MEET LUCILA MCKINLAY
Meet Lucila Mckinlay, one of our Lead Designers at Clearspace.
Lucila believes that the best spaces are those that evolve alongside the people who use them. Her approach to design is strategic and responsive, always allowing room for discovery, learning, and adaptation. She is passionate about creating environments that are functional, and deeply personal.
At Clearspace, Lucila’s philosophy aligns perfectly with the company's mission to make better spaces available to more people. Her work is a thoughtful balance of aesthetics and practicality, always with an eye toward creating environments that motivate and activate.
After 15 years of experience in the design industry, Lucila has had the opportunity to work in retail, hospitality, residential, and corporate projects. She views each project as a unique challenge and an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of what design can achieve. Her portfolio includes work for high-profile clients such as Shopify, Scotiabank, Tumi Store, BenchSci, Turin Chocolates, Second Cup, and LCBO. These experiences help her understand and reflect the DNA of her clients.
“What I love about working with Lucila is her passion for individuality. She’s all about discovering who her clients really are and making sure their spaces reflect that.”
Lucila’s journey began in Mexico, where she grew up in a vibrant community with her grandparents, playing in the town plaza, and enjoying the warmth of an open-door neighbourhood. These early experiences instilled in her a deep appreciation for community, connection, and the simple joys of life, all of which influence her approach to design.
After high school, Lucila moved to Canada to pursue her passion for interior design. This journey brought her to Clearspace, where she continues to blend her rich cultural background with her professional expertise to create spaces that are full of life.
For Lucila, life in Canada is all about family. She loves spending time with her husband, Adam, and their children, Alejandra and Diego. Whether they’re enjoying the outdoors on a sunny day or indulging in a sweet treat, these moments are precious to her. Traveling is another passion that she shares with her family, as it offers them the chance to experience new cultures and perspectives, enriching their lives in countless ways.
When she’s not designing, Lucila is often found behind her camera, capturing the world through a lens that appreciates the organic beauty of everyday life. She has a particular passion for lifestyle and portrait photography as a way to preserve memories. It brings new perspectives and fresh ideas that she often incorporates into her work, making her designs as dynamic and diverse as the world she explores.
