Friends from the Rhode Island School of Design, Adam Charlap Hyman and Andre Herrero, respective graduates of the school's furniture design and architecture programs, decided to start their own firm after working on some small projects together here and there. Since, the up and coming studio, Charlap Hyman & Herrero, has built a vast portfolio that is offbeat, rebellious, and incredibly pleasant to look at. 

Though their work has been mainly centered on interior-focused projects such as opera sets and gallery designs, the firm has recently received several commissions for ground-up constructions. For this week's Small Studio Snapshot, we find out what's next for the American designers.

How many people are in your practice?

6

Why were you originally motivated to start your own practice?

We always wanted to and began "moonlighting" while at our respective jobs, designing small projects together here and there. We then got a very large commission that required a full-time operation, and so we decided it was too great an opportunity to pass up. Our dream was to create a multifaceted practice that took into account all aspects of a given space, which began in earnest with that commission. Taking on projects of all kinds, we set out to develop a portfolio that spoke to our versatile approach, designing everything from buildings to opera sets to textiles.

You both come from two different backgrounds (furniture and architecture)—can you talk a bit about how that plays into your work process for creating spaces together?

We love the collaborative nature of our work and the product of our distinct tastes and skill sets. While we each have our own sides of the practice, we work together throughout the creative process, which results in projects where every aspect of design is carefully considered.

What hurdles have you come across?

At the beginning, it was tricky to find the right tradespeople at the right price, but with experience we have been able to cultivate a rolodex of subcontractors and resources in both New York and LA.

Is scaling up a goal or would you like to maintain the size of your practice?

We are comfortable with the size of our practice but might expand a bit. We have found that, with the right team and processes, we have been able to grow our firm's capabilities to meet the needs of larger and larger projects. Efficiency and leanness are very important to us.

What is next for you guys design-wise?

We are working on several ground-up constructions in LA—a new chapter for us, as we will have the opportunity to handle design on every level, resulting in a pure CHH vision. We are also launching a line of fabrics, wallpapers and rugs with F Schumacher & Co. in June, designed in collaboration with Pilar Almon, Adam's mother.

What are the benefits of having your own practice? And staying small?

The main benefit of keeping a lean firm is being a part of all the decisions that get made for a given project, which allows us to stay true to our concept.