For over three decades, Figurr Architects Collective has operated at the confluence of design innovation, community engagement, and architectural excellence. With offices in Montreal and Ottawa, the firm has earned a national and international reputation for its thoughtful work across institutional, corporate, multi-residential, aviation, and Indigenous sectors. Founded in 1989 as Rubin & Rotman Associates, the firm underwent a transformative rebranding in 2018 to become Figurr Architects Collective. This 2
shift reflected not just a change in name, but a new generation of leadership with partners Bruno Morin, Pascale Tétrault, and Roberto Campos joining founding partners Rick Rubin and Stephen Rotman. The decision marked a clear departure from traditional, legacy-driven branding and embraced the firm’s belief in shared leadership and inclusive creativity. As Rubin explains, the rebrand represented more than aesthetics; it was about redefining identity. “To put a legacy name just doesn’t make sense Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute | Client: Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute | Oujé-Bougoumou, QC | Completed in 2011. 3
Chisasibi Secondary School | Client: Cree School Board | Chisasibi, QC | Completed in 2023. 4
anymore because no one person can successfully run a business in architecture,” he says. “We needed an identity that encompassed all of us.” For Tétrault, the name Figurr Architects Collective captured the essence of a diverse and collaborative studio. “We wanted the name to reflect our multiculturalism, our individual talents, and the different faces in our team,” she says. That collaborative spirit runs deep in the firm’s ethos and is visible not only in their work, but in their culture. Rather than impose a top-down directive, the partners involved their entire staff in articulating Figurr’s five core values: Relationships, Collaboration, Transformation, Consistency, and Reinvestment. These principles, developed through a firm-wide brainstorming process, have become deeply embedded in day-to-day operations. “These values weren’t just words on paper,” says Rotman. “They were created by the people who live them every day.” Chisasibi Secondary School | Client: Cree School Board | Chisasibi, QC | Completed in 2023. Chisasibi Secondary School | Client: Cree School Board | Chisasibi, QC | Completed in 2023. 5
Bruno Morin, OAQ, MIRAC | Architect & Partner Figurr Montreal Office Pascale Tétrault, OAQ, LEED AP® BD+C, PMP Architect & Partner Rick Rubin, OAQ, O Architect & Se 6
Campos further emphasizes how these values actively shape the practice. “They guide our design decisions, influence our discussions, and are constantly referenced during in-house charrettes,” he says. “We return to them again and again to ensure our work aligns with who we are.” This internal alignment is reflected in their approach to project design, which often centers around participatory practices. Nowhere is this clearer than in their work with Indigenous communities. The new Chisasibi Secondary School, is a prime example of this philosophy in action. Tétrault notes that community participation is structured into every stage. “We lay the groundwork for open discussion, welcoming all input and ensuring that voices are heard, especially in the early phases where they have the greatest impact,” she says. That emphasis on dialogue, listening, and co-creation has helped Figurr develop unique solutions tailored to diverse contexts. It’s also made the firm a trusted partner to Indigenous communities across Canada, relationships that are built on respect, listening, transparency, and longterm investment. Figurr’s dedication to innovation is also evident in its aviation sector work. The firm has published an Aviation Training Centre Design Guide and is a project partner in the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM) ecosystem. Rubin says the firm is eager to shape the future of transportation design. “Purpose-built infrastructure is critical to supporting advanced air mobility,” he explains. “We’re proud to expand our expertise in this area and contribute to the future of the industry.” OAA, AIBC, MRAIC enior Partner Roberto Campos, OAA, MRAIC, ORSA Architect & Partner Stephen Rotman, OAQ, OAA, AIA, MRAIC, LEED AP® BD+C | Architect & Senior Partner 7
Vita Condominiums | Client: Vertex Construction | Saint-Laurent, QC | Completed in 2020 and 2021. Aalto II | Client: Dream | Gatineau, QC | Completed in 2024. 8
Sustainability is another cornerstone of Figurr’s design approach. From the selection of environmentally responsible materials to retrofitting existing structures and minimizing carbon impact, the firm sees green design as both an ethical imperative and a creative opportunity. “We always try to find new strategies and techniques to improve sustainability practices,” says Morin. “We aim to design efficient, resilient buildings that will last.” This philosophy is embodied in standout projects like the Aanischaaukamikw Cree Cultural Institute, the Zibi “O” condominium building, and the recently completed, Chisasibi Secondary School. Each development reflects Figurr’s aspiration to be, in their words, “more than architecture.” For Campos, that mantra isn’t a slogan—it’s a lens through which the firm views its impact. “Our past projects aren’t just milestones,” he says. “They were launchpads into uncharted markets and expressions of our ongoing commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community.” The firm’s influence also extends beyond its portfolio through personal involvement in organizations like Habitat for Humanity Québec. Rotman, who serves in a leadership role, says the connection between architecture and community development is seamless. “Both Habitat and Figurr are rooted in empowerment,” he notes. “We believe in creating environments where people can thrive.” Zibi “O” Condominiums | Client: Windmill | Gatineau, QC | Completed in 2018. 9
Head Office for Caivan and ABIC | Barrhaven, ON | Completed in 2023. Head Office for Caivan and ABIC | Barrhaven, ON | Completed in 2023. 10
As Figurr approaches its 36th year, the firm is more focused on the future than ever. The partners see opportunities in advancing green development, shaping educational environments, and pushing boundaries in both aviation and community planning. “Our future is defined by the people who work here,” says Rotman. “Their creativity and passion will guide how we serve our clients and build for the future.” Looking ahead, Figurr’s leadership sees the architectural landscape evolving rapidly, and they’re ready for it. “We believe architects can help redefine community development, embrace emerging technologies, and shape more sustainable cities,” says Morin. “We want to lead that change, not follow it.” Figurr Architects Collective has built its reputation on collaboration and shared leadership. By focusing on participatory design, long-term client relationships, and a consistent commitment to sustainability and innovation, the firm continues to deliver thoughtful architecture that enhances the communities it serves. For more information, please visit https://figurr.ca/en Rendering of Eeyou Istchee Regional Health Centre in Chisasibi | Client: Cree Board of Health and Social Rendering of Eeyou Istchee Regional Health Centre in Chisasibi | Client: Cree Board of Health and Social Services of James Bay | Chisasibi, QC | Expected completion is 2026. 11
As seen in BusinessEliteCanada.com https://figurr.ca/en
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