After over 35 years in business — and a total of four showrooms, including one in New York City and two in Chicago — Westchester-based Katonah Architectural Hardware has become one of the premier resources for well-appointed lighting, hardware and fittings. Below, president Andrew Baren looks back and ahead at his family-built business.
When was the company founded and by whom?
Andrew Baren: My father, Paul Baren, made his career as an architect with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, before moving the family upstate near Katonah and purchasing Katonah Paint and Hardware, the small-town general hardware store. As a young man working in my father’s store, I saw the opening in the luxury hardware market — and Katonah Architectural Hardware took its roots. I bought the hardware store in 1983 and began selling architectural hardware as a niche, eventually expanding to our flagship at 13 Valley Road [in Katonah], Manhattan, and Chicago.
Tell us about the family involvement and why this is the business you’re in.
AB: My father and brother, Ian, contributed to KAH as it grew. Now, the next generation is involved, with my son Alex consulting. We’ve always been drawn to the way hardware transforms spaces, blending form and function to create something truly special. Relying on my own determination, I took a small corner of the hardware store and brought in high-end decorative hardware that suited the upscale homes being built in the area. I interpreted my father’s knowledge and passion for architecture and expanded the business. My late brother, Ian, also made a lasting impact on the industry. Now, my son Alex is part of the team, carrying forward our legacy.
Lunch breaks together or separately:
AB: Together! Sharing meals as a team not only allows us to catch up on each other’s lives, but also fosters a strong sense of camaraderie and collaboration. It’s an integral part of our company culture, reinforcing our commitment to teamwork and ensuring that everyone feels connected and valued.
What is the best part of being involved in your family’s business?
AB: Working together as a family allows us to blend our collective experience and vision, creating something that honors our past while shaping the future. Beginning, developing, and leading the business with my father by my side evolved into a concentrated staff of sustained employees, who would be underserved not to be considered family.
Cherished family business milestone:
AB: My father took a leap of faith selling the general hardware store to me in 1983. Flying him and myself to visit the first exceptionally large, noteworthy project I supplied hardware for less than ten years later was a really proud moment. Opening our Chicago showroom in 2000 further extended our reach, showcasing our commitment to excellence on a broader scale. Another key milestone was the opening of our New York City showroom in 2009, which was instrumental in solidifying the Katonah Architectural Hardware brand.
Vacations together or separately:
AB: Together! Vacations help us to return to work re-energized and more connected, which enhances our teamwork and collaboration.
Ten years from now I hope our family business will…
AB: In ten years, I hope our family business will continue to uphold its esteemed reputation and strong relationships within the exclusive architectural hardware community. As we grow and evolve, our focus will remain on maintaining the quality and integrity that define us.
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