Montreal firm NEUF architect(e)s makes a series of announcements signalling its continued growth: the naming of five new partners, the integration of Humani Design and the opening of a third office, in Toronto.

FIVE new partners

Since rebranding as ‘NEUF’ in 2012, the firm has seen remarkable growth, the greatest in its nearly 50 years of existence. To further this expansion, NEUF has named a new generation of five architects as partners, each bringing a fresh and complementary vision that will perpetuate the firm’s constant renewal: Louis Cormier, Hugo Gagnon, Lucien Haddad, Christopher Ilg and Frank Puentes.  

Humani joins NEUF

Already active in the Corporate Interiors sector and having collaborated closely for years, NEUF architect(e)s has now formally integrated Humani Design into its Corporate Interiors team. With more than 50 years of combined experience and a deep portfolio of notable projects for both local and international clients, Chantal Lusignan and Anne-Marie Charlebois were already members of the NEUF family. Their formal addition to the team consolidates NEUF’s position in the market as it helps define the future of Workplace environments.

NEUF in Toronto

Continuing its westward expansion, NEUF has now opened a new office in the heart of Toronto. Already present in Ontario for more than 20 years through its Ottawa office, the firm has long sought to get closer to certain key clients and projects—most notably the Yorkville development for First Capital Realty—and take another step towards becoming a truly pan-Canadian practice. Architect Lilia Koleva, with the support of all the partners, leads this new office. Having been a key member of the design team that recently completed the CHUM hospital, this talented designer brings a skill set and energy capable of handling projects of various scales and uses.

NEUF multiplies

By leveraging these three locations—Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto—its more than 140 employees and diverse portfolio of +7,000 projects across four continents, NEUF architect(e)s brings an enviable depth of experience and expertise, opening up countless new perspectives. Having nurtured long-term working relationships with its clients, many spanning more than one generation, it has quietly grown to become one of the largest in the country. The diversity of its practice will ensure that it will continue to innovate and help foster tomorrow’s leaders and talents. 

BIOGRAPHIES

Louis Cormier, OAQ, OAA

Responsible for the firm’s Quality Control, Louis ensures the latest standards and industry norms are integrated from the drawing board to the construction site. Able to anticipate changes in norms and upcoming regulations, he can identify problems long before they arise. He has gained the confidence of all his clients and has fostered a strong working relationship with property developer EMD-Bâtimo. As a mentor, he is a true natural when it comes to passing on his knowledge and corporate culture to his team.

Hugo Gagnon, OAQ, OAA, MRAIC, ULI

Hugo applies his design talent to a remarkably wide range of projects: large-scale master plans, urban design, residential architecture, interiors—no matter what the discipline, each concept is delivered with great attention to detail. Constantly informed by the work of his peers around the world, he has an outstanding capacity to generate and simplify new ideas and bring them to fruition. Most notably the YOO tower in Griffintown, a collaboration with French designer Philippe Starck, and SAX Sur le fleuve, a complex site in the Old Port of Montreal, which will soon see the construction of new residences.

Lucien Haddad, OAQ, OAA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

Lucien is the driving force behind NEUF’s objective to innovate and lead the way in sustainable development. He was behind the groundbreaking construction of Schlüter Systems LEED Gold certified offices (recipient of the OAQ Award for Excellence and two Énergia Awards), which integrated many sustainability ‘firsts’ that have since become the norm in the industry. Lucien is also an indispensable technical resource when it comes to major residential and industrial projects.

Christopher Ilg, OAQ, OAA, MRAIC

Christopher has always been on the forefront of new technologies—virtual reality, BIM modeling and collaboration/management tools. His technical contributions played a major role in the CHUM project, where he developed an expertise in envelope design (a colossal undertaking: more than 1,000,000 square feet of curtain wall). Trained in the U.S., Christopher’s ability to analyze complex problems quickly allows him to bring design solutions to his clients quickly and reliably.

Frank Puentes, OAQ, OAA

Always on the lookout for the world’s best, Frank takes a 360-degree view in his approach to architecture. Curious by nature and ambitious, he is constantly looking to create new opportunities and new markets. With his most notable designs being in Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and here in Canada, today he leads activities from the Ottawa office—with more than 20 active projects—for clients such as Bentall Kennedy, Brigil, Delta Hotels, Postes Canada and Sunlife.