Select A Maker, a Digital Directory of Design Professions
Circa 2015 - 2016

This was the website for Select A Maker, a digital directory of design professions. The directory search categories covered: Accessories, Architectural detail, Art & Sculpture, Bathroom fittings, Beds, Cabinetry, Ceramics, Clocks, Doors & windows, Fire surrounds, Flooring, Furniture (indoor and outdoor), Garden ornament, Lighting, Ornamental items, Rugs & carpets, Stone masonry, Tableware, Textiles, Upholstery, Wall panelling, Wallpaper, Wall treatments and Window dressing.

Content is from the site's archived pages as well as other resources.
A great concept with talented folks all around.

A number of industry professionals recognized the usefulness of this tool. Homes and Gardens’ design correspondent Barbara Chandler writes about commissioning bespoke, and why it’s getting a bit easier thanks to online directory Select a Maker.

The new owner of the site's domain has kept an edited version of the original site in the hopes it may inspire others, elsewhere to connect bespoke artisans and other auxiliary services* with interior designers and individuals.

*Clarification & Observations:
What I mean by auxiliary services is those companies that can provide supplementary or additional help and support, such as window washers, rug cleaning and repair, specialty painters, etc. In addition, having an ecommerce website in now another important aspect a business owner must take into consideration.

For my parents’ 50th anniversary, I pulled out all the stops, hiring a top-tier party planner to transform my penthouse condo into an unforgettable celebration space. The event was a huge success, but not without its share of chaos—toppled floral arrangements, spilled food and drink, and the inevitable last-minute scrambles to keep things running smoothly. Fortunately, my planner had a curated list of specialists to handle everything, from caterers and decorators to emergency fixes. Over time, I’ve built my own network of trusted NYC professionals—cleaning services, painters, wine stores, bakeries, and more. Having a vetted list of experts saves time and ensures quality, which is why I rarely leave things to chance.

Yet, ironically, in my professional life, I had been making a massive oversight. Like many business owners, I had blindly relied on Google’s search results to find vendors, partners, and even gauge my own company’s online presence. It wasn’t until I came across Bob Sakayama’s insights on SEO risks that I realized just how vulnerable businesses are to algorithm changes, penalties, and even outright sabotage. His work exposes how even small mistakes—often made by well-meaning SEOs—can tank a site’s rankings, cutting off its primary source of traffic. Worse, many businesses never realize they’re under attack, misdiagnosing drops in rankings as internal failures rather than external threats.

Sakayama’s analysis is a must-read for anyone who depends on search visibility for their business. His breakdown of Google’s vulnerabilities and the dangers of negative SEO made me rethink how I approach online presence and risk management. Just like I don’t leave event planning to chance, I now take a much more proactive approach to defending my company’s digital footprint. If you rely on Google for traffic, don’t assume you’re safe—read up, educate yourself, and make sure you’re not unknowingly gambling with your business’s future. [Lucinda Murray]

Select A Maker was set up in 2015 by Cambridgeshire based interior designer Yasmin Chopin to promote UK based designers and makers working in the interiors and gardens sector. Select a Maker is on-line directory that is free to use and it’s going to make a big difference to the way we source one-off, made to measure and bespoke items for the home and garden. Specifically featuring makers who provide a bespoke service, it aims to offer a comprehensive online resource for professionals and the general public alike. By making it easy to find, for example, a furniture maker or a maker of architectural glass I hope to encourage more people to explore this route when they want something very personal, special and unique for their home.

About

Select A Maker is a free-to-use directory of UK based designers and makers working in the bespoke market for INTERIORS and GARDENS.

We:-

Help interior designers and garden designers find bespoke makers
Expand opportunities for designer-makers
Advance the UK’s bespoke sector

We aim to support and grow the bespoke market: In the UK there are companies with a long history that champion traditional methods of making. And there are new companies that push the boundaries of design with the latest materials and techniques. There are time-served artisans developing their unique style through experimentation and groups and partnerships working together to produce exciting art, craft and design. Our listing pages put you directly in touch with some of the most talented people in the business. All our members accept commissions (Select A Maker is not a selling site).

Professionals

The Select A Maker directory is the perfect sourcing tool for interior designers, architects, garden designers and landscape professionals.

