The international manufacturing scene is often shrouded in mystery. Who makes what, where—and why? Furnishings brands are traveling far and wide to harness regional strengths, namely talented artisans, vast natural resources and indigenous trades.

Mapping the Makers
Artisans craft hand-painted textiles in Africa. Photo by Adriaan Louw.

Mapping the Makers

Vietnam It Takes a Village How to build a 2.2-million- square-foot, vertically integrated factory.  

Mapping the MakersMapping the MakersIndonesia & Myanmar Putting Down Roots Going where the teak trees grow.  

Mapping the Makers

China Don’t Roll Your Eyes When I Tell You It’s Made in China Luxury brands navigate consumer trepidation about Chinese-made goods.  

Mapping the Makers

India Making Tradition Modern A centuries-old legacy of craftsmanship gets a modern update.  

Mapping the Makers

South Africa Import(ant) Work Two couples’ collaborations withAfrican artisans bring new opportunities.  

Mapping the Makers

Italy Heritage Textile Mills: A Struggle to Survive As fabric sourcing goes global, Italy’s artisans fight to stay competitive.


Mapping the Makers

Vietnam It Takes a Village How to build a 2.2-million- square-foot, vertically integrated factory.  

Mapping the MakersMapping the Makers

Indonesia & Myanmar Putting Down Roots Going where the teak trees grow.

Mapping the Makers

China Don’t Roll Your Eyes When I Tell You It’s Made in China Luxury brands navigate consumer trepidation about Chinese-made goods.

Plus: Tapping Local Talent Conservation and community are key for three design entrepreneurs abroad.

Developing a Global Network Companies sourcing from a complex web of overseas suppliers are constantly making (and managing) connections with manufacturers around the globe.

Mapping the Makers
A welder at work on a Currey & Company chandelier in the Philippines. Photo by Brownlee Currey.

This article originally appeared in Summer 2018 issue of Business of Home. Subscribe or become a BOH Insider for more.

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