Figurr Architects Grows By Investing in People
Sep 2
3 min read
Many firms see growth in the amount of space they build or the impact their buildings have on the skyline. Figurr Architects Collective, a Montréal firm with more than 35 years of experience, sees growth in its people. This week, the studio promoted six professionals to Associate, recognizing those who have already made a big difference on key projects.
This milestone may seem small, but it means a lot. In architecture, great buildings are often credited to a single visionary, but Figurr’s announcement shows the truth: real design breakthroughs come from teamwork. It takes architects, technologists, project managers, and storytellers who care about both details and big ideas.
Two of the new Associates share a similar approach to design. They put people first, before thinking about form.
Alice Tourneyrie joined Figurr in 2019 and is known for her careful work in technical coordination and client care, especially on projects focused on Indigenous communities. She has also made the studio’s operations more efficient without sacrificing quality. As the head of Figurr’s social committee, she sees workplace culture as another design challenge to solve.
Zaphira Kalaitzakis takes a similar people-first approach, but in residential design. Since joining in 2018, she has helped expand Figurr’s residential work, leading multi-unit projects from early sketches to final walkthroughs. She focuses on efficient layouts and high standards, but her main goal is to create communities that feel livable. For her, success is measured by the daily lives of the people who move in.
Alice Tourneyrie. Photo Courtesy of Figurr Architects Collective Zaphira Kalaitzakis. Photo Courtesy of Figurr Architects Collective
Design is the part of architecture everyone sees, but discipline is just as important. Two new Associates have quietly become the keepers of Figurr’s standards.
Diego Chiatante came to Montréal with more than 15 years of international experience from Italy, Belgium, and Canada. He now manages projects from start to finish and leads much of the firm’s quality assurance efforts, turning lessons learned into training and better workflows for everyone. Outside of work, he volunteers with Heritage Montréal, reflecting his focus on lasting impact.
Santiago Baigun has a different view on longevity. He moved from Argentina to Canada in 2003. He joined Figurr that year, building his career as a Project Manager on institutional and commercial projects, especially in industrial and aviation training facilities worldwide. Now, as a leader in technical standards, he is creating a mentorship program to share his knowledge with the next generation. This proves that good standards are not just written, but taught.
Diego Chiatante. Photo Courtesy of Figurr Architects Collective Santiago Baigun. Photo Courtesy of Figurr Architects Collective
The final two appointments show that the firm values its processes and reputation just as much as its buildings.
Pierre-Luc Fortin, the firm’s BIM Manager, has shaped Figurr’s digital foundation since 2014. He sets standards for construction documentation and modelling, helping complex projects run smoothly. His passion for digital tools has made him a steady influence on the studio’s workflows, making everyone’s job easier.
Brynne Campbell, the firm’s Marketing Director, tells the stories made possible by Pierre-Luc’s systems. She has a Ph.D. in Architecture from Carleton University, where she studied the history of architectural marketing in Canada. Brynne blends academic insight with practical strategy to shape Figurr’s brand. She turns complex ideas into stories that connect with clients, partners, and the communities the firm serves.
Pierre-Luc Fortin. Photo Courtesy of Figurr Architects Collective Brynne Campbell. Photo Courtesy of Figurr Architects Collective
These six appointments are more than promotions. They show how Figurr works: by building relationships, sharing standards, and investing in the people who make everything possible.
"Individuals appointed to the Associate level are integral members of our team whose leadership, dedication, and expertise are essential to the firm's continued success. They embody Figurr's values, champion excellence in design and project delivery, and help advance our strategic vision. We are proud to welcome these six individuals into leadership roles and look forward to the lasting impact they will have on our firm, our clients, and our communities." - Pascale Tétrault, Senior Partner & Architect.
