Makao Collective is a Tanzanian design studio specializing in Afro-minimalist interiors, bespoke furniture, and sustainable home décor. Collaborating with local artisans, they transform spaces with elegance and purpose.
As a design studio, they source dependable handcrafted décor and furniture while being mindful of their global impact. Collaborating closely with local craftspeople, Makao successfully curates desired goods, boosting the local economy.
Their services include hand-crafted furniture, home decor styling and staging, and interior consultation and design. Makao’s approach revolves around creating beautiful, Afro-minimalist designs that blend modern aesthetics with Africa-first principles. With a commitment to sustainability and functionality, they collaborate with a diverse group of talented artisans and creatives. Together, they develop innovative ideas that honor heritage and promote a vibrant, inclusive future.
Makao Collective operates in Arusha and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and serves clients across the region. They have collaborated with both large-scale industries and individuals on custom-designed projects, sourcing locally and working with local artisans and designers.
We provide full-service interior design and styling, bespoke furniture design, décor curation, home staging, and one-off consultation sessions—both in-person and remotely.
We partner directly with local artisans across Tanzania and Kenya, selecting sustainably harvested materials—like seagrass, cotton, and reclaimed wood—to ensure ethical craftsmanship and minimal environmental impact.
Absolutely. Our bespoke process starts with an in-depth design brief, followed by mood boards and technical drawings. We then work with our artisan partners to bring your vision to life, tailored to your space and budget.
Smaller styling jobs can take 2–4 weeks. Bespoke furniture and full renovations generally run 4–8 weeks, depending on scope, materials availability, and shipping lead times.
Yes! We arrange global shipping via certified partners. International freight costs vary by weight and destination—just request a shipping quote when you place your order.
We emphasize locally sourced materials, low-waste production techniques, and fair-trade partnerships. All our studio processes—from prototype to final delivery—are audited for environmental and social impact.
For custom projects, we require a 30% deposit to begin design work, with the balance due on delivery. Ready-made décor items can be purchased outright via bank transfer, mobile money, or major credit cards.
Definitely! We offer material swatches and small-scale prototypes upon request. Digital mockups and 3D visualizations are also available for larger bespoke projects.
Yes—where feasible, our team handles delivery, assembly, and final styling to ensure your new pieces look perfect in your space. Installation fees vary by location and project complexity.
You are welcome to book directly through the site or email karibu@makao.co.tz. We’ll schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss your needs and outline the next steps.
