Umberto Asnago, the designer Giorgetti asked to come back

The truest compliment in design is not a prize — it is the phone ringing again. Umberto Asnago joined Giorgetti in 1968, rose to head its research centre, and left in 2006 to work independently; in 2011 the house called him back to design a new collection. Born in 1949 and trained at the Cantù art institute, he now also serves as art director of lighting brand Penta.

Since 2011 his independent work has flowed into i4Mariani: the Avatar office collection, the Napa desk, the Noah work corner, the Asso and Lounge seating. La Mercanti places them in executive projects — the man companies ask back, on permanent loan to your office.