A method of making a three-dimensional biocompatible scaffold capable of supporting cell activities such as growth and differentiation, the method includes providing a supporting grid that forms an open network and provides mechanical support of a second biocompatible material. The second biocompatible material has interconnected cavities that allow nutrients, metabolites and soluble factors to diffuse throughout the scaffold. The scaffold design can be understood as a hierarchically organised structure. At the micron to submicron length scale a top/down manufacturing approach is used to make a structure that will constitute the frame into which a bottom/up processing approach is applied to form an open porous scaffold with specific nano sized features. The advantage of this hierarchically organised design is that benefits can be drawn independently from both the micron and the nano sized structures, promoting specific cell activities and providing sufficient mechanical compliance.