François Cantin

Overview

François has been with Coarchitecture since 2008 and a partner since 2021. He holds a master’s degree in architecture as well as a master’s degree in architectural sciences, with a focus on evaluating the lighting quality of work environments, which he earned from the Physical Environments Research Group (GRAP) at Laval University. His expertise in visual comfort has been instrumental in several of the firm’s major, award-winning projects, including the GlaxoSmithKline building in Quebec City, the CNESST headquarters, and the Théâtre Le Diamant.

Recognized for his in-depth knowledge of the workplace ecosystem, François led the design of the new BAPE environments, the first activity-based workplace (ABW) project in the Quebec public service consisting entirely of unassigned workstations and spaces. Inaugurated in March 2020, this project demonstrates the innovative nature of his approach. Since then, he has assisted numerous ministries, public agencies, and private organizations in developing customized strategies for their workplaces. In 2022, he also served as lead writer for the “Workplace Transformation Guide,” produced under the direction of the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI) and in collaboration with the Treasury Board Secretariat (TBS).

François also contributes to knowledge transfer. As an instructor in the faculty’s professional training department at Laval University, he teaches principles related to overall occupant comfort (physical, functional, and psychological) and energy efficiency. His cutting-edge expertise enables him to effectively address and explain complex concepts related to health and well-being in architecture—essential considerations when developing workplace projects. He has also designed a training program for Formations Infopresse focused on the integrated design of post-COVID MTAA-style work environments.

His expertise also extends to the integrated design process (IDP), in which he serves as a facilitator and project manager. Certified by the SQI in 2018, he supports SQI project managers in carrying out projects of various scales using the IDP approach and contributes to the implementation of best practices in integrated design within the public sector. He is also a co-founder of a peer group on IPC, in collaboration with the Green and Smart Buildings Center of Excellence. Finally, he regularly shares his expertise through courses at Laval University’s School of Architecture, as well as through conferences, symposia, co-creation initiatives, and professional collaborations.

As the firm’s BIM Director, he provides inspiring leadership based on a strategic vision of emerging technologies and anticipates their impact on design, coordination, and construction practices. He supports the development of high-performance processes, promotes tool interoperability, and guides teams in adopting innovative work methods. His approach combines rigor, efficiency, and continuous improvement to make BIM a true driver of quality, collaboration, and value for projects.