During an event focused on makership in Amsterdam, hosted at Pakhuis de Zwijger, Houk van Lier—a passionate maker from Noord—interrupted a discussion among city council members with an urgent and emotional plea. Although he wasn’t a featured speaker, Houk couldn’t stay silent about the issue weighing heavily on the maker community: the shrinking space for makers in Amsterdam.

“It’s not just about real estate and money,
It’s about the future of craftsmanship.”

“It’s not just about real estate and money,” Houk exclaimed, his voice thick with emotion. “It’s about the future of craftsmanship.” As the maker population ages, fewer young people are stepping up to learn the trade, and Houk fears that without action, “in ten years, there will be no one left to fix our houses.”

“Politicians may know there’s a space problem, but they don’t see it from our perspective

We need them to understand that making is more than just a profession—it’s a social development.

He expressed frustration with how makers are often forced to move from one temporary workspace to another, never finding a permanent place to settle. “Politicians may know there’s a space problem, but they don’t see it from our perspective,” Houk stressed. “We need them to understand that making is more than just a profession—it’s a social development.”

Houk highlighted how skills learned in workshops—like problem-solving, collaboration, and critical thinking—are vital to educating the next generation. “Doing handiwork in schools isn’t just about making something with your hands. It teaches kids to ask questions, work together, and start projects even when they don’t know where they’ll end up.”

After receiving applause from the audience, the moderator asked what Houk needed from the policymakers. His response was simple yet powerful: “Ask questions, come see how we work. Understand the bigger picture.” He invited the city’s leaders to visit his open workspace, held every Friday, to witness firsthand the impact and importance of the maker community.