“As an interior designer I recognised the need for an easy to use directory of makers, not just for the trade but for everyone. In my search for unique items for interiors I’ve met hundreds of individuals who craft items for homes and gardens. People who are dedicated to their craft, with the skills and vision to create perfection. I hope the combination of my experience in interiors and passion for design excellence means that Select A Maker benefits buyers and makers alike.” Yasmin Chopin – Founder and Creative Director, Select A Maker.

The commissioning process

How do I commission bespoke work? Every commission will be different but as a guide write down answers to these questions when buying bespoke:-

Where will the item be placed?
Is it for a special occasion?
When do you need the item?
Is there a maximum budget?
What materials would you like the maker to use?
What size should the finished item be?
Have you seen something similar?
Is the item a gift?
What inspired you to ask for this item to be made?

Go to Find a maker and enter your search criteria to create a shortlist of possible candidates.
Contact the candidates via their website or email address and discuss the commission.
If you like how the conversation went organise a visit to the maker, see some of their work and ask for testimonials if appropriate. Or, if the item is large or architectural you could invite the maker to come and see you so they get a better understanding of where the item will finish up. If a site visit is not possible you may need to provide photographs and/or architectural plans.
Obtain a written quotation: this may be accompanied by a design drawing and/or a scale model and there may be a fee for this.
Be clear about your expectations when you accept the quotation and establish a completion date. You may have to pay a deposit at this point. Give as much time as possible to the making process, it can take longer than you think.
Ensure you understand how the piece will be transported to its destination and who is responsible for its safety.
Keep open the lines of communication and don’t hesitate to contact the maker at any time during the process.
Ensure you are ready to accept delivery and/or installation of your bespoke item and pay your chosen maker on time.

Should I use an intermediary to commission a piece of work? You can use an intermediary if this suits the situation – for instance, a gallerist, agent, architect, interior designer or garden designer. One of these professionals could be your eyes and ears and arrange the commissioned work for you. The intermediary is likely to require a fee for their time. This could be a percentage of the cost of the item or a flat fee.

PRESS

UK INTERIOR DESIGNER DEVELOPS MAKER-ARTISAN ONLINE SEARCH

JUN 21, 2016 / BusinessOfHome.com

United Kingdom-based interior designer Yasmin Chopin was spending precious hours researching local suppliers, highlighting a need that has since become the springboard for her project to help other designers save time and promote local artisans. Debuted last year, Chopin’s Select a Maker, a digital directory of design professions, includes suppliers, makers and craftspeople—all locally available. She chats with EAL about her inspiration, and goals, for the designer-focused directory

The Select a Maker search tool

How did you develop Select a Maker?
As anyone in the profession well knows, the time taken to find a specialist craftsperson or to hunt down the perfect item for a project is far more than most people realize. A broad range of quality contacts who can produce bespoke customized work is one of the key features of a successful interior design business. It is for this reason many interior designers don’t share their contacts list.

I live in Cambridgeshire [a county in England] and my ‘patch’ is geographically wide, taking in all the surrounding counties. This means I spend a lot of time researching local suppliers for my clients. I’m very keen to use local resources, support U.K. business and help new businesses whenever possible….

I realized that an online directory of U.K.-based designers, makers and skilled craftspeople would be extremely useful, not only for myself but for other professionals and the general public. It works both ways, because I’m aware that art, craft and design businesses can struggle to get the promotion they need and welcome the opportunity to gain a wider audience. Select a Maker offers them a platform online where contacts can be made directly by those who search the directory.

How do you source the makers and artisans who appear in the directory?
Makers who join Select a Maker find us, or we find them in many different ways. I visit a lot of shows, exhibitions and events to meet makers in person, as well as making contact online and through other organizations.

We have been in business for a year now, and the database of makers is growing steadily. We have superb coverage of makers around the U.K. and represent a variety of craft skills and arts-based industries. All our makers welcome commissions, and our directory is based on three principles: The designer-makers are U.K. based; they offer a bespoke service; and they work principally in the interiors and/or gardens sector.

