At Yes Make, we design, reuse, make, and share. Each project begins with a considered design response, our circular approach drawing on reclaimed and locally sourced materials to reduce waste. Fabrication happens in our in-house workshop, where we build bespoke, durable outcomes tailored to the brief. Many projects also open the making process to others through public workshops, inviting communities to gain skills and contribute to the work.
There are some fundamental principles that cut across all of the work that we do:
Ethnographically and material led design. Collaboration drives innovation. Nurturing an ecosystem of businesses. Sustainability should not be a luxury. Skilled craftsmanship is worth investing in. Building a just and circular future for construction.
CARPENTERS ESTATE, 2025
A dream project to completely regenerate a Park and Sports Garden in the Carpenters Estate in Newham, East London. We were involved from community consultations, throughout the entire collaborative design process, through to building, planting and maintenance.
The two distinct spaces host custom built play features created from reclaimed CLT, a Steel Warriors outdoor gym, bicycle pump track as well as beautiful plants, fruits and vegetables.
BEUYS’ ACORNS INSTALLATION, TATE MODERN, 2021
Client: Harvey & Ackroyd with Tate Modern
This installation required us to design the layout for 100 potted oak trees on the south terrace of the Tate Modern, which would be open and free for all to see, using materials that were re-used afterwards in our projects, such as the St Mary’s Forest School project, creating a zero-waste installation.
Our design focused on a lattice of steel rods that were woven through the air-pots of the trees to create an interwoven and interconnected floor-level structure which secured the trees during stormy wind and rain events. The sweeping barrier was constructed from locally-sourced wind-felled larch and curved using a traditional wood bending technique known as kerf-cutting. The curves were complemented by scorching the timber to give it a deep and awe inspiring character.
MERTON PARKLET — BENEDICT ACADEMY, 2021
Client: London Borough of Merton with Benedict Primary School
Part of our series of Merton Parklets, this parklet project transformed an unused corner of Benedict Academy’s grounds, once a spot for illegal fly-tipping, into a vibrant, community-friendly green space. Reflecting our commitment to turning overlooked corners into green, gorgeous, and well-loved community spaces, and guided by our ethos of creating public spaces that are both beautiful and purposeful; we worked closely with students, parents, and teachers to understand the needs and potential of the site.
During the build, 150 children passed through the space, each adding their own mark as part of a collective “Head in the Clouds” artwork, turning the installation into a shared creative expression.
WEST HAM PARK, 2023
Client: City of London Corporation
This project required the creation of 6 large sculptures which would be versatile enough to encourage natural play and clambering on whilst embedding some of the story of the park. This was a component of an ongoing project to rejuvenate the children’s play area at the park, and so in addition to commercial play equipment, the client wanted to have some tactile materials that children could interact with.
One characteristic that has made this park stand out over the years is its renowned botanical garden. For this reason, we decided to incorporate flora and fruits from various geographic regions, reflecting the origin of plants in the botanical gardens. We depicted the flora and fruits in the carving logs, giving each one a different character.
SMALL ISLAND VIBES — LIBRARY SOUNDSYSTEM, 2022
Client: Peckham Platform
In summer 2022, we collaborated with Peckham Platform on their vibrant Small Island Vibes programme: four days of free art, music, and performance in Peckham Square. Commissioned to design and build the structure housing the library's sound system, we created a bold, functional focal point for the event, providing a dedicated space for live sets and community gatherings. Built in our workshop and installed on site, the structure reflected our hands-on, collaborative approach and became a lively hub for music and conversation throughout the festival.
WELLINGTON ROAD GREEN SPACE, 2024
Client: Newham Council
We’ve worked with Newham Council to create a new landscape on Wellington road, for which we also co-designed sculptural elements with local children and fabricated carved scuptures in our workshop, using reclaimed timber. The playful figures now live in our new landscape, where we also host landscaping workshops with students of the site’s neighbours, Odessa Infant School.
THE ARK, 2020
Client: SPIN for Lewisham Council
The Ark is a community parklet in Hither Green, Lewisham. The structure was designed in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, to give the community and local businesses a beautiful, safe outdoor space.
As part of our co-design and co-creation process, businesses were approached prior to construction and feedback was sought on what kind of space they would like to see and why. The overarching sentiment for most of these small businesses, typically hospitality establishments, was an outdoor space where people could enjoy their products and services safely.
Recognised for its organic Y-branch structural supports and its warm and welcoming character, the Ark is a beautiful installation and reflection of imaginative, collaborative and nurturing public infrastructure.
HEJ COFFEE ROASTERS, 2025
Client: HEJ Coffee, Social Impact Coffee CIC, in collaboration with Steve Jensen Design
The installation is a bespoke interior fit-out made entirely from reclaimed Douglas fir (once sea groins) and oak salvaged from the London Docklands for a new coffee roastery within a restored building.