More than 35 years later, the firm comprises some fifty architects, designers, technicians, and other professionals and has grown exponentially, welcoming a diverse team across two offices in Montreal and Ottawa. Working across Canada and globally, Figurr has developed an architectural practice specializing in a diverse range of project typologies that include aviation training, Indigenous-focused projects, urban planning, large multi-unit residential, institutional, education and corporate environments.
Over the past three decades, Figurr has developed a set of values that form the foundation of our practice:
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Relationships are key.
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Collaboration is foundational.
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Our work is transformational.
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Consistency builds trust.
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Reinvestment is beneficial.
These five values, developed in collaboration with the entire team, have guided every decision, every project, and every collaboration. Our differentiator is our people and the relationships we build, and it is through our collaborations that Design Excellence is achieved.
More than Architecture, It's… History, Community, Innovation, Impact, People, Collaboration, Future.
In commemoration of our 35th anniversary, we have launched a campaign called "More than Architecture," which reflects on our practice and goes beyond the architecture to explore what makes us who we are. Figurr is more than architecture; it is a collective of people, experiences, ideas, and relationships.
Figurr Architects Collective's 35th anniversary is a significant achievement. In our newly published video, the partners reflect on the firm's beginnings, how far we have come and the people who have made this possible. Celebrating milestones like this is important because it marks a moment in our history where anything is possible and our future is wide open.
Over the past few months and continuing into the new year, our team has been reflecting on the idea that Figurr is "More than Architecture." We are doing this by highlighting and celebrating thirty-five moments that solidify Figurr's identity—More Than Architecture. Divided into seven themes: History, Community, Innovation, Impact, People, Collaboration, and Future, these critical moments show how, over the past three decades, we have made an impact and how these moments have impacted the evolution of our practice.
"When we talk about architecture, we often think about construction as merely bricks and mortar, when in fact we create places where life scenarios can unfold." – Bruno Morin, Partner, Architect.
As we embark on the next chapter of our journey, Figurr remains committed to being "More Than Architecture" as we are storytellers and problem solvers and must become visionaries to help solve the challenges of our built environments into the future.
Becoming Figurr
Our rebrand from Rubin & Rotman Associates to Figurr Architects Collective marks an important evolution of the firm's leadership. When Bruno Morin, Pascale Tétrault, and Roberto Campos joined the partnership in 2018, they brought with them fresh perspectives and a renewed vision for the practice's future. This rebranding was not just a name change and a reflection of our growth but of the collective spirit that drives our work. Figurr became an organization with a whole larger than the sum of its parts.
"We wanted the name to fully represent who we are, our multiculturalism, our individual talents, and all the different faces in our team. We found that Figurr represented that as well." – Pascale Tétrault, Partner, Architect.
Becoming "Figurr" acknowledges that the firm has grown beyond what one or two individuals can accomplish on their own. The projects being completed today have grown in scale and complexity and can only be successful through collaboration.
Figurr aims to share the pride that comes from realizing a project with the entire team, including clients and end users. We believe that great architecture is achieved through collaboration, and it was important that the firm's identity reflected that belief.
"To put a legacy name just doesn't make sense anymore because no one person can successfully run a business in architecture. So, we felt strongly that we needed a different identity that encompassed all of us." – Richard Rubin, Founding Partner, Architect.
Iconic Projects: We build relationships, not just buildings
Over the past three decades, Figurr has worked with exceptional clients to bring their visions to life through architecture. Going beyond the architecture means that what we do as architects should transform lives. Whether that is for the communities, individuals, or businesses we design for, creating innovative spaces and positively changing the built environment for our clients drives us.
Some of the most notable projects that Figurr has completed include the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute (2011) in Ouje-Bougamou, Quebec, 159 Forward Ave (2023), a Passive House designed, multi-unit affordable housing project in Ottawa, Broccolini Construction's Head Office (2014) just outside of Montreal, the Zibi "O" Condominiums (2018), a “One Planet” development and Canada's most sustainable community, located in Gatineau, Quebec, Caivan's new Head Office (2022) in a growing community outside of Ottawa, the Hagen Head Office (2006) in Baie d’Urfé, Quebec, and the recently completed Chisasibi Secondary School (2023), in Chiasibi, Quebec. The relationships we have built with our clients, the communities, and the team are critical to the success of these projects.
These past 35 years have been an amazing journey. Built from humble beginnings but on a solid foundation of values, Figurr Architects Collective is thrilled to share this celebration of our achievements with our team, clients, and partners. This anniversary recognizes how far we have come, who we are, and where we are headed... together.