Business North October 2021

70 | INTERIORS Steiners Interiors by Reputation On-trend interiors with a difference Sue Russell All soft-furnishings are made on-site in the work-room, which is a busy, engaging and creative space. K raig Steiner is proud of the history and journey of Rotorua-based interior design company Steiner’s Interiors by Reputa- tion which goes back over 55 years. A flair for interior design runs in his blood with father and highly regarded Rotorua busi- nessman Mike Steiner, founding the family’s first business in the Having left school at age 15 Mike seized the opportunity to work at Rotorua’s Curtain Textiles in 1966, when the owner realised Mike had an innate understanding and aptitude toward colour. Within days, Mike was advising customers on décor options for their homes. He eventually became a partner and then subsequently took over ownership of the company. Mike Steiner’s Interior Design in Euruera St was established in 2010 by Steiner’s Interiors by Reputation in new premises in Pukuatua Street. “We have always had a massive focus on retail, however over the years have moved more toward offering client consultations in their homes,” Kraig explains. Today, he and Mike lead the design team, working on projects throughout New Zealand. Kraig carries a graphic design background, having operated his own design studio in Ireland before returning to join the family business, in a town the Steiner family are extremely proud of working and living in. He’s very proud of the depth of talent in the team, who very much work in a collaborative setting. All soft-furnishings are made on-site in the work-room, which is a busy, engaging and creative space. The ability to control the whole manufacturing process is a critical strength of the business. “We’re a small team who do big things in in- terior design for clients in all sorts of settings and with all sorts of budgets.” Working hard to create a bespoke interior design service is all about building relation- ships; as Kraig puts it ‘better relationships builders than sales people’. “The relationship is the most critical part of the process; asking questions is really important to us with conversations always developing and building on this foundation to create beautiful liveable environments for our clients.” “We make the best curtains in New Zealand. Our clients know we’re involved in every aspect of the design and manufacture and our team have a fabulous knowledge of products. “We work really hard to give clients an environment that is liveable, easy and comfortable to be in. That’s what we measure success on.” “We know many of our customers really well and they know they will receive the very best advice from us.” Kraig says the quality and scope of fabrics being manufactured here and overseas is really exciting at this time, as customers want to focus more on source of origin and 100% naturally derived fibres. “Ethical manufacturing has become of im- portance for many. “Knowing that the fabrics they have in their home reflects their relationship to caring for the environment and for people.” And long-term connections with families is a specially valued aspect of doing business. To give an example when Business North spoke with Kraig, they were working on interi- or design projects with four different mem- bers of the one family. Kraig’s keen to point out that the basics of great design don’t lie in wanting to create a show-room look at all. “We work really hard to give clients an envi- ronment that is liveable, easy and comfortable to be in. That’s what we measure success on.” Both Kraig and Mike are incredibly proud to live and work in Rotorua. Mike was named Rotorua Businessman of the Year in 2012 and has worked tirelessly to promote the city and region. “We wouldn’t want to be based anywhere else. It’s a great community to engage with. “We have families that go back generations still living in the region and still choosing to engage with us for their interior design needs.” Rotorua & Tauranga inc surrounding districts SPLASHBACKS / SHOWERS / BALUSTRADES / COMMERCIAL GLASS REPAIRS / RETRO FIT DOUBLE GLAZING / AUTOMOTIVE & MORE! P: 07 393 2389 E: office@theglassguys.co.nz W: www.theglassguys.co.nz “The Glassiest Guys In Town”