OLLIE Freestanding Bookshelf with Mirror by Yabupushelberg for Glas Italia

Known for their sleek, sophisticated interiors and modern, sculptural furniture, Canadian designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, who collaborate as Yabu Pushelberg, continue to push the boundaries of contemporary style. “We’re always focused on what’s next and continually search for the new and innovative as we strive to conceive the memorable experiences of tomorrow,” says the couple and design duo.

Yabu and Pushelberg met when they were students at Ryerson University’s School of Interior Design (now Toronto Metropolitan University), in Toronto, graduating in 1976. They didn’t meet again until bumping into each other a few years later while both were looking for studio spaces. That chance meeting led to the founding of the company Yabu Pushelberg, in 1980, with a focus on interior design.

Their first major project was in 1984, designing Canadian fashion retailer Club Monaco’s first stores in Toronto. Yabu Pushelberg evolved from strictly interior design to adopt a multidisciplinary approach in subsequent years. The firm has since grown to a team of 100-plus creatives and professionals with offices in Toronto and New York, designing buildings, landscapes, interiors, lighting, graphics, objects and furniture. 

Yabu and Pushelberg have collaborated with many notable designers and international furniture manufacturers. For Italian silverware maker Pampaloni, the duo designed a series of tableware, serveware and home goods. Other collaborations include dining chairs for Italian manufacturer Hinge; the curvy Surf sofa for Molteni&C.; and for Glas Italia, the all-glass, bowl-shaped Nacre coffee table. Yabu Pushelberg has also designed pieces independent of partnerships. 

Yabu and Pushelberg’s list of accomplishments and accolades is extensive. They have created interiors for Midtown Manhattan’s Park Hyatt hotel, Bergdorf Goodman in New York, Lane Crawford in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the Waldorf Astoria Beijing, the Rosewood Guangzhou, Edition hotels in New York, London and Miami Beach and several boutiques for Louis Vuitton, Carolina Herrera and David Yurman. The pair were also appointed Officers of the Order of Canada for their contributions to design and have been inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame.

Find Yabu Pushelberg lounge chairs, sofas, stools and console tables on 1stDibs.