Spotlight: Da Rocha Interiors Fine Details

Going on 25 years of business, and 45 years of bespoke furniture manufacturing experience, Da Rocha Interiors offers a fresh and exciting full in-house interior design and decorating service.

Arlindo and Ines da Rocha are the passionate owners of the company, striving to exceed customer expectations with their exclusive offerings. The craft has been passed down through the generations and together the team are continually looking for new ways to transform homes into dream living spaces.

How did you get into the industry?
“I was born in Pacos de Ferreria, Portugal’s furniture capital, renowned for its classic and modern pieces. I took an early interest in making my own wooden toys, which was the starting point of my skills development.

At the age of 14, following in the footsteps of a long family history of cabinet making, I entered the industry and worked side by side with my father and eldest brother, from whom I learnt the skills that are applied so passionately to all my creations.”

Where did you start in this profession and trade?
“Following the tradition of cabinet making, the craft was passed on from father to son. Although I completed theoretical tuition, I believe that a hands-on approach is the only one that works in the art of cabinet making.

In 1982 my skills were discovered and I immigrated to South Africa under contract to Hartmann and Keppler where I worked and perfected my talent for the following 12 years, during which time Iam honoured to say Iwas part of the team that created most of the intricate furniture pieces in the “Palace of the Lost City, Sun City”.”

What has been your biggest work-related achievement?
“Undeterred by political and economic uncertainties that characterised the early nineties, I left Hartmann and Keppler to realise my dream of running my own business. In 1994 I began manufacturing customised furniture. One year later Da Rocha Cabinet maker cc was registered as a company and a factory was established in the south of Johannesburg. The business became so successful that my wife, Ines, left her job to assist with the expansion of the company. Over the years our greatest achievements have been the creation of our high quality furniture and client satisfaction in the many homes situated locally and nationally, and even internationally. We’ve also done extensive work in hotels and corporate offices.”

What are your goals for growth and development of the business?
“Following the recent devaluation of the South African currency, furniture imports have become prohibitively priced in most instances, prompting the need for high quality, stylish locally manufactured furniture. The challenge is in offering a total solution within the furniture industry through a complete range of contemporary and classic pieces, and services packaged for the maximum satisfaction of the client’s requirements. This may vary right through turnkey to specific project branches, encompassing interior decorating, design, manufacture and installation. Customer satisfaction and total solution form the backbone of our business.”