André van Hoek is a consummate builder and likes to share his knowledge as a volunteer master builder/teacher  with the Brooklyn based  fixers’ collective.  http://proteusgowanus.org/fixers-collective/ 

While volunteering as master craftsman in a public learning workshop, André helps people gain the practical ability to attach shelving, pictures, drilling, and anchoring - all things which equip people with control and empowerment over their own built environment. This activity was well documented in the following article which states:  

Van Hoek begins with an overview: “Today, so much is discarded. I see furniture every day that is designed to last five or six years. The Fixers is a counterpoint to that. Fixing things gives you a sense of empowerment. It’s a way for us to take some control of our environment.”