Creative Matters’ President, Carol Sebert says: ‘We strive to find solutions that combine the vision and constraints of interiors professionals with the compelling possibilities of carpet creation. Working creatively within these two sets of parameters and overcoming limitations together is an immensely satisfying way to work. When both can share, listen and be accordingly flexible, an amazing synergy occurs resulting in a more perfect carpet than either party had initially envisaged.’
Carol Sebert Creative Matters 
Glenn Pushelberg Yabu Pushelberg 
Emma ONeill Studio Sofield 
Eric McClelland Fleur de lis
Carol Sebert, the chair of this discussion, is co-owner of Creative Matters and enjoys the thrill of working with her team of talented designers, Fair Trade weavers in Southeast Asia and hand-picked manufacturing partners. Over the past thirty years she has worked with countless design luminaries to develop innovative and ethically produced floor- and wall-coverings. Working closely with manufacturers to provide novel solutions, Carol has been at the forefront of the firm’s commitment to socially responsible business and fair trade practices. In 2017 she was named an honorary ambassador by NGO Label STEP, for her tireless commitment to promoting fair-trade practices in the carpet industry.
George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg founded the studio Yabu Pushelberg in 1980 with an emphasis on interior design. Forty years of applying a uniquely holistic approach have assured George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg of a leading position that crosses design disciplines. Having evolved from a studio founded on interior design, Yabu Pushelberg now has offices in Toronto and New York specialising in architecture, landscapes, interiors, lighting, furniture, objects, textiles, branding and graphics. This comprehensive approach, coupled with the studio’s trademark narrative-based design aesthetic, has made Yabu Pushelberg into a full-fledged creative agency redefining modern luxury around the world.
Emma O’Neill earned her Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University College Dublin in 1990. A member of RIAI and RIBA, she ran and managed her own architecture firm from 1990–1994. Her relationship with William Sofield began in New York City when the two consulted for Ralph Lauren in the 1980s. In 1996 they joined forces to open Studio Sofield. As one of the Studio’s original members Emma has shaped and reinforced Sofield’s holistic approach to design, applied to everything from the largest structural schemes to the smallest of details.
Eric McClelland is Principal of Fleur-de-lis, a residential and corporate design firm specialising in high-end renovations and new construction projects. The firm works in a variety of styles to integrate the taste of the client and the principles of good design. Projects include residences as small as 1,600 sq ft. to as large as 22,000 sq ft. Clients include Four Seasons Residences, Malivoire Vineyards, Air Canada, Rogers Arena Vancouver and Trend Marketing. Among recent enterprises are a 7,000 sq ft penthouse in Toronto’s Yorkville area and work as Lead Designer on a new Boutique Hotel & Residence in Bermuda.
