George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg are the visionary founders of Yabu Pushelberg, a holistic design practice celebrated globally for its evocative and multidisciplinary approach. Since establishing their firm in 1980, the duo has expanded from a shared studio in Toronto to a world-renowned practice with offices in Toronto and New York, and a growing presence in Milan. With a career spanning over four decades, they have evolved from "hustling" freelancers into industry icons, recently being appointed to the Order of Canada. George, born in Toronto, was deeply influenced by his family’s history of resilience following their displacement during World War II, a background that instilled in him a rigorous work ethic. Glenn, hailing from Kitchener, found his calling in design as a way to explore a broader world beyond his small-town roots. The two met during their first year at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson), where they discovered a shared passion for a profession that was then only in its nascent stages. Their international breakthrough began in Taipei during the 1980s, leading to a prolific portfolio that includes the first W Hotel in Times Square and landmark projects for Four Seasons, Park Hyatt, and Holt Renfrew. Today, their work encompasses interior design, product design, and hospitality, characterized by a "quality over quantity" philosophy and a commitment to nurturing the next generation of creative talent. Beyond design, Yabu and Pushelberg are dedicated philanthropists. They actively support organizations such as Friends of Rubies, Egale Canada, and the Rainbow Railroad, focusing on aid for LGBTQ+ youth and marginalized communities. Whether designing a high-end resort or smuggling supplies to those in need, their work is driven by a belief in the power of expression and the elimination of self-imposed limits. Yabu Pushelberg Next Release: Leckie Studio Architecture + Design Curated Podcast Sponsors: Caplan's Appliances The Doors Aquanta Pools To connect with our sponsors, email me: jonathan@issuedforconstruction.ca Issued For Construction
