Meet Leila Yahya
Meet Leila Yahya, Workplace Consultant at Verve
Leila’s path into workplace design and furniture consulting grew out of curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to take leaps at the right time.
Finding inspiration beyond architecture
Leila began her journey exploring architecture at a conceptual level with a degree in Environmental Design from OCAD University. But her career took a turn when she connected with an interior designer through a friend. Eager to learn, she asked if she could shadow her—and that experience became a pivotal moment.
Working in the intimate environment of a small design office, Leila gained hands-on exposure to the realities of the profession: site visits, client meetings, and the transformation of spaces. It was a perspective she hadn’t found in school, and her mentor’s guidance gave her both confidence and clarity. That experience ignited her passion for interiors and set the foundation for the rest of her career.
Building breadth of experience
From there, Leila joined a startup that combined real estate, brokerage, and design under one roof. She worked with builders on everything from finish selections to turnkey marketing suites, expanding her skills and seeing how design could directly shape client experiences. Later, she moved into corporate interiors—a leap into large-scale workplace projects and furniture solutions. It was a fast-paced, high-stakes environment that sharpened her technical expertise and cemented her love for this industry.
Finding her place at Verve
When the opportunity to join Verve came along, it felt like the right fit at the right time. Today, Leila focuses on RFPs, developing thoughtful, solution-oriented furniture proposals. Her role blends creativity with practicality: coordinating budgets, timelines, and aesthetics and making sure that every client receives a space that functions and feels right. She thrives on bringing clarity and confidence to the process.
Beyond work
Outside of Verve, Leila enjoys traveling and exploring new cities—often solo—finding inspiration in architecture, culture, and urban life. At home, she shares her days with Woody, her spirited corgi, who keeps her company on long forest walks and neighbourhood adventures. She also cares for a free-spirited cat who comes and goes as she pleases.
Leila’s journey has been shaped by mentors who gave her a first glimpse into the realities of design, and she carries that same spirit of guidance into her work today—helping clients navigate the complexities of workplace design with ease.
