Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Hernandez.
Hi Charlie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, I spent my early years dreaming of a future that blended creativity with purpose. After graduating from high school, I embarked on a life-changing journey, emigrating to the United States at just 17 years old. Adjusting to a new country and living on my own was a challenge, but it set the stage for the determination and resilience that would come to define my career.
I started my academic path in engineering at Louisiana State University (LSU), but soon realized that my heart was elsewhere. Architecture, with its blend of art and science, became my true passion. I switched majors and proudly completed my Bachelor of Architecture at LSU.
My professional journey began in Dallas, where I landed a job at the up-and-coming international office of Laguarda.Low Architects. The firm was growing rapidly, and so was I. In a short span, I took on the role of architectural Senior Designer for various international projects, gaining invaluable experience while traveling to countries like Portugal, Spain, Brazil, Italy, China, and Japan. Each place, with its unique culture and architectural heritage, broadened my perspective and fueled my passion for design.
Then came 2008, and with it, the global recession. Like many others, I found myself without a job as the firm downsized. This challenging period forced me to rethink my path, and in mid-2009, I decided to take the plunge and start my own practice. With just a few boxes, two suitcases, and a surfboard, I drove to Miami, a city brimming with opportunity.
The early days were tough. I stayed with friends and hustled for projects, starting small with restaurant designs, office interiors, and a luxury condo renovation for the model Esther Cañadas. These early projects, modest as they seemed, laid the foundation for something much bigger.
That something was Nandez Design Studio. What began as a one-man operation in 2009 has now grown into an award-winning design+build firm, with over 200 projects under our belt, a team of 30 talented individuals, and a reputation for delivering personalized, creative solutions.
Along the way, I was fortunate enough to meet my wife, Fabiana, whose intelligence and drive helped propel Nandez Design Studio to new heights. Together, we built not only a family, raising two beautiful children, but also a business rooted in shared values. In 2018, I reconnected with my college roommate, Miguel Medina, who joined us as a partner, bringing a wealth of construction experience to the team.
Today, Nandez Design Studio is more than a business—it’s a family. I’m proud of what we’ve built, not just in terms of projects, but in the sense of community and trust within our team. Looking back, I’m grateful for every challenge that shaped our journey and every person who helped us build dreams along the way.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I wouldn’t describe it as smooth—more like a rollercoaster with plenty of ups and downs. From the start, there were significant challenges, especially financially. Moving to the U.S. at a young age was tough, and the process of securing residency and citizenship added stress. Then came the 2008 recession, which hit hard, forcing us look for options and to finance the entire operation on our own, without any external funding.
On top of that, Miami is an extremely competitive market, especially in the architecture and construction field. There’s always someone ready to take your spot, so standing out requires constant effort. Beyond the competition, there were the daily hurdles that come with running a business: navigating the complex permitting processes, dealing with difficult clients, managing office expenses, and ensuring our team was well-supported. Not to mention the infamous Miami inspectors and building departments that can delay projects and add extra layers of complexity.
Despite all these challenges, we kept pushing forward, always trying to grow and improve. It’s been far from easy, but every setback has taught us something, and that’s helped us build the resilient, successful business we have today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Nandez Design Studio?
Nandez Design Studio is a Miami-based, award-winning design+build firm that’s been transforming dreams into reality since 2009. We specialize in providing creative, personalized solutions for our clients, offering a full range of services from architecture and interior design to construction. What sets us apart is our ability to handle every step of the process—designing and building projects under one roof—ensuring that our clients’ visions come to life smoothly and efficiently.
We’ve built a strong reputation for our commitment to staying under budget and delivering on time, no matter the complexity of the project. Our portfolio spans luxury homes, commercial spaces, interior renovations, and mid-century modern restorations. We are known for our attention to detail, thoughtful design, and our unique ability to integrate modern concepts while respecting the essence of the original architecture.
What truly differentiates us is the culture we’ve created within the firm. We are a family-oriented company, driven by values of honesty, commitment, passion, and resilience. Our team is not just a group of employees; we are like family, and this translates into the way we work with our clients as well. It’s a personalized experience from start to finish, where the client’s dream becomes our shared vision.
Brand-wise, I’m incredibly proud of our ability to stay true to our values while growing into a respected name in the industry. We don’t just build projects; we build relationships and long-term trust with our clients. The positive reviews we receive and the repeat business from satisfied clients are proof that we’re doing something right.
For readers, I’d like them to know that at Nandez Design Studio, we don’t just offer services—we offer a partnership. Whether it’s designing a dream home or creating a functional commercial space, we’re there every step of the way, ensuring that every detail is thoughtfully considered and executed to perfection. Our motto, “We design and build dreams,” truly embodies everything we do.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Professionally, success means creating meaningful impact through the work we do at Nandez Design Studio. It’s not just about completing projects—it’s about exceeding client expectations, building trust, and fostering long-term relationships. When clients are thrilled with the spaces we design and build, or come back to us for future projects, that’s the clearest measure of success. Seeing our team grow and thrive in a supportive, family-like environment is another vital aspect of what makes me feel successful in my professional life.
On a personal level, success is all about balance and fulfillment in the things that matter most. My family is at the core of my life. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a loving wife, Fabiana, two wonderful children, and the constant support of my brother, sister, and parents. Spending time with them and nurturing those relationships is my greatest achievement. Friendships, especially long-standing ones like with Miguel Medina, enrich my life in ways that go beyond business.
Success also comes from rich life experiences, whether it’s traveling the world, exploring new cultures, or staying spiritually grounded through gratitude and reflection. Every experience—whether in work or in life—contributes to a sense of fulfillment, and ultimately, that’s what success means to me: a balanced, meaningful life filled with family, friends, and unforgettable moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nandezdesignstudio.com
- Instagram: @nandez_design_studio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NandezDesignStudio
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlie-nandez?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Image Credits
Diana Ruiz Hueck Alexia Fodere Alexandre Badimon
