About us | Futurelab Makers

our
story.

G E T T O K N O W U S

Our story began when our founder started a furniture restoration studio as distraction during a job search. Confronted with issues around homelessness and addiction in Vancouver, it evolved into a deeper realization: that the same care used to bring furniture back to life could be used to help people reclaim their professional futures.

Today, we’ve grown into a vibrant social workshop where we combine a passion for mid-century restoration with a core mission: creating meaningful employment for people facing barriers to work.

how we work.

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Restoring & Selling vintage furniture

Employees develop furniture restoration skills by working directly on vintage pieces. We embrace techniques to ensure vintage furniture is restored to last for many years to come. We use high quality, eco-friendly products and give each furniture piece a brand-new look and feeling.

Supportive & Flexible employment

We provide paid employment in a supportive environment designed to accommodate different needs and capacities. Work schedules are flexible and adapted to each individual’s situation.

The workshop creates a space where people can rebuild confidence, develop work routines and gradually move toward long-term employment opportunities.

Creative environment

FutureLab Makers operates within a co-working space alongside a diverse group of artists and makers.

Painters, photographers, furniture restorers and other creatives form a vibrant community that fosters collaboration, encourages knowledge sharing and creates a strong sense of belonging.

J O B S A T F U T U R E L A B M A K E R S

At FutureLab Makers, we believe in empowerment and learning by doing. People working for FutureLab receive support to take ownership in completing every step of the process: from planning and hands-on refinishing, to pricing and selling the finished pieces. Along the way, employees gain practical skills in furniture restoration, learn how to assess the market value of their work, and take pride in creating something new.

Our mission is to provide a supportive and empowering environment where people can build confidence, gain relevant job skills, and move toward long-term employment and stability – either with FutureLab Makers or at another workplace.

current job openings.

Peer Support Worker (5 hours per week)

Interested in joining the team? Reach out to hello@futurelabmakers.com to hear about our current openings and other ways to get involved!

meet the team.

At FutureLab Makers, second chances are at the heart of what we do - for both people and furniture. We combine our passion for vintage design with the belief that every person can flourish when supported by an inclusive and meaningful working environment.

Saskia Geurtzen (she/her)

Executive Director

Saskia Geurtzen serves as the Executive Director of FutureLab Makers Society. What began as her personal furniture restoration initiative in 2024 grew into a nonprofit in 2025, reflecting her commitment to social equity and love for mid-century furniture. With professional experience in program management, fundraising, and strategic partnerships at Oxfam and the European Climate Foundation, she leads FutureLab’s employment program and guides the organization’s day-to-day and long-term operations.

Philippine den Brave (she/her)

Operations Manager (volunteer)

Philippine den Brave is Operations Manager at FutureLab Makers on a volunteer basis. While she happily admits to having two left hands when it comes to restoring furniture, she found another way to contribute: working closely with Saskia on everything that keeps FutureLab running. Philippine focuses on the foundations so the makers can focus on their craft. She is driven by FutureLab's belief that meaningful employment can change lives, and is proud to play a part in creating space for second chances.

Jasmin Sandhu (she/her)

Restoration coach

Jasmin is a Vancouver local, passionate about preserving the history and beauty of vintage furniture. What began as a mission to reduce environmental waste while in university, led to a journey of furniture restoration. Bringing over 6 years of experience in restoring furniture, Jasmin enjoys teaching and sharing knowledge with others beginning their own journey. Rooted in passion for history, antiques and creation, she strives to ensure others can enjoy the beauty of mid-century furniture in their own lives.

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Ken Paw (he/him)

Maker

Originally from Hong Kong and a Vancouverite for over twenty years, Ken joined our team in April 2026. He is known for his patience and eagerness to learn, ensuring every vintage piece is treated with care.

Ken currently works 5.5 hours a week in our studio, divided over two shifts.

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Kathy Vu (she/her)

maker

Kathy joined FutureLab Makers in April 2026. Drawing on her professional background working in a nail salon, she translates her attention to detail and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments into high-quality furniture restoration.

Kathy currently dedicates 5.5 hours per week to refining her craft in our studio.

Benito Macalanda (he/him)

Maker

Benito’s journey with us began as a volunteer, and his dedication quickly saw him grow into a skilled Maker. Having successfully restored multiple vintage pieces, he has proven to be exceptionally committed and efficient.

Benito currently works 4 hours a week with us while simultaneously pursuing further education through Coast Mental Health.

Jacqueline Taggart (she/her)

President

Jacqueline Taggart is President of FutureLab Makers' Board of Directors. She is a Vancouver-based interior designer and Principal of Jacqueline Taggart Interiors, specializing in bespoke residential design across the Lower Mainland. With over a decade of experience, she provides full-service support from space planning and 3-D renderings to permit drawings and furnishing procurement, creating warm, functional homes grounded in West Coast and transitional design.

Heather Farmer (she/her)

Vice-President, Treasurer

Heather Farmer is Treasurer and Vice-President of FutureLab Makers's Board of Directors. She is the Executive Director of Sole Food Street Farms, one of Canada’s leading urban-farm social enterprises. With more than a decade in nonprofit management, environmental advocacy, and harm-reduction work, she leads initiatives that transform underutilized city land into productive farms that provide employment, food security and community connection for Downtown Eastside residents.

Harry Crosby (he/him)

Secretary

Harry Crosby is Secretary of FutureLab Makers' Board of Directors. He is a lawyer with more than five decades of experience in private practice, working in community-based, environmental and climate legal work. His career includes roles with the Native Courtworker and Counselling Association of B.C., service on the B.C. Human Rights Commission, and extensive involvement in community development and nonprofit governance.