Khiem Nguyen grew up in Connecticut helping his father with various handyman tasks from things such as electrical work to building out additions on their home. Throughout high school, he developed an interest in fine art and attended Massachusetts College of Art and Design for photography. During his exploration of a few metal working classes he found a new passion for working in 3D which later brought him to the woodshop. Khiem soon began spending his time learning the craft of fine woodworking. While still having a love for photography, his work at MassArt incorporated both photography and sculpture.

After graduating in 2011, he and his wife packed their car and moved to Austin. Upon arriving they found some shared studio space and decided to make their own furniture. In 2013, the two started A&K Woodworking and Design specializing in small home goods and custom furniture. Since then, Khiem won the first season of NBC’s Making It, and was nominated for an Austin Under 40 award. Most recently, A&K opened their first small showroom studio located at The Commune on East North Loop in Austin.