Meet Seth Ernsdorf of Woodland Hills

Today we’d like to introduce you to Seth Ernsdorf.

Hi Seth, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
What began as a simple DIY project in 2004 became the foundation for a lifelong passion and a thriving business for Seth Ernsdorf. During his own kitchen renovation, he decided to tackle making concrete countertops himself after a recommendation from his father. Armed with a book by renowned artisan Fu-Tung Cheng, he completed the project, which soon caught the eye of a contractor friend. That first official commission was the spark—he’s been handcrafting concrete ever since. Leveraging a natural artistry from his background in ceramics, his work evolved from countertops to tables, bowls, and now, the stunning fire features and custom furniture his company is known for.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
That’s a great question. Honestly, it’s been anything but a smooth road, and I think anyone working with a temperamental material like concrete would say the same. It’s a humbling medium. You can do everything right—perfect the mix, build a flawless mold—and still encounter an unexpected issue during the casting or finishing phase. It’s physically demanding work that requires incredible attention to detail.

But those struggles are precisely what make the successes feel so significant. Every time we demold a complex piece and see that it came out perfectly, there’s a huge sense of accomplishment. While it hasn’t been easy, it has been incredibly fulfilling. We’ve been able to collaborate on some fantastic projects, and our clients’ satisfaction makes all the hard work worth it. We see every challenge as a lesson that helps us innovate and perfect our craft.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
On your work: My role is to connect directly with clients and work collaboratively to ensure we create a piece of furniture that perfectly satisfies their vision. It’s a partnership from start to finish.

Your specialty: We specialize in the custom, one-of-a-kind fabrication of precast concrete furniture and art. Everything is handmade, which allows us to focus on impeccable quality and create pieces you won’t find anywhere else.

What you’re known for: I believe we’re known for three things: reliability, exceptional craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving. Clients trust us to deliver beautiful finishes and to navigate any design or installation challenges that arise.

A career highlight: Without a doubt, I am most proud of the projects we’ve completed with world-renowned architects Frank Gehry and Peter Zumthor. Having our craftsmanship contribute to their vision is an incredible validation of the work we do.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Los Angeles is its incredible creative and pioneering spirit. There’s an energy here that encourages innovation, and that atmosphere creates amazing opportunities for anyone in a creative field. The fantastic weather is, of course, a huge bonus. On the flip side, the daily reality of traffic congestion can be draining. That, combined with the extremely high cost of living, definitely adds a layer of unnecessary stress. But for me, the creative benefits of being here still outweigh the challenges.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ernsdorfdesign.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ernsdorfdesign

Image Credits
Ernsdorf Design Inc / Image 1: Ernsdorf Design “Abacus Fire Table” in Cobblestone color for private residence, Monterey, CA / Image 2: Ernsdorf Design “Titan Half Moon Fire Bowl” in production at our studio / Image 3: Seth Ernsdorf applying a slurry to a fire table in production / Image 4: Ernsdorf Design “Half Moon fire Bowl” in Alabaster, private residence, Canada / Image 5: Ernsdorf Design Concrete Bath tub in Alabaster, private residence, Malibu, CA / Image 6: Ernsdorf Design custom Fire Table, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Century City, CA