Hidden Gems: Meet Preston Johnston of FATHOM + FORM

Today we’d like to introduce you to Preston Johnston.

Hi Preston, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I grew up in the Chicago area after moving around a bit, and much of my early life was spent around boats and water, which gave me a hands-on sensibility, though I didn’t fully connect those skills with my future until later. I went on to study at the University of Colorado at Boulder, initially majoring in English. But everyone in my dorm was in the architecture program, and over time I gravitated toward it. I eventually switched and earned my degree in architecture.

I graduated around 2009, right into the recession, when architecture jobs were scarce. That downturn pushed me to explore my interest in building, especially boats. I enrolled at the Great Lakes Boat Building School in northern Michigan, where I studied traditional wooden boat building using hand tools. It was a full-time, year-long vocational program, which also connected to North Central Michigan College, allowing me to earn an associate’s degree in woodworking.

I went on to work in various boat yards—first at the country’s first Chris Craft dealer in Hessel, Michigan, then in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin—restoring and building wooden boats. After a few years, I was ready for a change of scenery and moved to California, where I met my first business partner. Together, we started making industrial furniture on nights and weekends in West Hollywood, while I worked day jobs—from auto glass repair to production running. We sold pieces at local markets like the Melrose Trading Post and the Rose Bowl, gradually taking custom commissions and building a small business focused on bespoke furniture featuring cast aluminum and bronze.

We eventually grew into a 7,000-square-foot warehouse space at 737 Kohler Street in downtown LA, joining a vibrant community of makers and artists like Neptune Glassworks, Nicholas Knudson Art, and Robert Siegel Ceramics. That era was marked by creative energy, collaboration, and a lot of hands-on learning—especially welding. I taught myself MIG welding during this time, which became the bridge to my next chapter.

In 2016, I founded Fathom, which began as a custom architectural metal studio and has since evolved into a full-scale fabrication business. I earned my LA City D1.1 welding certification and obtained my general contractor’s license. Over the years, we expanded our capabilities and moved into a larger facility in Lincoln Heights. Today, Fathom & Form specializes in high-end architectural metalwork and fenestration systems—custom steel doors, windows, and skylights—with NFRC-certified products as part of our growing product line.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has never really been a smooth road. A lot of bumps and still turbulent. Entrepreneurship has been philosophical journey with many stoic lessons in endurance and embracing suffering. I get to learn new things about myself all the time and the people I work with. I joke around with my team about doing it “the hard way.” It is always a challenge to slow down and do things right, both in business and craft.

We’ve been impressed with FATHOM + FORM, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I would like to position our brand to be an authority in the world of high end architectural metal work. Our culture is one of quality where we adhere to strict tolerances and design aesthetic. I see FATHOM evolving as a recognizable name in doors, windows, hardware, specialty surfaces, and more areas in the architectural design field. Specifically the places where people hang out and express their style and taste. Typically we are hired to provide value in these areas. The kitchen, primary bathroom, entry door, or living room fire places.

Clean, crisp, and intentional with precision and craft.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
That’s all I have right now!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.fathomandform.design/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fathomandform/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fathomandformdesign/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fathomandform