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.
makers.
Ken Paw (he/him)
Maker
Originally from Hong Kong and a Vancouverite for over twenty years, Ken joined our team as Maker. With a background in cleaning, he is excited to get skilled in the craft of furniture restoration. Ken is known for his patience and eagerness to learn, ensuring every vintage piece is treated with care.
Kathy Vu (she/her)
maker
Kathy is a skilled Maker at FutureLab Makers. 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.
Dejana Zeljaja (she/her)
Peer Support Worker
Dejana is a Peer Support Worker who received training from Coast Mental Health. She is excited about contributing to and improving the well-being of others by providing one-on-one support. She enjoys working with her hands and is excited to contribute to the mission of FutureLab Makers.
Jay Richards (he/him)
Maker
Jay spent most of his life in music before channeling his artistic energy into making. His superpower? Taking things most people wouldn't recognize and crafting them into signature art pieces. With solid heavy-lifting experience from Canada Cartage, he’s ready to bring new life to vintage pieces through hands-on restoration.
Garrett Bruce (he/him)
Maker (work experience)
Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Garrett spent many years working as a floorhand on drilling rigs and in the roofing industry. His dexterous hands and keen attention to detail are reflected in the quality of his work. Garrett is known for his adaptability, calm demeanour, and willingness to take on new challenges. He is excited to join the team at FutureLab Makers and especially enjoys the process of restoring and bringing new life to the furniture he works on.
staff.
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.
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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.
board.
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.
join our board.
FutureLab Makers is recruiting volunteer Board Members for a three-year term starting October 2026. The role requires quarterly meetings to provide governance, financial, and strategic oversight for the our non-profit's employment program.
Candidates with background in governance, finance, HR, or community outreach can apply via email (saskia@futurelabmakers.com) or phone ((236) 997-6339).
Interested in working together?
+1 (236) 997-6339
We also accept donations when you're ready to support our mission. Visit our 'Donate'-page to learn more!