We were lucky to catch up with Charlie Hernandez recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Charlie, thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
My optimism is deeply rooted in my family—my wife, Fabiana, and our two children are the main fuel for everything I do. Growing up in a very positive environment taught me the importance of approaching life with resilience and a positive outlook, but it’s my family that truly drives me to keep that spirit alive every day.
Working with Fabiana as our CFO at Nandez Design Studio brings a unique balance. Sometimes, I’ll admit, my optimism can get the best of me, pushing me to dream big and aim high. Fabiana is my anchor, grounding me and reminding me to keep one foot on the ground so I don’t fly too high. Her practical insight complements my enthusiasm, creating a powerful partnership that allows us to approach projects with both vision and pragmatism.
At Nandez, optimism is more than a mindset; it’s a core principle we bring to every project. In design and construction, obstacles are part of the journey, but I view each one as an opportunity to learn, adapt, and create something meaningful. Our motto, ‘We design and build dreams,’ captures the essence of this optimism. It’s about believing in our vision and our ability to deliver on it, not just for our clients but also for the future we’re building for our own family.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
At Nandez Design Studio, we create spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful, focusing on custom architecture and construction solutions that bring our clients’ visions to life. Our work covers everything from residential projects to unique builds across Miami, and our approach combines design and construction under one roof—giving us control over quality, cost, and timelines.
What excites me most about what we do is the ability to transform spaces in ways that not only meet practical needs but also inspire people every day. Each project we take on is an opportunity to create something unique, blending creativity with precision to deliver spaces that reflect our clients’ personalities and dreams. I believe what sets us apart is our dedication to personal, hands-on service, making sure we’re involved and responsive every step of the way. Our clients trust us to handle their homes with as much care as they would, and that’s something we’re deeply proud of.
We’re also growing in new and exciting ways. Recently, we’ve been working on expanding our focus to include a new line of single-family homes with high-end, eco-friendly designs. It’s part of a larger vision we have to provide sustainable, resilient spaces for South Florida families while staying true to the beauty and energy of the local landscape.
Overall, Nandez Design Studio is about creating meaningful spaces and experiences, not just for our clients but for our team and community too. Our motto, ‘We design and build dreams,’ speaks to that commitment. We’re not just building structures; we’re building a legacy.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back, I would say the three qualities that had the biggest impact on my journey were perseverance, visionary optimism, and a client-centered approach to design.
1. Perseverance
In my personal life, I have been faced with many challenges: family losses, Immigration, financial, among others, but there was always something in me that kept me going, a fuel, a north, you need to find that.
Professionally, in the early days of Nandez Design Studio, we faced several financial and logistical challenges. There were times when progress seemed uncertain, and we had to dig deep and keep going, even when the path forward wasn’t clear. Perseverance kept us moving forward, allowing us to learn from each experience and grow stronger through each challenge.
Advice:
For anyone starting out, my advice is to develop a “no matter what” mindset. Know that challenges will come, and sometimes you’ll feel stuck. But every problem you solve builds resilience and strengthens your foundation. Take things one step at a time, and remember that growth is often a slow, steady process.
2. Visionary Optimism
Being an optimist has allowed me to dream big and take risks that others might have avoided. This quality has fueled many of our projects and led to Nandez Design Studio’s expansion and reputation in the community. Of course, optimism needs balance; so it is necessary to have something grounding you when ideas get a bit too ambitious.
Advice:
Cultivate a positive outlook, and believe in your own potential. The world is full of possibilities if you’re willing to think big. But make sure you have a team, mentor, or partner who can give you honest feedback and help you stay grounded. Optimism without realism can lead to burnout, so finding that balance is key.
3. Client-Centered Design Thinking
Focusing on our clients’ needs and making them feel heard has been a game-changer. Every project is an opportunity to help someone realize a vision, and that approach builds trust and fosters lasting relationships. Over the years, this mindset has led to strong referrals and a reputation for quality and care in our work.
Advice:
Listen deeply to your clients. It’s easy to become attached to your ideas, but remember, the end goal is to bring your client’s vision to life. Develop empathy and communication skills so you can truly understand what they’re looking for, even if they can’t fully articulate it. Always wear your client’s shoes.
For anyone just starting out, investing in these qualities—perseverance, balanced optimism, and a client-centered focus—will set a solid foundation for a meaningful and successful career.
Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
One book that has played a significant role in my personal and professional development is *Greenlights* by Matthew McConaughey. It’s not just an autobiography; it’s a guide to navigating life’s challenges with creativity, resilience, and humor. The book is packed with insights, but a few key nuggets of wisdom stood out to me and continue to resonate:
1.- “Catch more greenlights by learning when to pivot.”
Matthew talks about the importance of recognizing opportunities and knowing when to adapt. This is incredibly relevant in my life and work. Whether it’s navigating complex client needs, unexpected project challenges, or shifting market trends, the ability to pivot and find a “greenlight” in every situation has been essential to my success. It’s a reminder that even red lights and yellow lights can be moments to pause, reflect, and redirect.
2. “Persistence and preparation create luck.”
This concept reinforced a belief I’ve always held—success isn’t about waiting for the stars to align; it’s about showing up, doing the work, and being ready when opportunity knocks. In my journey, from overcoming financial struggles to building a thriving business, this principle has been my foundation. It’s about staying committed, even when the path isn’t clear, and trusting that the effort will eventually pay off.
3. “Define your values, then live by them unapologetically.”
His emphasis on clarity of purpose and values resonated deeply with me. At Nandez Design Studio, our core values—Commitment, Honesty, Passion, Resilience, and an Extraordinary Attitude—guide every decision we make. Personally, this principle reminds me to align my actions with my beliefs, whether in my work, my relationships, or at home and how I show up for my family.
Reading *Greenlights* reinforced the importance of staying adaptable, intentional, and optimistic. It’s a book I often recommend, as it speaks to finding balance in ambition, values, and the unexpected twists of life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.nandezdesign.com
- Instagram: @nandez_design_studio
