metalwork, cabinetry, solid surfaces, and lighting

Notable Projects: Sonos, Citrix, AppFolio, Santa Barbara Public Market, Q Sushi in Westlake, and bars and restaurants in Los Angeles

Upcoming Projects: A bar in the Funk Zone and the beer garden at the Santa Barbara Public Market

When the Hernandez brothers run into the occasional, inevitable family business scuffle, they do what many twenty-somethings would do — they head out together for a beer at a sports bar. “By the end of the night, we’ve pretty much worked through it,” says Peter Hernandez with a good-natured laugh.

Brothers of Industry began six years ago in the familiar start-up setting of their parent’s garage when they were both in their early twenties. Peter had studied business, and Andrew worked building homes and cabinets. “We put our two strengths together,” says Peter.

For their first projects, the brothers admit that they turned to YouTube tutorials to build simple tables and furniture that they would later sell at the Rose Bowl Flea Market in Los Angeles, and others in San Francisco. “It was a good way to start,” says Peter. “We were always thankful.”

From these weekend sales, their professional contacts with designers and clients quickly grew. “We started bringing on some really talented craftsmen,” says Peter about how they expanded their expertise and grew their vision.

The firm now occupies a large industrial workspace near the beach in Carpinteria that houses their growing crew of full-time designers, carpenters, and installers to service their impressive list of commercial clients.

“When you’re designing for the public, things have to be very durable,” says Andrew, who adds that it’s important to understand how people will be using their designs, especially in public spaces. “We’re still learning a lot of that stuff, and it’s been an ongoing process.”

Initially the team took their lead from architects, but now they run their projects from concept to finish.

As Brothers of Industry has grown, so has their ability to work under pressure. “We had all hands on deck,” says Andrew about their time building out Santa Barbara Public Market on a short deadline. “It was hectic and late hours but a lot of fun.”

This playful attitude was also a part of their project creating fixtures and cabinets for three Sonos offices, which included unusual 13-foot solid-surface tables in the shape of a giant dog bone.

The firm is now contributing to the outdoor beer garden at the Santa Barbara Public Market. They have designed a back bar with stacked wood, seven-foot round light fixtures, booths, and furniture for the new space, which will house more than 40 beers on tap. The brothers can’t hide their enthusiasm for the project. “We just love food and drink,” says Andrew. “And one of the biggest TVs I’ve ever seen is going in there.”

Part of their fascination with televisions and sports bars comes from their passion for football. “We are so happy that the Rams are coming to L.A.,” says Andrew of the firm’s current bid to do the Rams’ new office buildings. “This would be a dream job because it’s really well designed. It looks like a space ship in there.”