Sonia Gagne

“The role of the architect has changed due to an evolving design process that now includes more professionals, like engineers, consultants, and even clients. Our work approach has become much more collaborative due to the participation of the various resources required to integrate all the new technologies related to sustainable development, climate change, and construction methods.”

#WomenWhoBuild meet Sonia Gagne,

Sonia is the Principal Partner at Provencher_Roy. At the helm of various civic and significant urban projects including the development of Sainte-Catherine Street West in Montréal, Sonia pushes the limits of an innovative approach accompanied with phases of disciplinary reflection and characterized by continually evolving social and urban contexts.

We sat down with Sonia to discuss her introduction to architecture, the changing industry and how that has shifted priorities for architects, and some of the best advice she has received throughout her career.

What is your first interaction with architecture that got you interested in pursuing the subject professionally?

It’s in the family! My parents, brothers, and sisters all work in the construction industry – either as contractors, architects, engineers, or urban planners. So, construction projects were always an integral part of my childhood. Continuing along this trajectory, from my origins in Gaspésie to Provencher_Roy in Montréal for the past 20 years, all seemed to have been mapped out!

How would you describe the change in the industry over the past few years? How have the priorities shifted for architects, urban designers and designers in general, if at all?

Over the past few years, we have witnessed much innovation and upheaval in our field, particularly due to introduction of new building codes and materials. Clients have naturally become more demanding, with an expection of stand-out projects in all respects. We find ourselves tackling the increased challenge of creating projects that are continuously deliver with more responsible, innovative, and mindful of the environment and built heritage. For example, we are called upon to maximize the use of space, while maintaining good architectural practices.

The role of the architect has changed due to an evolving design process that now includes more professionals, like engineers, consultants, and even clients. Our work approach has become much more collaborative due to the participation of the various resources required to integrate all the new technologies related to sustainable development, climate change, and construction methods.

As Principal Partner at Provencher_Roy, what does a week in your life look like?

My days are divided between administrative and HR tasks and team, design, and follow-up meetings. I still dedicate a lot of time to sketching and brainstorming with young architects, prompting discussions about current and future projects.

Sainte-Catherine Street and Redevelopment of Phillips Square

You have designed and led projects of various scales and typologies. Could you share some of your notable projects and the unique design interventions?

I would say that recently, the project that excited me the most was Port of Montréal’s Grand Quai and Cruise Terminal, and Observation Tower. The mandate brings together many fascinating elements, such as infrastructure, heritage, urban design, landscape architecture, and coastal considerations for the Cruise Terminal – a first for me, personally. The project is very complete, both in terms of the architectural program and pier infrastructure, which required a specific level of security. The role of the architect in this type of project is to convey an overall vision. The final touch of integrating an observation tower is a strong gesture – an iconic element for Montréal.

Still in the design phase, a very interesting project is the Hôtel urbain, located in the Parc olympique, a symbolic site for Montrealers. We are integrating a complex program within a very particular built environment – a nice mix of reuse and construction.

I would also like to speak about Giant Steps. Alongside the client, we invented a new concept for children experiencing challenges on the autism spectrum. Whether in the building design or program, it was necessary to respect all the criteria essential to children’s well-being: their protection, sense of security, acoustics needs, and even lighting requirements. Through ambiance, furniture, entrance heights, and even landscape design, we created an adapted environment for children, which translated into highly varied conceptual work.

I’ll finish by mentioning the Revitalization of Sainte-Catherine Street West and Phillips Square project as a further example of a wonderful urban planning and landscape architecture concept dedicated to Montrealers: a green oasis situated in the middle of downtown.

In your career spanning over three decades, can you share some of the best advice you've been given, with our readers?

Of course, I think immediately of Claude Provencher (co-founder of Provencher_Roy), who always taught me to fully invest myself in projects, advocate for them, and never give up. We must cherish our projects from start to finish, regardless of changes and modifications along the way. We need to be disciplined and take responsibility for our mandates, continually aiming to make improvements.

In addition, at Provencher_Roy, particular importance is placed on extending the design process from the beginning to the construction phase and final project delivery. The designer is the guardian of the project throughout all the steps and decision-making.

The AEC industry has a reputation of being ruthless and notorious about its perception of female leaders. How has your experience been?

Having grown up in the construction world, I adapted naturally. At the beginning of my career, I worked on regional construction sites, which enabled me to develop strength of character. I have experienced various situations with contractors and always managed to defend my ideas, hold my own, and not give up.

Grand Quai and Port of Montréal Tower // Photo by Stephane Brugger

For a younger female entrepreneur, what are the top 5 business priorities and understandings that they should be aware of?

It’s essential to be knowledgeable about our field, to always work with integrity and honesty, and to remain faithful to our clients and their needs, to explore them further.

You joined the Gala of La rue des Femmes as an honorary committee member in 2021. What motivated you to join the organization?

I think all women should have the opportunity to evolve and progress professionally. Sadly, this isn’t always possible for everyone, especially in urban centres like Montréal, where extreme homelessness is more prevalent. So, I prioritize making use of my network and Provencher_Roy’s reputation to organize fundraising campaigns with the objective of financing projects that assist vulnerable women, protect them, and guide them.

Interview by: Megha Balooni

Margie Lavender

Hibah Albakree