Tiago Barros – “National production undoubtedly makes a difference”
Tiago Barros Interiorismo is the name of the company he founded, born from a dream. Today, his natural passion for design and the art of creating spaces allows him to make a difference. Tiago Barros is a strong name in the national interior design scene, and exclusivity is a key detail in every project.
Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and how your passion for interior design came about.
I'm 38 years old and self-taught in the world of interior design. From a very early age, I was immersed in the world of decoration, having worked for several furniture manufacturers and assemblers. It was this experience that made me realize I wanted to go further and create something of my own, a project that went beyond what I was used to. That's how I founded Decor e Arte, a small business with just three employees focused on decoration. Over time, I felt the need to evolve, so I hired my first interior designer and began investing in turnkey projects, creating 3D models to give more depth to my ideas. This was a major step in my career, leading to the company's name change to "Tiago Barros Interiorismo," accompanied by a restructuring of the brand's image. My passion for interior design has always been present, but it was through practical experience and continued dedication that I was able to solidify my path in this field.
What distinguishes the Tiago Barros brand from others in the same field?
Our brand stands out for offering a truly comprehensive service, something that's hard to find in other projects. I founded the company in 2017 and currently have a team of 14 professionals, all specialized in various areas, from interior design, marketing, human resources, electricians, and carpenters, among others. They are the ones who allow us to guarantee quality and excellence in every aspect. What sets us apart is our commitment to our clients' requests, and we strive to meet all their needs.
In terms of numbers, business volume and national and/or international projection, what has this growth been like?
In terms of growth, I can say it's been truly remarkable. Portugal, in a way, is very divided along social lines, and our company has seen a significant shift in our customer profile. Nowadays, we're no longer just sought out by people looking for a decorative piece, but also by clients seeking something more exclusive, with a greater focus on luxury. This has led us to interact with a more restricted audience, but at the same time, with a higher level of demand. Revenue has increased substantially. We're experiencing such tremendous growth that we literally can't keep up with demand. Our projection has been increasingly national, and we've also started receiving orders from international clients. In particular, we've invested more heavily in Switzerland, where we've worked so hard that we decided to open a branch there. This reflects the effort and dedication we've invested, as well as the trust we've gained in the market. International expansion has been an important milestone for us, and Switzerland has proven to be a promising market, aligned with our vision of luxury and exclusivity.
They prioritize national production. The “Portugal brand” makes a difference in the quality of
product?
Domestic production undoubtedly makes a difference. While I wouldn't say Portuguese products are inferior, there are materials that, due to their specific nature, need to be imported, as they are manufactured to a different level of quality in certain countries. However, our workforce is exceptional, and 80% of the products and services we use are domestic. It's this combination that makes our projects unique and high-quality.
Interior decoration is still seen as a luxury or is it more accessible today?
society in general?
Interior design, in general, has become more accessible to a wider audience, with many options to suit different budgets. However, luxury design remains a distinct segment, where sophistication and exclusivity make all the difference. There's a clear distinction between affordable and high-end design, which is marked by quality, exclusive materials, and personalized service.
What is your life's greatest project?
The greatest project of my life, without a doubt, is my company. It's something I built with great effort, dedication, and passion, and it continues to grow and evolve. The company represents not only my work, but also my dreams and my vision. Every challenge I face and every achievement I achieve are reflections of what I've invested in it over the years. It is, without a doubt, the fulfillment of my professional life and the project that fulfills me most.
What are the goals for the future?
My goals for the future are clear: to continue evolving with quality, maintaining the excellence that has always characterized us. Our focus will always be to work with exclusive materials, incorporate new technologies, and be at the forefront of luxury trends. We want our brand to continue growing, offering our customers an increasingly refined and innovative service, with quality being our main benchmark.
Text: Carla Martins
Photos: Tiago Barros