Meet Patricio & Inigo Hernandez-ysasi | Co-founders of Casa Ysasi

We had the good fortune of connecting with Patricio & Inigo Hernandez-ysasi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Patricio & Inigo, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
We were born in Mexico City, a place where art and craft are deeply embedded in daily life. Our upbringing shaped our sensibility toward the connection between art, space, and light—values we carry into everything we do at Casa Ysasi. Our mother, an architect, taught us to appreciate the subtle ways light transforms a space, while our father introduced us to Mexican art, music, and traditions, like the vibrant alebrijes that filled our home. This combination of emotional architecture and cultural craftsmanship instilled in us a deep respect for handmade objects and their stories.

Casa Ysasi began as a promise between us during a road trip from Miami to Los Angeles. That drive sparked the idea of starting a studio as brothers—a place where we could collaborate on all our creative pursuits and celebrate the artists who inspire us. At the center of it all is our bond as brothers. Casa Ysasi now balances two sides: a studio with a focus on light and space, and a gallery space.

Our roots in Mexico, combined with travels to places like Oaxaca and Japan, shaped our perspective on art and functionality. In these cultures, the boundary between craft and fine art dissolves, and art becomes part of everyday life. This philosophy influences the way we approach our work—whether designing spaces, curating shows, or collaborating with artists.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
We believe in art’s power to move people, much like how your favorite album can transport you to another place entirely. Art has this incredible ability to make you think and feel deeply, and we’re convinced it could reach and impact so many more people than it does today.

Everything clicked for us during a road trip from Miami to LA in 2016. When we visited Robert Irwin’s installation in Marfa, Texas – the way he manipulated light and space with such simplicity was breathtaking. Irwin, who pioneered the California Light and Space Movement, showed us how art could transform perception through architectural interventions.

After moving to LA, we were fortunate to befriend a master neon fabricator who had worked with renowned artists like Jason Rhodes and Laddie Dill. This connection opened our eyes to neon as an artistic medium, and we began exploring its relationship with photography. These experiments eventually evolved into what our studio is today.

We started small – just two brothers working out of our garage on weekends and after work. It took a few years before we felt ready to make it our full-time focus. When we did, we got more structured, started showing at exhibitions and pop-ups, and really began to grow.

The journey taught us a lot, especially about working together as brothers. We definitely had our clashes, but we’ve learned to trust each other’s strengths and own our separate areas of expertise. Having supportive friends and mentors who believed in us, even when we weren’t sure where this was heading, made all the difference.

Our goal now is to make art feel less intimidating and more accessible. We want people to experience the joy of living with art in their daily lives. What makes this especially meaningful is that our story isn’t just about us – it’s about everyone we collaborate with. Working together as brothers has allowed us to take some pressure off our individual practices and really embrace the collaborative spirit of what we do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start the morning at either Arcana Books in Culver City or Untitled Love Bookstore – both are incredible sources for art and design books. Then we’d head to the eclectic Jurassic Magic for coffee.

For food – Gjusta in Venice is this amazing all-day spot housed in an old bakery – everything they make is incredible. Right by our studio, there’s Delicious Pizza, serving up slices with a great atmosphere, and Cento, where the pasta dishes are great. When we’re craving something more casual but equally delicious, I’d take them to Sonoratown, Leo’s Tacos, or Playita in Silver Lake for incredible seafood tacos.

As the day winds down, there are a few perfect spots for drinks. Gigi’s has this great old-school feel with a modern twist and No Smoking is this great bar also right by our studio. For a more low-key evening, Larchmont Village Wine & Spirits is a great spot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Our studio and gallery are based in West Adams, and we’ve been fortunate to collaborate with some incredible craftsmen and artisans right here in our neighborhood. Alfredo and José, master woodworkers, have helped bring so many of our ideas to life with their precision and care. German and Armand, who craft guitars with soul, have shown us the beauty of dedication to their craft. And Geo and Chele have spent years educating us on the art of neon bending, which has been so central to our work.

We’ve seen firsthand how these crafts—whether woodworking or neon—are often overlooked, under-credited, or outsourced abroad. Whether we’re collaborating with artisans in Oaxaca and Mexico City or working with our neighbors here in West Adams, we are always inspired by the stories, skill, and soul that these craftsmen bring to their work.

Website: https://casaysasi.com

Instagram: @casa.ysasi & @ysasi.gallery