Our clients drive every project forward, allowing us to bring innovative designs and meaningful contributions to life. Our partners provide the expertise and support that make each project possible, collaborating from concept through completion. Our architectural community inspires us to learn, grow, and push the boundaries of design. Our roots in the Ottawa and Montreal communities have given us a foundation to build upon—a place to grow, create, and contribute spaces that enrich the lives of those who live, work and play here.
Fig. 21 Our Architects’ Collective
What began as a two-person partnership known as Rubin & Rotman Architects has, over three decades, grown into a nearly fifty-person firm with projects completed worldwide. Founded with a passion for creating remarkable spaces for people and having fun doing it, Rick Rubin and Stephen Rotman quickly recognized the power of collaboration—a philosophy that has shaped our identity ever since.
“When Rick and I started this firm and we began to build our team, we wanted to hire people who would complement each other and make us better.” - Stephen Rotman
Keith Johnson, an architect and associate at Figurr, joined in 2006 after graduating from the State University of New York in Buffalo, New York and a Bachelor of Arts from Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts. After being with the firm for a few years in the Montreal office, he moved to Ottawa in 2011 and became one of the first employees in the firm’s new Ottawa studio. After a few years in Ottawa, his family made the move back to Montreal to be closer to family, and Keith rejoined the Montreal office and has been there ever since. In 2021, Keith was appointed to Associate, joining Figurr’s leadership team. Working with founding Partner Rick Rubin, Keith has led the firm’s aviation sector and has led projects worldwide.
As a funny coincidence, though Keith is an industry leader in the design and construction of aviation training facilities worldwide, Keith has a self-professed fear of flying. When he started working with Figurr, he struggled with the idea of working on projects located across the globe. It’s taken over a decade, and though his fear of flying is still there, he takes comfort in the rigorous training pilots go through in the very training facilities he helps design to keep him trek-setting around the world on behalf of our aviation division.
Even since its inaugural days as Rubin & Rotman, Figurr stands as an “architects’ collective,” representing a vibrant, inclusive workspace rich in ideas, diversity, and creativity. As the firm continues to grow, we know the route of our success is the people we are fortunate to work with; from our consultants to our clients, but most of all the people we work with every single day in our offices. The way we connect with people defines us. We put our relationships first, and that starts internally with our staff. Each of our team members has contributed to the success of Figurr and personifies our values.
Fig. 22 Our Long-Standing Client Partnerships
At Figurr, our approach to architecture is centred on making our clients look good. We strive to work with clients whose core values align closely with those of ours - and ours with theirs. Whether it be healthcare access, reconciliation, affordable housing, technological innovation, or environmental responsibility, we invest the time to understand each of our clients’ unique visions. This enables us to craft spaces that embody a shared vision and purpose and creating buildings that are truly an authentic extension of our clients and us.
For over two decades, Figurr has been building a strong relationship with the Cree School Board and the communities it supports. As our team got to know these communities and their needs, it became obvious that we could develop a deep connection through their and our shared values. Figurr’s first project was the Rainbow Elementary School in Waswanipi, Quebec – a new elementary school to support the growing community.
“We have been blown away by the generosity of the communities we’ve worked with. It’s a real honour to be able to collaborate on these projects with them.” - Pascale Tetrault
Since then, Figurr has had the opportunity to work across the Territory of iiyiyiu aschii on several important projects. We continue to develop deep relationships with the people in these communities and continue to learn along the way.
Fig. 23 Our Industry Collaborators
From initial design to construction and final turnover, each project we undertake depends on the strength of the project partnerships – especially with our consultants and the builders. We are proud to have established lasting relationships with many of these collaborators over the years resulting in great projects for our shared clients.
On our Forward Avenue project in Ottawa for the Centretown Citizens Ottawa Corporation (CCOC), Figurr worked with McDonald Brothers Construction – a company with a reputation for its attention to detail and team focused approaches. This close collaboration was key to achieving the advanced sustainability goals for this multi-unit affordable housing project. Though certification was not sought, a truly team effort was required of the entire design and construction team to ensure the project met the Passive House performance requirements required by the CCOC.
159 Forward Ave. is a prime example of a community-focused urban infill and provides much-needed affordable housing for the city. The building is designed not only to fit the needs of families in a growing neighbourhood but also do it in a highly sustainable way.
As a non-profit organization, CCOC and Cahdco (the CCOC’s Project Management division) wanted a building that would be a showpiece for highly sustainable affordable housing in very dense urban settings. From iterative design sessions to determine feasible construction approaches, to stringent onsite monitoring of envelop construction (and subsequent interventions) were the only way to holistically meet the established budgets, schedule, energy performance needs and ultimate design aesthetics of the project.
After the final blower tests, the final testing resulted 3x more energy efficient than both the client’s and the contractor’s previously built sustainably focused projects.
“As a team, we all had to work together to ensure that every puncture in the building envelope was documented and sealed. This required everyone on the construction team to monitor and remain accountable throughout the project. We couldn’t have done this without our construction partner’s full commitment.” – Roberto Campos
Working closely with partners, companies, and contractors like McDonald Brothers - who share Figurr’s commitment to collaboration and detail - is what leads to design excellence and creating projects that not only meet but exceed our clients’ expectations.
Fig. 24 Our Architectural Community
Each Figurr team member brings expertise shaped by their education, their growing talents, diverse career experiences, and individual (personal) experiences as well.
Roberto has always felt that teaching and the questions and discussions that come out of his time with the students makes him a better architect. Many of the works done by various students have gone on to win awards for their thoughtful and rigorous proposals.
Figurr has also made sure to participate in other student-focused outreach initiatives, from job fair presentations at Vanier College and Carleton University to co-op programs with high school and post-secondary institutions. These events offer a fantastic opportunity to connect with students and engage with other industry professionals and organizations.
The diversity of individual backgrounds at Figurr is a key strength for the collective. It is important to share these perspectives with the next generation to inspire them and encourage them to consider architecture as a career path.
We believe that as architects, we have a key role in shaping the built environment and a responsibility to use our skills and training to contribute to a positive collective future. As a professional community, we can continue to have a positive impact and support the next generation.
Fig. 25 Our Ottawa, Montreal Communities & Beyond
At Figurr, we are committed to strengthening our communities through various approaches and initiatives, including volunteering, integrating sustainable design practices, reconciliation efforts and working on affordable housing initiatives. We make an intentional effort to support women in STEM, mentor students, and share industry insights through initiatives like the Figurr Architects Cree Education Fund. In partnership with the Eeyou Eenou Community Foundation has developed out of many years of working with the Crees of Eeyou Istchee, in northern Quebec. Launched in honour of Figurr’s 35th anniversary, this fund establishes opportunities for educational success and empowers Cree youth. This year the fund raised $7,000 for education, but it’s just the beginning of the opportunities to come. Donations can still be made online.
Over the last several years, Figurr has also contributed to organizations such as The Alliance to End Homelessness in Ottawa, Habitat for Humanity Quebec, the Ottawa Food Bank, the Canadian Association of Girls in Science (CAGIS), the Caring and Sharing Exchange, Welcome Hall Mission, and The Ottawa Hospital Foundation.
People are at the heart of the work at Figurr. Collaboration shapes every stage of our projects: from collaborating with our clients to realize their vision, to challenging our team in bringing together our best possible ideas, to drawing inspiration from the communities we work in to develop sustainable, thoughtful designs. The people we work with everyday – collaboratively - are at the heart of our success. In our next blog, we’ll delve deeper into the power of collaboration. Stay tuned!