Makers enjoy the community spirit Select a Maker offers, and benefit from the support we can give through social media and our blog. There are many interesting opportunities that arise as a result of being part of our group; TV program makers contact Select a Maker, journalists approach us for their magazine features, exhibition and event organizers often need speakers or quotes for their publications, etc. I undertake a lot of speaking engagements and always use Select a Maker members’ work in my presentations. And having just set up our first Sponsored Membership Program, we are already seeing some very interesting business opportunities arising from the partnerships we’ve created between sponsor and maker.

What’s on the horizon for the service now?
Our next task is to raise awareness of the Select a Maker directory among the professional interior and garden design communities. As our database grows, it will become the regular go-to place for all interior designers and garden designers working in the U.K., and potentially those overseas. Talented people who have honed their skills over years and developed innovative techniques to produce unique quality products deserve more recognition! We hope to play a big part in that.

Yasmin Chopin, founder and creative director of Select a Maker, a bespoke interiors directory. Yasmin is listed In the top 100 design influencers by Decorex International. She regularly speaks about Blogging.

1 May 2016

Our members say…

selectAmaker is a directory of designer-makers who welcome inquiries for bespoke work in the INTERIORS and GARDENS sector. If you are based in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland JOIN US and become part of our community! We’re promoting UK bespoke!

“We at Faux Creation see many advantages to being part of a broader creative community with selectAmaker and consider it a real honor to be a member alongside some of the UK’s most creative talent. The future looks bright for all of us involved with selectAmaker.” Jason Ebers, Faux Creation Ltd.

“We really like being part of Select A Maker and enjoy reading about its developments and all new members.” Maja and Karyn at The Bespoke Boutique.

“I’m delighted to be part of this growing network of bespoke specialists, as an independent business Select A Maker gives a platform and route to market. Making connections with this tailored audience makes for stronger client relations and a meaningful peer support network.” Ciara McGarrity, WAFFLE Design.

“We like the individual nature of the companies listed on Select A Maker. The website fits with our type of business which is design oriented and a bit quirky.” Simon Shuck, Inspired by Design.

“As a sole craftsman it is good to have Select A Maker behind me with the opportunity to see what others are doing.” Cabinetmaker, Graham Ikin.

“I enjoy reading about other Select A Maker members on the blog, especially those who have travelled widely because the cultural references they have automatically catches my attention and of course being a weaver it is always interesting to see what other makers are creating.” “We really like being part of Select A Maker and enjoy reading about its developments and all new members.” Maja and Karyn at The Bespoke Boutique.

“It’s great to be part of the Select A Maker community. To be featured on the blog was a great way to have a spotlight shone on my work and current projects” Sarah Burghard, “We really like being part of Select A Maker and enjoy reading about its developments and all new members.” Maja and Karyn at The Bespoke Boutique..

“Select A Maker looks amazing. The feedback is an inspiration.” “We really like being part of Select A Maker and enjoy reading about its developments and all new members.” Maja and Karyn at The Bespoke Boutique.

“I am delighted to be a part of Select A Maker it provides continuous support and promotes outstanding craftsmanship” Penny Price, PENNY PRICE FURNITURE.

“I think Select A Maker is such a great service as there is no other website that specifically addresses bespoke interior manufacturing in the UK. Instead of trolling through endless other websites to see if you can find a manufacturer that maybe suits your needs, with Select A Maker, you can simply click that type of maker you are looking for and they pop up automatically. It’s a great service for interior designers and specifiers.” Dana Finnigan, Dana Finnigan.

“selectAmaker has fast become a major go-to site for bespoke design in the U.K. It features an eclectic group of talented designer makers and I’m very honoured to be one of the Founder Members. As an innovative specialist furniture painter, I welcome a community such as this which opens the door to new business not only from members of the public but also interior designers and businesses which are already a part of this rich and diverse creative community.” Clementene Coates, Clementene Coates.

NO VIDEO IS AVAILABLE

With thanks to video maker Christian Payne, who came up with this simple but effective idea for an 80 second video!

