Dórica is an acclaimed Mexican furniture firm, led by Sebastián Ángeles. Sebastián & his team continue to shape the world of interior design from their home base in Mexico City. Dórica believes the best approach to sustainability is by establishing a deep connection between their users and the concept behind each piece of furniture. Their influence is felt across Mexico, Milan, New York, and beyond.

Sebastián Ángeles, Creative Director

Regina Ángeles, Senior Manager

“Because if you begin to appreciate the rituals you have in your home, in your time, in your personal moment... those little rich parts will make a crazy, amazing life, you know?”

— Sebastián Ángeles, Creative Director

Sebastián Ángeles at Dórica’s showroom in Condesa, Mexico City. Estela Menasse’s artwork also dislplayed

What is the origin story of Dórica, and what type of furniture and work do you create?

Sebastián: We started making furniture for people, really focused on their necessities.

We began to see timeless & universal details in the custom furniture we made. We took these details and built our version of this furniture for more people. It’s been several years since we began, and we’ve had a busy year. We went to Milan to show an artistic view of our work. It was one of the most important journeys we have done in our professional life. We gained a lot of visibility & heard a lot of positive feedback on the world stage. This was really comforting, because these events take a lot of energy, investment, and time, but they can be uncertain. [Read more about Dórica’s showcase at the world-renowned Milan Design Week 2025 here. Sebastián was invited to display his incredible Frequency collection at the Salone Satellite exhibition.]

After that, destiny gave me the chance to show in New York [Read about Dórica’s experience at ICFF 2025 here and here] . So it was a really crazy start to the year because it was Milan and then New York in the same year—the two most important design fairs in the world, and we were in both. We are developing a lot of new products right now for Dórica and for collectible design. I always say that the difficult thing here is not to develop new products, because we love to do that. But the difficult thing is to make it real, to have a new product, then put it in the market, and really see how it works. It comes with a lot of investment & a lot of effort.

We'd love to hear about where y’all create. Where are we right now, and what do you enjoy about this specific neighborhood?
Sebastián: We really loved our original studio in Coyoacán [Mexico City], but were seeking a location with more foot traffic. We wanted to find somewhere that was calm, that felt like a home, and was in a neighborhood with more activity. So, we found this location in Condesa [Mexico City], which is a great neighborhood right now with a lot happening. There are many people from different parts of the city, the country, and even the world. Since we moved here, we have had more visitors and more people seeing our work. And it still has that same personal vibe we had at our original studio in Coyoacán.
And this space previously was a kindergarten, right? Is there any energy that you pull from it’s previous life?
Sebastián: It was a kindergarten, but before that, it was a doctor's consulting office – not a hospital, but doctors had their offices here. They used to bring people here for care. Then it became a kindergarten. I feel like the house had a certain energy and feeling, but the volume of that energy was turned down, almost off, you know? And as we came, we took that energy and we turned it back on. In some ways, the house feels really alive. It's a really old house, from when the Condesa neighborhood started. For example, during previous chapters of this building, the window frames were changed to something more modern, and we didn't want that. Instead, we brought back the original design & details of the house. Also, we added the garden in the outside space, because we felt like this area truly wanted to be a garden.
So we’ve encouraged the house to be what it wanted to be, but previous chapters never allowed it to be. For example, people always feel like it's really crowded in the traffic in Mexico City, and they come here & enter the house and they feel calm. We also really love to give visitors a full experience with music, incense, and hospitality.
You mentioned that one of your priorities was the sense of a home. Can you explain why that was important to you?
Sebastián: I wanted it to feel like both a gallery and a home. Sometimes it's difficult for people to envision our products in their own houses or spaces. I think our products are really unique, and sometimes uniqueness can be difficult for people to find a place in their homes. We wanted to show clients what it looked like and felt like to put our products in their home. We designed the showroom to make it relatable and open for many different styles. That's the main focus of the showroom's design – for people to come, see, and truly appreciate the finishes and how the light hits the furniture. The showroom does change a lot. In some seasons we change the colors or the layout, but we wanted one main neutral color because you can see all the products and how the light hits each part with a neutral background. That was the main idea.
What motivates Dórica to continue on your current path?
Sebastián: I want to create products that transcend time. For me, the main idea of a good product is something that lasts many years. And right now we are in a moment of fast consumption, everything fast, cheap, changeable, duplicated, and trending. I don't like trends. I don't like products that do not last many years, not only because of their quality, but because the design itself fails the test of time.
I feel like people can have connections with objects in some ways. Objects can relate to people, to your family, to your friends. And I love to imagine Dórica’s pieces in a house for many years, being passed down through time from grandfather or father to son, mother to daughter. And I want that child or grandchild to feel a connection to their family and to the piece of furniture enough to repair the chair rather than buy a new one. It's so important to you that you will repair it.
I’ve felt a sense of pride in the Dórica Boreal Alto stools I have in my kitchen, Project Este. They are some of the first pieces of furniture I’ve owned that stir a certain daydream of me passing this furniture down to a future child or family member.
Sebastián: Wow, that’s amazing. That’s our goal: you don’t want it only for yourself, you want to share it.

