Founded in collaboration, and focused on creating strong relationships, Figurr Architects Collective is celebrating 35 years in business. In 1989, Richard Rubin and Stephen Rotman founded Rubin & Rotman Associates in Montreal. The two quickly realized the power of collaboration and instilled the seeds of the firm’s future values that are rooted in TEAM. They brought in talented people to support them and create a practice whose success would be rooted in collaboration, relationships, and design excellence.

More than 35 years later, the firm comprises some fifty architects, designers, technicians, and other professionals, and has grown exponentially by 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 its practice:  

• Relationships are key.
• Collaboration is foundational.
• Our work is transformational.
• Consistency builds trust. 
• Reinvestment is beneficial.

These five values, developed in collaboration with the entire team, have guided every decision, every project, and every collaboration. Figurr’s differentiator is its people and relationships, and it is through collaborations that Design Excellence is achieved.

More than architecture, it's…History, Community, Innovation, Impact, People, Collaboration, Future.

Over the past few months, and continuing into the new year, the team has been reflecting on the idea that Figurr is "More Than Architecture." This is accomplished through a commemorative video that highlights the unique aspects of Figurr, and blogs that celebrate 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 more than three decades, Figurr has made an impact and how these moments have impacted the evolution of the 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 will unfold," says Bruno Morin, Architect, Partner.

Going forward, Figurr remains committed to being "More Than Architecture"— Figurr’s team are storytellers, problem solvers, and visionaries.

Becoming Figurr   

The 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, but a reflection of the firm's growth and the collective spirit. 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, all the different faces in our team," says Pascale Tétrault, Partner, Architect. "We found that Figurr represented that as well."

Becoming "Figurr" acknowledges that the firm has grown beyond what one or two individuals can accomplish. The projects being completed today have grown in scale and complexity.

Figurr aims to share the pride that comes from realizing a project with the entire team, including clients and end users. 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," says Richard Rubin, Founding Partner, Architect. "So, we felt strongly that we needed a different identity that encompassed all of us."

Iconic projects: Building relationships, not just buildings.

Over the past three decades, Figurr has worked with exceptional clients to bring their vision to life through architecture. Going beyond the architecture means that the work and projects completed by architects ultimately transform lives. Whether that's through communities, individuals, or businesses, creating a better situation for clients drives the work.

Each project is a testament to Figurr’s unwavering dedication to architectural creativity and craftsmanship, from iconic landmarks to sustainable urban developments across the country. Figurr’s ability to adapt to emerging trends and technologies has been instrumental in driving its success and staying ahead of the curve. The future use of Advanced Air Mobility, sustainability, housing affordability, and the design of schools into the future are just some of the important explorations that Figurr has been embarking on.

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), 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 Figurr has built with clients, communities, and the team are critical to the success of these projects.

Built from humble beginnings, but on a solid foundation of values, Figurr Architects Collective is thrilled to share this celebration with its team, its clients, and its partners.