And thanks to the following selectAmaker members, who gave permission for their work to be featured in this video:-

Malcolm Lewis, Malcolm Lewis Designs, interior accessories
Penny Price, Penny Price Furniture, furniture maker
Clementene Coates, painted furniture
Kate Usher, Kate Usher Studio, bespoke wallpaper
John Jacques, Radiance Furniture, furniture maker
Lucy Churchill, stone carver
Jess and Jules, custom furniture
Eli Ofir, Home Portraits 4U, property portraits
Angela Constantinou, Cocoon Home, soft furnishings
Karl Dardis, Karl Dardis Art, artist painter
Maja and Karyn, The Bespoke Boutique, handmade lampshades

Video script:

“I’m Yasmin Chopin. In my search for unique items for interiors I’ve met hundreds of individuals who craft items for homes and gardens. People with passion, people with the skills and vision to create perfection.

In the UK there are companies with a long history that champion traditional methods of making. And there are new companies that push the boundaries of design with the latest materials and techniques. There are time-served artisans developing their unique style through experimentation and groups and partnerships working together to produce exciting art, craft and design.

Some companies you will recognise, some will be new, all deserve to be better known.

Select a Maker takes the time to bring designer- makers together in one place. It’s easy to find the right person for your project. You don’t need to register, just search the directory to find a maker and get in touch with the people who impress you.

Join our mailing list on www.selectAmaker.com.
Celebrate the bespoke with us.
Let’’s make the heirlooms of the future!”

The Team

A little bit about us and how we like to work.

We aim to make your experience of using the selectAmaker directory first class.

Yasmin Chopin – Founder and Creative Director. With many years managing membership organisations and in recent years working as an interior designer, Yasmin has all the experience needed to make selectAmaker the best bespoke resource for interior designers and the general public.

Ann Hawkins – Business mentor. An inspiration and source of sensible advice for the team at selectAmaker Ann offers members a mentoring service. She is co-author of ‘New Business – Next Steps’ and on the radio at The Business Hub and the Social Media Show.

Dan Hawkins – Web developer. Dan trained as an architect but soon discovered his creative energy was best used in web design. He ensures the selectAmaker website does the job we want it to. And by the way, he’s no relation to Ann.

Jess Payne – Designer. Best friend, daughter to Yasmin and bespoke upholsterer and fabric designer, Jess is closely involved in all aspects of the selectAmaker business. She manages things when mum takes time out and boosts the team effort when needed.

Jen Haken – Marketing. Writing copy and creating quality content is where Jen excels. With over 20 years’ experience Jen’s writing helps selectAmaker capture the right audience with her reader-friendly newsletters and blog posts. You will find Jen on the Blog.

Angela Wilson – Administrator. Angela keeps our books in order. Her enthusiasm for figure work is backed up with years of experience. We love having her on board so we can spend time promoting the selectAmaker community.

Good service and quality

Our standards

We maintain an open and honest relationship with our community of Buyers, Makers, Friends and the wider public.
We support innovative design, new designers and smaller businesses in order to help develop the UK economy.
We respect, and expect our Members to respect, copyright and intellectual property rights by providing links, citing sources, and crediting inspiration where appropriate.
We disclose any material relationships, policies and business practices so you know where we stand.
We care about the planet and encourage eco-friendly product development and working methods.
We trust that every listing in the selectAmaker directory advances our core aim which is to encourage the commissioning of bespoke ART CRAFT & DESIGN for INTERIORS and GARDENS. If we are concerned about any aspect of customer service or product quality within our Maker community we will take appropriate steps to help make improvements. We reserve the right to amend or remove a Maker member listing at any time, under any circumstances.
We regularly review our working practices to give our Maker members excellent value for money but more than that, we aim to deliver a service to the selectAmaker community that money cannot buy.
We want to know if there is anything we can do to improve our directory of designer-makers and our service so please tell us!

More Background On SelectAMaker.com

Select A Maker is a UK-based online directory dedicated to designer-makers offering bespoke, made-to-measure work for interiors and gardens. The platform serves as a sourcing tool for interior designers, garden designers and private clients seeking custom-crafted furniture, architectural details, decorative pieces and other artisan-made items. Rather than functioning as a retail marketplace, it connects clients with specialist makers who accept commissions.

Ownership & Origins

Founder and Creative Director

The directory was founded by UK interior designer Yasmin Chopin, who conceived the site from her experience in the bespoke interiors sector. Based in Cambridgeshire, she observed the need for a user-friendly directory of makers creating custom work and launched Select A Maker to meet that gap.

