In a world where luxury is increasingly defined by experience rather than excess, the true architects of aspiration are those who understand both heritage and disruption. Michele Galli, the understated yet sharply focused CEO of The One Atelier, is one such figure, an industry tactician who views branded real estate not merely as product, but as narrative.
From a childhood in a small town near Milan, where family and espresso were daily rituals, Galli’s journey is emblematic of a new breed of luxury leadership. Disciplined and inquisitive, he left Italy young to explore the world, entering the contracting industry in the luxury sector and never looking back. “I started in contracting and kept pushing forward,” he says. “That journey shaped me, not just professionally, but personally.”
Today, his Milan-based firm sits at the vanguard of branded residential and hospitality development, with projects in some of the world’s most influential cities, Marbella, London, Dubai, Beijing, and aligned with iconic names such as Fendi Casa, Armani Casa, Karl Lagerfeld, D&G, and ETRO. And yet, despite this impressive global footprint, Galli is quick to shift the spotlight onto his team. “We have a group of dynamic, driven individuals. That’s what makes our business unique.”
The One Atelier’s ascent in a crowded market is no accident. Its strategy has been rooted in intuition, agility, and a firm belief that luxury is evolving. “Luxury today is about wellness, health, and experience,” Galli says. “The brands that understand this are the ones leading the way.”
This ethos echoes across his leadership style, which values bold thinking but prizes clarity and purpose. “Stay out of your comfort zone,” he offers, when asked to define his philosophy. “Great teams aren’t built on nodding heads, they grow through challenge, trust, and a shared pursuit of excellence.”
Indeed, trust and independence underpin Galli’s approach to talent development. “Real talent flourishes when allowed the space to grow,” he says, emphasising mentorship and leading by example. “We give our team the freedom to own their work.”
It’s an approach that was tested, and ultimately strengthened, during the pandemic. “While the world paused, we prepared,” he reflects. The firm relocated, consolidating operations in Milan. “Since 2020, we’ve regained momentum and emerged stronger.” A bold claim, but the breadth of global projects underlines it.
If Galli seems unusually grounded for a man who builds branded empires, it may be because he finds his stability in life outside the office. “My family is my favourite hobby,” he laughs. He’s taken up climbing, a pursuit that mirrors the strategy and courage required in business. “You need endurance, foresight, and the occasional leap of faith.”
It’s also, perhaps, why very little keeps him up at night, save for jet lag, which he casually reframes as extra reading time. Success, for Galli, is not a destination but a dynamic process. “Success is a moving target,” he says. “And that’s what keeps it exciting.”
Ask him what advice he’d give to others hoping to disrupt their industries, and his answer is typically unpretentious, but layered: “Believe in your vision, stay grounded, adapt. Love what you do. Challenge yourself constantly. The world doesn’t stand still, why should we?”
There’s a quiet certainty in his words, a calm that feels earned. Michele Galli is not shouting for attention. He doesn’t need to. In the understated elegance of his approach lies the blueprint for what luxury looks like next.
