Illustration by our in-house artist Oliver Taylor.
We took time out with our Office Manager, Simon Howard, to discover his favourite local Islington spots and what design means to him.
Hi Simon, Which is the favourite part of your day at Aria?
Looking for new photos to take – when I do get released from the office – or being able to make a delivery on my bike.
Photography by Simon Howard
If you were washed up on a desert island and one design product from Aria
was washed up with you, what would you hope it would be?
A large Togo Sofa, by Ligne Roset, so I could have a comfy seat (and a comfy bed) and I could float home on it.
Which design product has seen you through the past year?
I’m fortunate that I’ve still been able to work full time, but my Moomin Mug does get daily use.
Which three words would you use to describe Aria?
"Made to keep."
What’s the most unusual sale you’ve ever experienced?
£400 worth of Christmas decorations. And then I had to wrap each one up in tissue paper.
Which is your favourite spot for a lunch break or after-work drinks in Islington and around Upper Street?
I was pleased to see Pera on Upper Street was still open and selling halloumi wraps in lockdown, but I’m looking forward to a cider at the Myddleton Arms on Canonbury Road, when it’s able to welcome guests again.
How have you been passing the extra free-time during lockdown?
I made a range of greetings cards, and started selling them in Aria. I hope we’ll be open in time to sell come Easter cards. Check out Simon's Card Collection HERE.