Legal Entity & Timeline

Select A Maker Ltd was registered in February 2015 (company number 09439649) with its registered address at 6 Stow Road, Spaldwick, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, England. Over time the corporate status has become dissolved according to UK company filings, which suggests the original limited company may no longer be active in that form.

The website itself was launched in 2015, with press coverage emerging in 2016, indicating the directory was positioned early in the decade as a specialist resource in the bespoke-design sector.

Location & Market Focus

Although the service is online, the physical base (through its founder and company registration) is in Cambridgeshire, England. The directory explicitly covers UK-based makers—those located in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland—and is aimed at the UK bespoke interiors/gardens market. In other words, while clients or designers may browse internationally, the listed makers are UK-based and the commissioning, manufacturing and delivery are UK-centric.

Goals and Mission

Select A Maker’s mission is multi-fold:

To support and grow the UK bespoke-maker market by promoting artisan makers and custom-craft companies.
To provide interior, garden and design professionals (and private clients) with an easy-to-use directory of makers offering bespoke services.
To bring more visibility to makers who operate outside the mass-manufacture mainstream, and to facilitate contact, commissioning and collaboration.
To educate clients and designers on how to commission bespoke work — covering steps such as briefing a maker, reviewing quotes, understanding lead-times, delivery/installation logistics, and so on.

By combining the directory listing with an informational commissioning guide, the site frames itself both as a sourcing tool and a design-industry resource.

Features & Menus

Directory Structure

The directory allows users to search or browse makers by category. Categories include, but are not limited to:

Furniture (indoor and outdoor)
Upholstery
Cabinetry
Ceramics
Architectural detail (doors, windows, fire surrounds)
Flooring, wall panelling, wall treatments, wallpaper
Lighting, textiles, rugs & carpets
Garden ornaments and sculpture
Accessories, clocks, tableware, other decorative items

This breadth demonstrates the ambition of the platform to cover all manners of bespoke-makes in the interiors & gardens space.

Commissioning Guide

A notable feature is the “commissioning process” guide, which walks a prospective client through stages such as:

Defining where an item will live, its purpose, timing, size, budget and material.
Short-listing makers via the directory and initiating contact.
Visiting maker studios/workshops or arranging site visits to ensure fit, quality and context.
Obtaining written quotations (often with design drawings or models), negotiating lead-times, deposit terms, installation logistics.
Ensuring readiness for delivery/installation, adjusting for transport and fit-out requirements.
Maintaining communication through fabrication, delivery and post-installation stages.

This type of guidance is particularly useful because commissioning bespoke work often lacks the standardised procedures found in mass-manufacture, so providing clarity helps clients and makers alike.

Member Testimonials

The site features testimonials from makers who list in the directory. For example:

A maker indicated that being part of the platform gives access to a wider creative community and is “a real honour” to be listed.
Another maker commented that Select A Maker “gives a platform and route to market” for bespoke specialists.

These testimonials enhance understanding of the value proposition from the maker side: exposure, community and commissioning opportunities.

Popularity, Media & Press Coverage

While publicly-available traffic or membership data is not easily accessible, the directory gained positive media mentions:

The site was featured in a Cambridge Network article in March 2016, noting that the magazine Homes & Gardens included a piece about the directory in its April 2016 issue.
Prominent design industry figures commented on the platform’s usefulness; for instance, Vanessa Brady OBE (then president of the Society of British & International Design) welcomed the directory as a valuable match-making tool between makers and clients.

Such endorsements suggest the platform was recognised within the UK interior and design sector as a credible and useful resource.

Known For & Cultural/Social Significance

Select A Maker stands out for specialisation and craft-focus. In an era of globalised mass-manufacture, the site emphasises the value of bespoke, artisan-led design and production. It fills a niche by:

Highlighting British-based makers who often do not operate large retail channels but serve design professionals and bespoke clients.
Promoting the idea that one-off, tailor-made items add value, identity and uniqueness to interiors and gardens, rather than generic “off-the-shelf” solutions.
Providing a bridge between design professionals (or individuals) and makers who can collaborate on custom projects — thus reinforcing the ecosystem of UK craftsmanship, designer-maker businesses and specialist workshops.

