Meet the makers - Enrique in Mexico City
Enrique Hernandez started Ensambleria on his own in 2013, and now works with a team of 10 craftspeople, including his son. They’re professional cabinetmakers making beautiful and bespoke furniture pieces, and have been part of the Opendesk network for 3 years. We met with Enrique in Mexico City, where he is based.
Ensambleria started because I wanted to create a human-scaled sustainable business - where the core values would be creativity and workmanship.
Opendesk: Hi Enrique! How did you start Ensambleria?
Enrique Hernandez: Ensambleria started because I wanted to create a human-scaled sustainable business - where the core values would be creativity and workmanship. I wanted to create a business that would allow people to develop skills and accumulate knowledge - business with a deeper meaning that would at the same time maintain a low environmental footprint.
Opendesk:
How many people are working with you at Ensambleria?
Enrique Hernandez:
Our best ingredient has been the great people that have believed in the Ensambleria project from the beginning! This began with a collaboration with design partner and architect Edurne Turcott and soon afterwards, industrial designer Guillermo Corona got on board. The Ensambleria concept and workshop was developed from scratch - today there are more than 10 people actively collaborating in the design, workshop and sales team.
Opendesk: Which tools do you have in the workshop?
Enrique Hernandez: Apart from our 6x4 3-Axis CNC, the rest of the production process is done with the skill and craft of our certified master craftsmen - using mainly small electrical hand tools like screwdrivers, routers and sanders.
Opendesk:
How did you find Opendesk, and when did you join the network?
Enrique Hernandez:
We discovered Opendesk in September 2013, when during a visit to the Future is Now exhibition at the London Design Museum the Opendesk exhibit and concept of local manufacturing caught my eye. I looked into their Open Making concept in more detail and immediately saw the platform as the missing part of my desire to build to work in this way. After further research and a couple of emails with the Opendesk Co-founders, the Ensambleria project was on its way…
We’re really happy to be part of Opendesk’s worldwide local manufacturing network - and we have been actively collaborating since late 2013. We’re also excited by the continued development of the platform - that as it develops keeps us on our toes in striving for excellence!
Opendesk: What does Opendesk bring to professionals like you?
Enrique Hernandez: I feel it’s bringing really world class furniture design to an accessible level - ready to be digitally made anywhere. It gives me the opportunity to get on board a fast-moving train and develop my business whilst maintaining my individuality as a professional and creative maker.
Opendesk:
What excites you most about the platform?
Enrique Hernandez:
The powerful message of change in the way furniture can be created, designed, manufactured and delivered to customers. The on-hand, relaxed and inclusive attitude of the Opendesk philosophy along with their great team - as well as obviously the clean and elegant design of their furniture - never cease impress me!
Opendesk: What is your favorite design to build?
Enrique Hernandez: I always marvel at the parts, assembly and overall design of the Lean Desk - I’m sure in time it will be among the list of the great ‘classic’ furniture designs :)
Opendesk:
How do you define success as a furniture maker?
Enrique Hernandez:
I think success in business is when balance is obtained between receiving new and repeat orders from satisfied customers and by having a motivated and positive team developing and creating new better products every day - and all with sustainability in mind; building for the long run.
Opendesk:
How is it to make furniture in Mexico compared to somewhere else?
Enrique Hernandez:
In a country where pine plywood is used mainly for construction purposes, our first obstacle was sourcing high grade birch plywood and then training our craftsmen to work and discover the beauty of birch ply furniture with its characteristic open edges and natural finish!
Opendesk:
Which projects are you currently working on?
Enrique Hernandez:
At the moment, we’re working on a couple of repeat orders for some various tables - the Meeting Table, Lean Desk, Cafe Table - as well as the Fin Lockers, all manufactured with different laminate tops and plywood cores to meet the specific customer’s needs - along with some custom-made display furniture for a major wholesale client.
Opendesk: Do you only work with Opendesk or work on various projects?
Enrique Hernandez: We design and manufacture corporate & workspace projects and although we design and incorporate different custom made furniture and panels, we exclusively use Opendesk work tables and desks.
Opendesk:
Who are your typical clients? Do you tend to work locally (via word-of-mouth, etc..) or on a bigger scale?
Enrique Hernandez:
Our clients are mainly architects and interior designers, but we also work directly with private customers. Our marketing efforts are though social media and personal contacts, mostly.
Opendesk: Finally, what are your plans for the future?
Enrique Hernandez: In all sectors things are moving and happening very fast, companies are specialising and getting connected - so the future can take several paths which at the moment it is difficult to say how they will unfold! But what is certain for me is that strong collaborations are the key to success…
Pictures by Rory Gardiner
