By Marcello Salvestrini
For over forty years, RA-MA has transformed a passion for antique materials into projects that enhance villas, farmhouses, and historic spaces. Founded in 1984 by the Razzi-Marcocci family, the company is now a benchmark in the restoration and custom furnishing sector, both in Italy and abroad. In this interview, Roberto, one of the sons, tells us about the evolution of the business, his relationship with clients, and the constant search for unique, artisanal solutions.
Roberto, can you briefly tell me the story of RA-MA? How did it start, and how long have you been in business? Tell me about how your family has contributed to your success.
“RA-MA was born from an idea of my parents (Razzi and Marcocci, the initials of their surnames chosen to create the acronym RA-MA) who in 1984 opened a building materials warehouse in Gambassi Terme dealing in cement, bricks, and new materials. In the early ’90s, they began to offer the first reclaimed mezzanines, becoming passionate about this work of research, selection, cleaning, and offering. They also realized that there was less competition for this type of supply. From there, our world developed. Since 1996, when we moved from Gambassi Terme to Barberino 
Tavarnelle, acquiring a new, larger, and more suitable exhibition space, we began a conversion process across the entire ‘antiques’ sector; we shifted from new materials to dealing with all antique materials, from flooring to roofing, and everything concerning restoration and furnishing, especially for villas, farmhouses, and their gardens. It is this passion for our work (which, in addition to my parents, who are still very much involved, I share with my brother Johnny, the other pillar of the company) that has allowed us, especially in the last fifteen years, to establish valuable relationships and collaborations with artisans in the sector, also presenting a new ‘handmade’ approach – whether it’s greenhouses, winter gardens, solid brass faucets, lighting, or anything related to copper work; therefore, also kitchen hoods, bathroom furniture, bookshelves, all made from antique wood and custom-built, to meet the demand for a bespoke service. It’s truly true that each client has different needs, both in terms of dimensions and aesthetics; everyone wants to be unique. For us, therefore, it’s important to develop a qualified project as well as build a confidential and empathetic relationship. We have reached a point where we can boast of supplying ‘from a pin to a cannon,’ meaning everything related to the construction or restoration of an old villa, an old farmhouse, down to the last furnishing element.”
Who is your typical client?
“Our clientele ranges from those who need to restore an old farmhouse to those who only need to furnish it with Rama’s style; but at the same time, thanks to this strong passion that distinguishes us and the professionalism acquired over the years, we are able to establish an empathy that allows us to create the ‘tailor-made suit’ we were talking about earlier. We have both Italian and foreign buyers – who invest in our territory, but not only in Tuscany: we sell all over the world, especially in the American and English markets. Then, occasionally, we also sell in Australia, France, Germany, South America, in short, wherever our taste can guide a project.”
What sectors do you primarily serve with your products?
“We primarily serve private individuals, but not exclusively. In fact, we collaborate with many architectural firms. Furthermore, we rent out items for ceremonies, weddings, but also for special private events and birthdays. We rent out a bit of everything, even for photo shoots! In this case too, we consult with all the involved collaborators and with wedding/event planners, trying to satisfy them in every way. Here’s the thing: if a request is made and we don’t have the item available, we try to find it by any means through our contacts and relationships. From antique flooring – our main product – to everything related to restoration and furnishing, both for interiors and exteriors, we fear no comparison.”
Info: RA-MA Srl, Via Pisana, 11 – Barberino Tavarnelle (Fi) / Tel. +39 055 8078504 / info@ra-ma.it / www.ra-ma.it
