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but it was generally the vocation of those connected to the brand’s ethos and evoke said this, after twenty years of dedicating
building the structures. However, it a sense of purpose for our client. It has myself and my team to the creation
wasn't until the latter half of the previous not always been easy but through sheer of other brands, it’s time to follow my
century that interior design emerged determination we have helped build passion – creating my own furniture
as a distinct and respected profession, some of the leading brands in South brand. I am excited to have embarked
evolving into a crucial aspect of modern Africa. While we help to grow brands on a new journey with the very talented,
building projects. like CTM and Italtile, we also birthed Jodi Day, and will be launching our
With an ever-increasing demand for Rocomamas interiors with its founder, brand Hunt & Day Designs over the
interior designers, I have often asked Brian Altriche. Our entrepreneurial next few years. While I continue to grow
myself what it takes to build a sustainable spirit fuels both the brands we create and my other two businesses, I am excited
interior design practice in today’s our own business. for my new journey.
market? How do you set yourself apart After achieving initial goals, it's crucial I think the essence of what I am trying
from everyone else? to set new ones to avoid complacency. to say is achieve excellence, never stop
It is simply not good enough to only Starting The Space Mill, a production evolving, always give your best, remain
have creative flair, this most certainly is company, was a pivotal moment for me. committed and don’t ever worry about
essential, but not the backbone of a great Designing and manufacturing our own failure. My journey in the ever-changing
interior design business. Hard work and creations brought immense challenges…. landscape of design will continue to be
commitment aside, truly understanding and has certainly tested my resolve over meaningful and constantly foster growth.
your design vision and goals, constantly the years, but it has also opened doors If you feel that you cannot do more, it is
innovating, evolving and never being to new opportunities that wouldn't have the time to give more - challenge yourself
scared to fail are all cornerstones of emerged otherwise. and force growth. dw
creating a sustainable business. Sometimes you find yourself at a Darren Bester
My vision has always been simple; to crossroads in your career where you IT IS Design
create amazing spaces and be an integral have to make decisions that challenge darren@itisdesign.co.za
part of a brands identity. As a team, we your trajectory and how you react
grow brands by creating spaces that are determines your destination. Having www.iidprofessions.org.za

dw • Issue 279 15