From a cultural perspective, the directory contributes to sustaining craft-based business models, promoting “made-in-Britain” expertise, and supporting small workshop enterprises. For social significance, it helps reduce the invisibility of small makers in the larger design-industry landscape, enabling them to connect with clients and projects they may not otherwise reach.

Audience & Use Cases

Primary Audiences

Interior designers and design studios searching for bespoke makers for furniture, flooring, wall treatments, lighting, and other tailored elements.
Garden designers seeking sculptural, furniture or accessory makers who can deliver custom outdoor pieces.
Private clients (homeowners) embarking on renovation or new-build projects who want unique, made-to-measure items.
Makers themselves seeking exposure, commissions and networking with designers/clients.

Use Cases

A designer is working on a high-end residential project and needs a bespoke chandelier woven from brass and glass. The directory allows her to locate UK-based makers specialising in lighting.
A homeowner renovating a period property wants handmade oak panelling and a custom marble fire-surround; the directory helps identify skilled specialists.
A garden designer engaged on a luxury outdoor scheme needs site-specific stone benches and custom ceramic planters; the directory offers relevant artisan makers.

Value Proposition

For users, the value lies in curated and specialist listings (rather than generic supplier searches) and in educational support on commissioning processes. For makers, the directory offers visibility, leads and credibility by being listed alongside peers in the bespoke maker market.

History & Development

Launched in 2015 by Yasmin Chopin, Select A Maker was conceived out of the founder’s own experience in interiors where sourcing specialist makers was time-consuming and disjointed.
In its early phase (2015-16) it secured media coverage (e.g., via Cambridge Network) and was featured in Homes & Gardens, raising its profile within the design community.
Over subsequent years the site invited makers to join; its membership expanded across categories of furniture, architectural detail, textile and surface treatments, garden ornamentation, and more.
The directory grew to include a “commissioning process” guide, supporting designers and clients in navigating bespoke manufacturing logistics and expectations.
The legal company, Select A Maker Ltd, appears in UK filings but is currently listed as dissolved. That may indicate the business model has shifted, or the directory is operating in a different structure (or reduced scale) than its original formation.

Reviews, Feedback & Community Insight

While formal published reviews (e.g., Trustpilot scores) are not readily visible, some insight is gleaned from maker testimonials and design-industry commentary:

Makers listed on the directory expressed appreciation for the platform’s community orientation and exposure benefits.
Design-industry observers praised the directory for tackling a known pain point in bespoke sourcing — namely, designers needing a reliable network of makers rather than ad-hoc Google searches or trial-and-error.
The commissioning guide was noted as helpful for demystifying bespoke processes for clients who may not be familiar with workshop practice, lead-times, transport/installation and bespoke make logistics.

By combining curated listings and educational content, the directory appears to have resonated with its target specialist audiences.

Awards, Recognition & Highlights

No publicly detailed list of formal industry awards for the directory itself is readily available. However recognition is implicit:

The mention in established design media such as Homes & Gardens suggests editorial validation.
Endorsements from respected industry figures give informal recognition of the directory’s value.
The platform’s ability to gather a range of bespoke maker members across the UK underscores its relevance within the maker community.

If required, further research can be done into trade-association acknowledgements (e.g., from craft or furniture design organisations) to identify any formal awards or industry honours.

Insights & Specific Examples

Example Maker Listings

A furniture maker specialising in handcrafted oak and brass dining tables may list under the “Furniture (indoor)” category, specifying bespoke sizes, finishes and site-specific installation.
A ceramics studio listed under “Art & Sculpture” might take commissions for garden planters or re-cladding interior feature walls in bespoke glazes.
A textile-and-wallpaper specialist could be listed under “Wall treatments” or “Wallpaper” and provide made-to-measure bespoke murals or surface coverings tailored to a project’s theme.

These examples illustrate how the directory operates across multiple disciplines rather than focusing solely on one craft area.

