Meet the team: Harriet Taylor, Architectural Specification Manager, Scotland

How did you come to work at Solus? 

I’ve spent the last decade working with various furniture consultancies and have a real appreciation for the fast-paced, creative environment that comes with it. After returning from maternity leave at the start of 2025, I found myself reflecting more on the kind of work I wanted to do and the values I wanted to align with. While I was proud of what I’d been part of, I was increasingly drawn to opportunities that focused more on sustainability and long-term impact. Around that time, I was approached through my network about the role at Solus. It felt like a natural next step: something new to me, beautiful product, with a strong ethos. 

What do you like to do outside of work?  

Adventures of any and every kind – whether getting outdoors, exploring new places to eat or drink, visiting exhibitions and galleries, gigs, or (if I'm very lucky!) travelling abroad to exciting new places. I’m a bit addicted to Reformer Pilates and yoga, enjoy DIY - though I've been unofficially banned from adding any more green to our interior scheme at home - and furniture restoration. My latest project was a 1950s Ercol studio couch that I rescued from a junk shop and brought back to life! 

What are you currently reading/watching/listening to?  

Reading Vogue / Watching Scotland’s Home of The Year (Banjo Beale! - love) / Listening to Jessica Pratt, Fleetwood Mac, and Debussy 

What inspires and motivates you?  

Curiosity, always. I ask a lot of questions! I’m also quite a visual person, so I’m very drawn to creative people and environments. But what truly drives me these days is my son, Felix. Perhaps this sounds cliched but becoming a parent shifts everything; you begin to think more broadly, about trying to shape a better world for someone else. I want him to grow up seeing that it’s possible to do meaningful work, stay true to your values, and have some fun along the way. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given?  

My Granny has a couple of sayings that have always stuck with: “Say what you mean, mean what you say,” and “Honey is sweeter than vinegar.” Good rules to live by! 

What are you most excited about at Solus? 

The opportunity to contribute to a better built environment through helping to specify high quality and sustainable materials. 

I'm also really looking forward to holding more events in Scotland. There’s such a vibrant design community here, and I’m excited about creating opportunities to connect, share ideas, and help enrich that creative network even further.