We’re back - and Yinka Ilori has something beautiful to share

Why Yinka Ilori designs for joy - and grief. A colorful story worth hearing.

Author

Minded team
August 05, 2025

Yinka lori in his vibrant, Willy-Wonka–inspired London studioI

Photograph by Kane Hulse

Our newest episode is live!

This week, we’re launching something new. And we’re kicking it off with Yinka Ilori - the ‘Architect of Joy’ - whose story is all about turning grief into color, and design into connection

Step inside Yinka Ilori’s mind: Watch the full story

Here are your five key takeaways:

• Studio as Sanctuary
He’s designed his space like Alice in Wonderland meets Charlie’s Chocolate Factory.

• Cultivating Joy
For Yinka, creativity is a calling: planting warmth, connection & purpose in every project.

• Weekend Rituals
From Kew Gardens strolls to bird‑song meditation in his backyard—nature fuels his ideas.

• AI for All
How he built an AI‑powered “Flamingos” playground in Google Arts & Culture to make art accessible.

• Mentors & Community
The teachers and North London council‑estate roots that shaped his purpose.

Thanks for reading - see you next week!

Cheers,
Yuri & the MINDED Team

P.S. This is the first issue of MINDED on Beehiiv and updated website. Thanks for being early. Forward this to a friend who needs color in their life.