Today we’d like to introduce you to David Russell.
Arango originated in 1959 on Biscayne Blvd, downtown Miami, as one of the first independent design stores in the United States, offering contemporary objects for home and office. As a new retail concept with unfamiliar objects, the store was often mistaken as a travel agency.
The founders were Judith Arango, a Miami journalist, and Jorge Arango, a Colombian architect. The mission of the company was, and remains, to offer quality industrial design to the public. For this reason, the store moved to Dadeland Mall in 1964 where it remained until 2014, providing a lasting cultural design base for the community.
In addition to retail sales, the company connected locally with educational institutions and museums to provide greater opportunities to explore industrial design through lectures, exhibitions, workshops, and similar events.
Marianne and David met as employees at Arango in the late 1970’s and purchased the business from Judith Arango in 1993. After 50 years at Dadeland, the store moved to South Miami, “back onto main street” completing a full circle of engagement with the community.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Our 50 year tenure in a major mall location provided steady exposure to new clients as well as a base to cultivate multi-generational relationships. We computerized early, writing our own dedicated inventory software, and were also early to launch an internet presence.
Although supportive of the benefits of on-line shopping, it remains the mission of Arango to provide first-hand experience with quality objects that speak of our culture and contemporary period. We will always be a place to find good design.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Arango celebrates innovative design. The collection evolves with respect to new materials, manufacturing technique, and cultural change. A visit to Arango provides full immersion of objects that tell stories of how we live today and anticipate our future.
What were you like growing up?
We both have been connected to design throughout our lives, with family active in interior design, architecture and sculpture. Our interests are primarily centered in creative activities. We enjoy culture (Marianne is European) and we love meeting people.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5864 Sunset Drive
- Website: www.arango-design.com
- Phone: 305.661.4229
- Email: arango@arango-design.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/arangodesignstore
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/arangomiami
- Twitter: twitter.com/arangostore
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
