Breakform Design
Precision in Metal · Los Angeles
Precision in Metal: Breakform Design
Architecture is a collaborative discipline. The drawings establish intent, but it's the people in the shop — bending, welding, grinding, fitting — who determine whether that intent actually makes it into the world. I trained under Duncan Nicholson at Nicholson Architects, and from those early projects the fabrication partner for custom metalwork was consistently Ramsey Daham of Breakform. That relationship has continued at Conner & Perry Architects — Breakform remains our fabrication partner on current work.
Breakform has since expanded its practice into architecture under the same name, but the fabrication work is what we rely on: stainless steel credenzas, glass rail hardware, aluminum candelabras, and — most notably from the Nicholson years — the elliptical bronze portal for the Price Skyspace. Each piece demands a different set of skills and tolerances. The common thread is precision: organic architecture doesn't accommodate slop.
Stainless steel credenza — fabricated by Breakform Design for concrete office table
Sculpture, Furniture, Architecture
The piece that best illustrates Breakform's range is the Bernar Venet sculpture installation — positioning a large-scale artwork into final placement requires the same rigging and coordination skills as a structural steel erection, combined with the delicacy the work demands. The image below captures the moment of final lowering.
Lowering Bernar Venet sculpture into final position breakform owner ramsey daham
Hardware and Detail
Custom glass rail hardware is the kind of work that disappears when done correctly. The connection is invisible to anyone not looking for it — which is exactly the point. The fabricator has to understand not just the metalwork but how it reads against glazing, against light, against the overall expression of the building. Breakform has consistently demonstrated that understanding.
Custom glass rail hardware — Breakform Design
Aluminum candelabra designed by duncan Nicholson fabricated by Breakform Design
The fabricator has to understand not just the metalwork, but how it reads against glazing, against light, against the overall expression of the building.
Resources
Breakform Design — breakformdesign.com
Related
Concrete Desk and Stainless Steel Credenza · Satin Stainless Steel at Sydney Apple Store · Concrete Bar Takes Form
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