Vito Selma’s Secret to Success? Turning Craft into Community
Vito thought he was just shaping wood, but somewhere along the way, he started shaping people too
The material manipulator turned master mentor
Vito Selma’s name conjures images of striking geometric designs—creations that have graced prestigious design events around the world, placing him among the most celebrated designers in his field.
For this third-generation furniture maker, the journey to international acclaim began in his family’s workshop. As a child, he shaped stone and dabbled in sculpture and painting.
By 18, he was crafting wood and receiving mentorship from leading designers and collectives that redefined contemporary design at the turn of the millennium.
“Before you can design or create, you need to understand the material first.”
His early efforts were immediately showcased at a trade show, signaling the start of a promising career.
At 21, Vito launched his eponymous brand. By 22, his pieces were being showcased by prominent designers and soon found their way into prestigious publications and the homes of global tastemakers.
Sleekly contemporary yet rooted in traditional craftsmanship, Vito’s designs quickly gained international recognition.
His design education, honed at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco and through a master’s in industrial design in Milan, brought a global edge to his work.
Yet even as his career soared, Vito saw design not as the goal but as a means to something bigger.
The birth of Casa Selma
For Vito, design extends beyond aesthetics to impact—a belief that drives his lifestyle brand, Casa Selma.
Collaborations with well-known figures in the entertainment and fashion industries have transformed essential oils and furniture into funding for social and environmental initiatives, such as supporting special needs centers and sustainable fishing projects.
“Every project we take on has to give back to a community,” Vito insists. This ethos isn’t just a tagline; it’s woven into the DNA of everything he does.
Mentorship is equally central to Vito’s philosophy. At Casa Selma, young designers are not just employees; they’re mentees, nurtured with the same wisdom Vito received from his own mentors.
“When you hire creatives, you’re there to mentor them. You’re there to make them stronger, even if you know they won’t stay with you forever.”
His materials library, Archipelago Design Ventures, serves as a hub where architects, fashion designers, and students collaborate and experiment—a tangible outcome of the lessons in material manipulation he learned years ago.
This spirit of collaboration thrives in the communities where Vito works, places deeply rooted in shared cultural values.
He draws inspiration from the next generation of creatives, including his nephew, whose multi-hyphenate work spans music, design, and technology.
“They collaborate in ways my 41-year-old self can’t even comprehend,” he says with a laugh, recalling how this dynamic group has contributed to projects for Casa Selma.
By engaging with and mentoring young talents, Vito cements his role as both designer and community builder.
His advice to aspiring creatives reflects his purpose-driven ethos:
“Know your why. Every creative is out there for a different reason. Stick to yours.”
Beyond the workshop
Vito also highlights how today’s creative landscape differs from his early years. “I’m part of the third generation of furniture makers, but most of them prefer to work behind the scenes,” he says.
His contemporaries, like other notable designers and artists, have a more understated approach to their work.
Vito, however, has emerged as a prominent figure, transcending material mastery to become a leader for his generation and mentor to the next.
Vito’s career demonstrates the transformative power of creativity rooted in purpose.
His designs are not just objects but vessels for storytelling, mentorship, and community upliftment.
In a world where artistry can feel solitary, he reminds us that true creativity flourishes when shared and supported.
As he continues to innovate, Vito’s influence extends far beyond furniture, shaping a design philosophy that’s as much about heart as it is about craft.
Read the story in the pages of VMAN SEA 02: now available for purchase!
Photography Paolo Pineda
Art direction Mike Miguel
Fashion Rex Atienza and Corven Uy
Grooming Muriel Perez
Fashion assistant Summer Untalan
On location Cafe Siriusdan
