Luís Rocha

For 77 years now, expertise and success have been shared between the generations of a group that has revolutionised the sector. Now in its fourth generation, led by Luís Rocha, EPOCA is an organisation based in Paços de Ferreira that dedicates its day-to-day life to the art of providing good service. In the following lines, you’ll find an interview about tradition and contemporaneity, about the passion of a group attentive to the daily evolution of the world and about an entrepreneur committed to sustainability, internationalisation and technology. Luís isn’t short of words, he just prefers to choose how and with whom to use them. Pragmatic and assertive, he leaves us with the phrase he most likes to use with his team: «Together we turn challenges into opportunities and dreams into reality.»

With a solid track record in the luxury hotel and residential furniture industry, based on the EPOCA, Home, Palace & Hotel Concept and AlfaiateD’Interiores brands, we wanted to diversify our business by entering emerging sectors such as real estate, with the foundation of EPOCA Properties, and sustainable wine tourism, with the acquisition of Quinta d’Ervedosa, in the Douro and where we have already started producing wines and olive oil. By expanding its operations, the group is not only growing its sources of revenue, but also strengthening its positioning by offering solutions that go beyond luxury furniture.

In the furniture sector, both the EPOCA, Home, Palace & Hotel Concept brands and the AlfaiateD’Interiores brand excel at combining high-quality production, innovation and sophisticated design. Luxury in these brands is deeply rooted in the quality of production, through the use of premium materials such as fine woods, high-quality metals or exclusive fabrics. The production process involves traditional joinery techniques carried out by highly qualified craftspeople, ensuring that each piece is unique and of a high standard. In addition, there is the ability to offer highly customised solutions and continuous investment in innovation, with the aim of guaranteeing an experience of exclusivity beyond that of buying. 

With regard to EPOCA Properties, the aim was to create a distinctive luxury real estate concept with guiding principles based on exclusivity, customisation, quality, sustainability and high-level services. Developing its luxury concept involved the purchase of properties of a high standard, a unique lifestyle brimming with sophistication and quality. 

The concept of exclusivity and customisation associated with EPOCA Properties is based on characteristics that cannot be found anywhere else. By this I mean distinctive architectural designs, a prime location and bespoke finishes.

The Molhe 479 building, located in Foz do Douro, Oporto, made up of four 4-bedroom luxury homes with areas of more than 500 sqm and a suspended swimming pool with sea views, is the pinnacle of exclusivity and customisation. This project, undertaken in partnership with the Mutant architecture firm, features outstanding materials in both construction and finishes, including home automation. Construction began recently and there has been high demand not only because of the location,since the houses will be built next to the city’s new thoroughfare that will connect Praça do Império to Avenida da Boavista, but also because they will incorporate smart home technology to improve convenience and efficiency.

The Flow Living real estate project, which will be built in the centre of Paços de Ferreira and is made up of 86 one-bedroom, one-bedroom (+1) and two-bedroom apartments, features what luxury properties value most – energy efficiency, advanced management systems and other green technologies, combined with sustainable construction practices and the use of ecological materials. The new development will offer premium services and facilities, including padel courts, a gym, outdoor circuits and a children’s play area.

For its part, the property acquired in the Douro – Quinta d’Ervedosa– will allow the group to develop a concept of luxury where cultural heritage and the exceptional quality of the products prevail, honouring what is a unique experience of wine tourism. With this new project we intend to emphasise the historical riches of the region, ensuring that both the Nativo and Quinta d’Ervedosa wines and the olive oil are of exceptional quality. 

Over the course of 77 years, the company has always been committed to excellence. EPOCA is able to maintain traditional furniture production techniques that guarantee the quality and authenticity of the piece, but it continually invests in a contemporary vision without compromising the classic essence. It is this balance that sets us apart and allows us to remain leaders in the timeless luxury hotel furniture market, our core business. 

Capturing new markets requires a strategic approach that combines innovation, excellence and knowledge. The EPOCA has adopted various measures to attain the international prestige it enjoys. Of the main internal principles, we like to emphasise six – innovation, excellence, customisation, market knowledge, strategic expansion and sustainability. Together, these elements create a compelling argument in terms of value, even in the most competitive markets. 

Upholding an unbeatable standard of quality is a key issue. At EPOCA, we ensure that every detail of the furniture reflects the highest level of quality, and it is this commitment to excellence that attracts discerning customers in any market. At the same time, we offer a highly personalised customer experience, catering to specific needs. 

The AlfaiateD’Interiores brand was created with a clear vision: to transform spaces into unique and customised environments. Our mission is to provide interior design solutions that meet the specific requirements and desires of every client, ensuring that every detail is thought out and executed with the utmost precision and quality. Each project is unique, as is each client. We work closely with our clients to understand their preferences, lifestyles and specific requirements. From the choice of materials to the final finishes, every detail is adjusted to create a personalised space. We use craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology to create furniture that fits perfectly into spaces, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics.