What started as a small two-person partnership known as Rubin & Rotman Architects, over the past three decades, slowly grew into an almost fifty-person company with projects worldwide. When partners Rick Rubin and Stephen Rotman started the firm, their only initial ambition was to build some cool buildings and have fun doing it. Over time, the duo discovered the exponential effect of collaboration – a belief that has continued to drive their passion for architecture and life.
As new partners and associates joined, and the team grew, they built a team around a philosophy of creativity and collaboration – constantly striving to grow and build a business based on 5 key values that included consistency and trust. When the firm decided to rebrand, the team wanted to communicate the value of the collective while honouring the past. The relevance of the name Figurr stems from the amalgam of the word “figure” and the initials of the firm’s founders. While Rick Rubin and Steve Rotman are still a big part of the firm, they are now part of a larger equation that makes Figurr Architects Collective.
To celebrate this important milestone, the partners sat down to reflect on the past five years and what the future of Figurr might bring about.
"It’s been an exciting five years. The transformation to Figurr Architects Collective was significant because it celebrates the collective vision of our team, and our team is what makes us special.” - Rick Rubin, Partner and Architect
“Figurr is very important to me – this team, our clients, and these projects are what make us who we are,” says Bruno Morin, Partner and Architect.
“One of the great things about Figurr is that we work collaboratively on a multitude of project types and sizes and everyone’s input is highly valued. This abundance of opportunities is very stimulating for an architect’s brain!” - Pascale Tétrault, Partner and Architect
“My favourite part about Figurr is the team. Everything that we do to be creative requires feedback and collaboration. To be able to do that with teammates that you adore, that you trust, and that you can learn from is absolutely the most fun part of my day. I love coming here,” says Roberto Campos, Partner and Architect.
“It’s the people who make the difference. It’s a really collaborative spirit; everyone is here to help, which makes coming to work and being at work really energizing. The firm’s success is due in large part to the team we have built,” says Stephen Rotman, Partner and Architect.
Looking ahead, the partners believe the future of Figurr is bright. The firm will be celebrating its 35th anniversary in 2024, along with some significant projects nearing completion in the next few months, and some of the largest projects it has ever undertaken will be launching soon.
Join us in celebrating Figurr Architects Collective's 5th anniversary and stay tuned for more exciting announcements in the year ahead!
