Yorkville University recently welcomed acclaimed interior designer Michael London to its Steeles Campus, where he shared his design journey and gave Bachelor of Interior Design students an inside look at some of his most luxurious projects.
London, the Principal at Michael London Design Inc., began his career more than 30 years ago as a co-op student at Gluckstein Design. What started as a chance placement quickly became a lifelong passion, resulting in an award-winning portfolio that includes high-profile private residences and luxury condominium projects, as well as commercial and hospitality ventures in Toronto, Ottawa, New York, and beyond.
“My journey started 30 years ago as a student, and being 18 years old, doing a co-op and not knowing anything about interior design, wanting to be an architect and working at one of the most prestigious offices in Toronto when it was young,” London recalled.
“My mom told me I would ‘Beautify the world,’ and from that alone, that sort of helped shape and mould Michael London overall.”
Reem Habib, Chair of Yorkville’s Bachelor of Interior Design program, highlighted how guest lectures from leaders like London strengthen the connection between classroom learning and real-world practice.
“Our program strength lies in building strategic partnerships with the design industry and bridge professional practices and academic endeavors,” she said. “Our goal is to enhance students’ experience by embracing their purposeful curiosity.”
Throughout his talk, London emphasized the importance of versatility in design and urged students not to subscribe to any one approach.
“I don’t have a set style, and I always tell designers coming up, if you want to cast a broader net and get more projects and a variety of projects, don’t just adhere to one specific style,” he said. “My style is luxury – luxury and just playing with details and trying to make every project unique
London also spoke candidly about the challenges he faced breaking into the industry as a young designer of colour.
“Did it hurt when those things happened? Of course it did, but all in all, I saw it as, ‘You know what? The space I’m going to design is going to be beautiful, I see it already and I know it’s going to be beautiful. And in the end, I will have the last laugh, because my thought, my vision, my impression will be all over that space,’” he said.
“And when they see that space when it’s done, and they think “Wow!”, they’re going to know Michael London did it.”
When asked what advice he would give to Yorkville’s BID students, London stressed the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning. He urged aspiring interior designers to think outside the box and be open to designing in multiple spaces – be it modern or contemporary, transitionary or traditional.
“You don’t know what firm you’re going to go to, you don’t know where you’re going to end up, but at least you can be mouldable to go to any firm and to design anything,” he said. “And if you ever start your own company, it allows you to cast a broader net, and to get as many clients as you can.”
From sustainability and cultural influence in design, to the importance of accreditation, London’s talk gave students a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the luxury design world – while underscoring Yorkville University’s commitment to connecting students with leading industry professionals.
“Opportunities to learn directly from established professionals like Michael London are invaluable to our students,” said Maha Dahroug, Associate Chair of the BID program.
“These real-world industry exposures enrich their academic journey, give context to the skills they’re developing in the classroom, and empower them to step into the profession already engaged, connected, and prepared to make an impact.”