We (Obra Fam) always try to stop at Dórica’s showroom in Condesa when we are in Mexico City. We highly recommend to stop by: Tacámbaro 34 Col. Hipódromo Condesa CP 06170.

Sebastián showing Obra Fam some sculptural pieces he is working on

Tell us about the design community here in Mexico.

Sebastián

Right now, Mexican design is in a very great place because people in other countries really follow what is happening here. As we live in a globalized world, there is a lot of influence from other parts of the world. But the thing about Mexican design is that, in some ways, we really have our roots inside of us. So even if we are working on something that might be influenced by Japanese culture or Nordic culture, the Mexican design scene will always maintain details of Mexican roots - what we have from our ancient culture. And you can see a lot of that in many different Mexican designers. It's not a trend; it's something that we have in ourselves.

And also, Mexican people are really good at working with materials. Our master artisans are extremely good at their crafts. Right now, we are in a moment where we have good artisans with good designers, so we, as designers, put the artisans up to a real challenge - we push them to do their best. And they do their best. There have always been good artisans in Mexico, but because of this challenge, Mexican artisans have become even better. Also, you can see many designers from other parts of the world moving to Mexico.

The advantage that we have here, in our city & in our country, is that we have a lot of options of artisans and materials. So if you have an idea for something and you live in New York, if you want to do a bronze chair, it will be a really expensive and crazy project, because everybody will tell you, "No, you're crazy. Get out of here." But in Mexico, we have the artisans who really want to take on this challenge. If you can imagine a product made of stone, metal, wood, or any material - there is someone in Mexico who will try to do it.

Regina

And they will never turn down a job. That is something that I think is very Mexican, too. We are really hardworking people. So when you approach an artisan with a challenge, they will always say “yes”. Although it might be difficult, he will always take on that challenge and develop that piece. Because it's in our culture to always take opportunities. And I feel like the world is finally looking at Mexico as a design country, not limited to only one or two famous designers or architects.

Obra Fam admiring some of Sebastián’s more radical designs, the critically acclaimed Frequency collection, accompanied by Estela Menasse’s beautiful artwork

More behind-the-scenes at Dórica’s showroom. We always love to see some of Estela Menasse’s artwork on display at the showroom (fellow Obra Imports Partner)

