Paul Laurendeau, Architect

Expect a passionate and creative architect who will explore intensively the possibilities to create the best spaces, with an attention to proportion, material and colour.

I personally work on all my projects with a few employees and consultants. This approach allows me to allocate the time to produce plans and specifications of an excellent quality and to develop an original and unique architecture.

After graduating from McGill University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Architecture, I have been practicing architecture for over 25 years.

To gain international experience, I did a 1-year internship in London in 1989 followed by 3 years in Paris at the offices of recognized architects where I had the chance to develop award winning projects to the highest standards.

Back in Montreal in 1994, I became a member of the Order of Architects of Quebec in 1995 and established my practice to develop an architecture according to my vision. In 2011, I founded Atelier Paul Laurendeau.

My first and most important projects are competitions I won to design theatres. These commissions gave me an acute expertise in theatre design, working closely with specialized consultants.

Signature and Style

How does one select an architect?

An architect should be chosen for his style and his talent. The building is what the client will enjoy with the completed project. Why invest in a building that is short of creating enthusiasm and delight?

How do I design a project?

When starting a project, I lay out all the rooms on the site. This gives an idea of the overall volume.

I then organize the different spaces according to a clear geometry, like making a puzzle.

I fit the volumes in squares and rectangles to give the composition recognizable shapes.

I use axes (straight corridors that terminate with a window), repeated elements (if you see it once, you do not notice it, if you see it twice, you might), symmetry (our bodies are symmetrical like our bed, our clothes and the chair we sit in).

I use curves to express unique features, like auditorium spaces in theatres.

I play with high ceilings and monumental proportions because it creates an impressive feeling.

I use mostly blacks and whites—I also wear them. I use colours like reds in theatres because they are associated with the function. Concrete, wood and steel can be painted or left in their natural state.

I play with natural and artificial light to create spaces with different moods and changing states according to the time of day. I like creating spaces that offer contrasts with light and shade.