What We Look For in a Founding Maker

We've opened applications for founding maker partners, and the response has been humbling. Workshops from three countries. Studios we've admired for years. Emerging makers whose work stopped us mid-scroll. Choosing 15 from this group won't be easy, but we have clear criteria.

Material Honesty

We want makers who let materials speak. Solid wood that shows its grain. Metal that's finished to reveal its character, not hide it. Upholstery where the fabric choice reflects the form, not just the trend. If a piece is made of oak, it should look and feel like oak — not a veneer pretending to be something it isn't.

Construction Integrity

Patina's tagline is 'Where Time Adds Value.' That only works if the furniture lasts. We look for joinery that serves the piece, not just the price point. Dovetails where they matter. Hardware that ages well. Assembly methods that a skilled person could repair in 20 years. We're not furniture snobs about technique — CNC-cut joints can be just as honest as hand-cut ones — but we care about intent.

Story and Provenance

Every piece on Patina will have a story page. Where the wood was sourced. Who built the frame. What inspired the design. Our founding makers need to be willing to share this openly — not as marketing copy, but as provenance. The consumers and designers on our platform choose pieces because the story matters to them. If your workshop has a story worth telling, we want to help you tell it.

What Doesn't Matter

Brand size. Instagram following. Years in business. Production volume. We've seen one-person workshops produce pieces that rival brands with 50 employees. Patina is a quality filter, not a popularity contest. If the work is excellent and the story is real, you belong here.

Applications are open at patina.com/makers/apply. Leah personally reviews every submission.