ABOUT DA ROCHA INTERIORS
Company history and beginnings
Arlindo and Ines da Rocha, (Founders and owners of Da Rocha Interiors)
How did we 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 i started my 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 i am honoured to say i was part of the team that created most of the intricate furniture pieces in the “Palace of the Lost City, Sun City”.
Our biggest work related achievement?
Undeterred by political and economical 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.
Our goals for the growth and development of our business, and where we see trends in the industry leading?
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 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.
Ines da Rocha
Da Rocha Interiors
Ines feels that her accomplishments come from maintaining the outstanding rapport that Da Rocha Interiors is known for. In terms of how Ines plans on moving forward with the company, she says that Da Rocha Interiors will continue to offer a turnkey service: “We will carry on offering clients excellent products and friendly, quality service that is so vital in the industry today.”
Like mother, like daughter, is what best describes Ines (Right) and Daniela (Left) Da Rocha. With their joint love for interior decorating, designing, and furniture manufacturing, the duo is currently running the family business – Da Rocha Interiors – and in the process, making waves in the industry.
Ines has been part of the thriving furniture manufacturing business since her husband, Arlindo da Rocha, started the business in 1995.
With their friendly approach and superlative service, Ines and Daniela foresee a bright future for Da Rocha Interiors.
Daniela da Rocha, Creative Directors & Interior Designer
Da Rocha Interiors
Dreaming big and following that dream is what drives Daniela da Rocha to excel and achieve her goals. This talented and career-driven lady is currently making huge impact on the interior design industry. Coming from a family that owns its own interior design company, Da Rocha Interiors, Daniela believes that she already has the foundation to succeed in the Industry. She matriculated in 2005 at King’s School in Randburg with the clear intention of furthering her dream of becoming an interior designer. Daniela qualified and received her diploma in Interior Design, Interior Architecture, and decorating at the DVR Design Academy, She joined the family business in 2006 and took the business to greater heights.
One of her main objectives is continuing giving our clients the best service, and opening more showrooms throughout South Africa. “Making Da Rocha Interiors an Internationally recognised company and Brand, as well as continuing with the family legacy in my aspiration!” she affirms.
Ricardo Soto Maior, Director
Ricardo Soto Maior joined the family business in 2006 after studying Civil Engineering at RAU. He always had a passion and love for wood and craftsmanship and so it was an easy transition into the business. Ricardo and Daniela got engaged in 2007 and two years later got married, and the family business grew. He ran the factory alongside Arlindo da Rocha, overseeing the manufacturing process with a hands-on approach to ensure the final product is of the highest quality. Ricky, as he is known by our clients and staff, also adds ” Working in excellence must not be an exception, but a habit.” and this is what drives him to take the business further. He also furthered his studies in graphic design, photography, and marketing allowing him to manage the marketing side of the company, where you will see pieces and editorials in magazines such as SA Homeowner, VISI, and Val de Vie Magazines. Ricky’s aspiration is ” to fine tune the manufacturing process and making sure that the client is satisfied with the final product”, he affirms.
Da Rocha Interiors has evolved into a huge success since its inception in 1995. ” With more than half a century of designer manufacturing experience combined, we pride ourselves on providing turnkey solutions for all of our clients’ needs and provide industry-leading designs, exclusive handcrafted furniture and internationally acclaimed and sought after products and brands, which ultimately lead to complete customer satisfaction.”