About Us
Meet our talented and up and coming team. With a vast amount of knowledge, skill and approachability that makes us committed and focused on your project.
Rob Hooper - Head of Works
Rob has worked for over thirty years in the furniture trade. His mission is to create fine furniture which lasts for generations.
He served a five year upholstery apprenticeship in Shoreditch, London, the old heart of the furniture trade which had a vibrant community of upholsterers, cabinet makers, French polishers, and frame makers. Having completed his apprenticeship he went on to join a family upholstery firm specialising in contract seating across London. They began supplying auditorium seating for theatres and cinemas and Rob designed chairs which sold in tens of thousands to the new multiplexes before starting his own company in Sussex. Rob was highly sought after for his traditional skills and re-upholstered antique furniture for the top end trade in London.
Following a request to help a start up, he spent a rewarding and enjoyable sabbatical in the Caribbean teaching upholstery before sailing back and landing in Falmouth. It was difficult to leave the beautiful South West, so Sussex Seating moved to the West Country and Rhoop Design set up as an independent business from the workshops on Dartmoor.
Liz Dawes - Administration and Customer Care
Liz has a background in management and finance and worked for many years as the General Manager of the Kings Theatre, Southsea as well as other Company Secretary and Financial Manager posts at small businesses in Sussex and Hampshire.
She has been the Business Manager at Sussex Seating for many years and looks after the day to day customer care at Rhoop Design.
Rosie Weeks - Junior Upholsterer
Rosie joined Rhoop Design in 2024, having previously worked at a soft furnishers near Leeds.
She is passionate about learning the craft of upholstery and has completed her Stage 3 AMUSF Upholstery diploma. She is continuing to develop her upholstery skills and knowledge under the tutelage of our highly experienced Head of Works, Rob.
Rosie has a keen eye for design having won the Heico Fasteners UK Design Competition 2024 along with the British Furniture Manufacturers Association and Joan Milton Award for most commercially viable chair 2024.
Alistair Britton - Trainee
AJ is the newest member of the team and our enthusiastic and hard working apprentice.
He is already an experienced hand at cutting out and has proudly upholstered his first seats.
Contact Rhoop Design
Welcome to Rhoop Design, we design, make and upholster furniture.