Within Obra, rituals are a big part of the stories that we tell. Can you tell us about any of the rituals here in Dórica’s showroom?
Sebastián: As for rituals, we enjoy burning incense & Palo Santo wood. We really love to create an environment that involves all your feelings when you enter. Our products invite you to create your own rituals. For example, using your chair in your specific place to read—that's your own ritual. Or maybe using your side table to place the coffee you make every morning. And those little parts of life that people don't always notice, are actually the really rich parts of life. Because if you begin to appreciate the rituals you have in your home, in your time, in your personal moment... those little rich parts will make a crazy, amazing life, you know? Because when something amazing happens, it's just something that gives you more, because normal life is amazing, you know? So that's what we want to do with our products: get people involved in their moments.
Regina: Exactly. We made a series of videos called "The Luxury of Living".
Sebastián: The idea was to show people those little moments involving your rituals are the richest part of life.
Speaking of rituals, what is your favorite recipe to make at home?
Sebastián: I'm more into the drinks [everyone chuckles]. I always experiment with drinks. I like different kinds of coffee, or specifically a Carajillo—that's my best. That's my main drink that everyone loves [a delicious blend of espresso, Spanish liqueur 43 “Cuarenta y Tres”, and ice].
Regina: I'm really good at making pancakes. They come out really pretty and fluffy. I don't know how I do it, but they turn out really well.
What albums are on repeat lately?
Sebastián: Whenever I'm designing or trying to get inspired, I always listen to Pink Floyd. I don't know why, but they are really my best source of focus. Also, I really love Kanye West. Right now I am listening to Kid A by Radiohead. It's really cool. I also really love the Tame Impala album, Currents—it's one of the best in history.
Regina: For me, probably one of my favorite albums is El Mal Querer by Rosalía. It's really nice & all the songs have different meanings - it's kind of like an adventure. I also really enjoy anything by Tears for Fears. And probably, if I have to say one more, maybe the last album by Cigarettes After Sex.
Outside of traditional music, art, and literature, what are some influences for Dórica?
Sebastián: Nature. I always love scientific drawings of plants or animals. Those drawings are really rich to find inspiration.
Regina: I would say life itself, “la vida cotidiana” (everyday life). [Read more about Dórica’s take on everyday life here]
Sebastián: Yes, for example, something that gets me really inspired is water. I don't know why, but it's always about water, always about time. Time is something that is always on my mind because it's always happening, something that doesn't stop. I like to get inspired by things that are not visible, not tangible. That's why I was inspired by sound, in some way trying to find the form of sound.
[Click here to dive into an incredible exploration of sound frequencies and emotions - Frequency collection]
And before, I wanted to find the forms of water in a moment of stillness. Yes, I think it's just a contemplation of the everyday. If you stay in your home on a rainy day, it could be a source of inspiration.
What is a dream job outside of what y’all do today?
Sebastián: I am the type of guy that wants to do everything. I feel like if we only have this life, why not do everything? Because it's your only chance. If you see a DJ at a concert, and you see him in front of everyone, and you want to be him. You only have this life - go do it.
For instance, I would love to be a cinema director one day. I am working to be a sculptor. I would love to be a musician one day. I want to be everything.
Regina: Well, I've been developing a really nice relationship with editorial design. So, I would like to be an editor in chief of a magazine.

Obra Fam admiring Dórica’s AP01 chairs, Balance chairs, and the collaboration, Pájaros, between Dorica Sebastián (sculptures) and artist (painting) Estela Menasse - *Pájaros: This harmonious convergence invites viewers to reflect on the delicate balance between freedom and vulnerability.* Read more here.

If you were to create a restaurant, coffee shop, or bar, what would be the concept?

Sebastián

I would go 100% with a coffee shop. It would be an experience involving sound, the smell; all your feelings, all your senses. I really love coffee. I would love to do something about that inspiration we were talking about earlier - something invisible, about feelings, about emotions. Also, it would be something relatable to light. I really love spaces with the main focus of light. For example, James Turrell's work. I would love to do something inspired by his work - something with rough, natural materials. And obviously, we would love to do something with Dórica. Maybe a place with coffee and a showroom where you can live with the products, enjoy a coffee and a space for contemplation. Not really about working or using your phone, but more about being in the moment.

Regina

Someone in Milan shared this feedback with us: we [Dórica] make the experience of sitting down different. So we would like to apply that feedback to anything we do, especially to this coffee concept & the space. To make the experience of getting a coffee different and to make it special so that you can actually contemplate the space and the coffee itself.

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