Commissioning Scenario

Imagine an interior designer working on a penthouse in central London who wants an entirely bespoke carpet, hand-tufted to specific dimensions, colour-callback to an artwork, with site-specific installation in a curved staircase. The designer consults the directory in the “Rugs & Carpets” category, shortlists makers, reviews portfolios, visits the chosen workshop, obtains a quote (with lead-time of 10-12 weeks), coordinates delivery with the fit-out team and installs the piece. The directory’s commissioning guide helps the designer anticipate delivery constraints, installation coordination and logistics of large-scale handmade pieces — reducing delays or surprises in the schedule.

Strategic Value for Makers

For small workshops and artisan makers, being visible via a directory like Select A Maker offers strategic benefits: exposure to design-industry professionals (who may bypass general supplier searches), an aligned audience that understands and commissions bespoke work (rather than price-led discount clients), and association with a curated directory that can enhance perceived credibility. For example, a maker quoted their delight at “being part of this growing network of bespoke specialists… Select A Maker gives a platform and route to market”.

Strengths, Limitations & Considerations

Strengths

Specialist focus: By narrowing to UK-based bespoke makers in interiors & gardens, the directory offers more targeted, relevant listings than general supplier portals.
Educational content: The commissioning guide adds value beyond pure listings, helping to align designer-client-maker processes.
Peer endorsements: Testimonials from makers and coverage in design media give credibility and positioning within the industry.
Multi-category breadth: The wide range of listing categories means design professionals can find many craft disciplines in one place.

Limitations & Considerations

Unclear current activity status: With the company registration listed as dissolved, there may be questions around ongoing investment, updates, listing currency or maintenance of the directory.
Lack of publicly-available traffic/membership metrics: Without transparent data on number of makers listed, number of projects commissioned or directory usage, the scale of impact is harder to gauge.
UK-centric: While UK focus is a strength for domestic projects, international designers or clients seeking makers outside the UK may find the directory limited in reach.
No e-commerce or “buy-now” functionality: As a directory (not a transactional marketplace), the arrangement relies on makers and clients following up separately — meaning additional coordination is required for quoting, commissioning and shipping/installation.

Cultural & Social Implications

Select A Maker touches on key themes in the design and manufacturing ecosystem:

Craft revival and local production: By promoting artisan-led, made-to-measure work, the directory supports the revival of small-scale manufacturing and craftsmanship within the UK, counter-balancing the dominance of global mass-manufacture.
Sustainability through bespoke production: Bespoke and locally-made items often support lower-waste, more carefully specified production, longer lifecycle and client-maker collaboration — which aligns with sustainable design values (an area the directory implicitly addresses).
Networking and community: The platform fosters a community of makers and design professionals, helping form connections and collaborations that go beyond simple listing and contact. This community orientation supports knowledge sharing, peer visibility and industry vitality.
Empowering clients and designers: Through its commissioning education, the directory empowers designers, clients and makers to better understand bespoke workflows — reducing friction, managing expectations and promoting transparent practices.

Current Status & Considerations for Users

While Select A Maker remains accessible online and its category-based search and commissioning guide are valuable, prospective users should note:

Confirm that listed makers are currently active and available for commissions (given the possibility of listings being outdated).
Verify lead-times, budgets, installation and delivery logistics as you would with any bespoke maker.
Use the directory as a starting point for short-listing — further due diligence (workshop visits, portfolio reviews, references) remains essential in bespoke work.
For international commissions (outside the UK) or extremely time-sensitive projects, users may want to complement this directory with other global specialist networks.

In summary, Select A Maker is a dedicated UK-focused directory for bespoke makers in the interiors and gardens sector, founded by interior designer Yasmin Chopin in 2015. It offers a searchable listing of makers, a commissioning guide for clients and designers, and acts as a bridge between design professionals/clients and artisan-makers. It is valued for its specialist focus, educational content and positioning within the design industry. While certain limitations (such as publicly-transparent metrics and company status) warrant user-due diligence, the directory remains a useful tool for sourcing bespoke craft-led work in the UK. For designers, homeowners and makers who prioritise craftsmanship, customisation and locally-based production, Select A Maker offers a curated and relevant path to discovery and collaboration.

SelectAMaker.com

Select A Maker, a Digital Directory of Design ProfessionsCirca 2015 - 2016