Yabu Pushelberg

Author William Norwich is a columnist and contribution editor to Vogue, and former Style and Entertaining editor of The New York Times Magazine. He has written introductions to "Poolside," a book of photographs by Slim Aarons and "Bright Young Things," a book of interiors by Brooke de Ocampo and Jonathan Becker. Norwich lives in New York.

Known for classic luxury, material experimentation, and sensory design, Yabu Pushelberg has created some of the most well-known hotspots around the world, including Las Alcobas in Mexico City, Shibuya in Las Vegas, and the Smyth in New York City (a 2009 HD Award winner). To give design enthusiasts an in-depth look inside the firm's global reach, George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg have released their first book, Yabu Pushelberg (Architecture/Interiors Press Inc., $70). The 220-page hardcover offers a visual feast. The book's colorful photography of more than 30 of the firm's hospitality, residential, and retail spaces is inspirational, filled with detailed shots of everything from main dining rooms to lobbies. Close-up images of materials, artwork, and furnishings draw readers into the spaces. And through six witty essays written by William Norwich, contributing Vogue editor, the firm's style and process are analyzed. -- Hospitality Design With 220 glossy pages Yabu Pushelberg's self-titled book should definitely be top-of-list for the design cogniscenti this season. The Canadian design studio, helmed by George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, snapped (top) at their recent book signing at Bergdorf Goodman in NYC, certainly hasn't rested on its laurels. Thumb through the book and you'll see chic interiors from Mumbai to Miami, not to mention Mexico City, the hot locale of one oftheir latest projects, Las Alcobas, a swish 36-room boutique hotel that opened earlier this year. Add in the laundry list of multiple awards, kudos and critical acclaim tossed their way, including a James Beard award and a coveted spot on Interior Design mag's Hall of Fame, and it's simple to understand why their work is so in demand. Think modern, layered and sophisticated with a look that can go from subtle to standout, depending on the space, and you've got the gist of YP's style. -- National Post Recommended for glorious gifting: Yabu Pushelberg by William Norwich, the first book on the Toronto- and Manhattan-based George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg, makers of glamourous environments both public and private. -- Metropolitan Home