Meet Nicolas Lapierre

Architecture at the crossroads of innovation and Sustainability

Nicolas Lapierre, co-founder at Atelier L'Abri, has made a name for himself as a leader in sustainable architecture. After spending two years in New York working as a project manager at BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), an internationally renowned Danish firm, Nicolas returned to Québec with a wealth of experience and an inspired vision for the future of architectural design. His time abroad allowed him to engage with large-scale, forward-thinking projects, including the award-winning Hôtel des Horlogers in Switzerland and a cutting-edge smart city prototype at the base of Mount Fuji, Japan.

These experiences have deeply influenced his approach to architecture, especially his focus on sustainability. Now back in Québec, Nicolas is committed to bringing these innovative practices to Atelier l'Abri, particularly through his involvement in projects like the Goodwill Versa and Vista homes.

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The vision behind Atelier l'Abri

L’Abri, the firm co-founded by Nicolas, offers personalized architectural design services for renovation and new construction projects, with a strong focus on residential and commercial spaces. But what truly sets L’Abri apart is its commitment to a holistic, sustainable approach. From the initial sketch to the final execution, L’Abri ensures that each project is thoughtful, respectful of its environment, and designed to enhance quality of life.

“We believe that high-quality architecture, when thoughtfully integrated into its context and environment, has the power to improve the spaces where we live and work,” Nicolas explains. “This belief is central to everything we do at L’Abri, and it's what drives our commitment to sustainability.”

Sustainability in practice

For Nicolas, sustainability is not just about using eco-friendly materials; it's about rethinking the entire architectural process. His work on projects like the Toyota Woven City at Mount Fuji highlights his interest in innovative construction techniques that minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. For this project, Nicolas led research into new building methods for this smart city prototype, designed to accommodate 2 000 residents with minimal carbon footprint.

“Sustainability starts with the design, but it extends to how we build and maintain structures,” Nicolas says. “It’s about being pragmatic without sacrificing creativity. We aim to create spaces that are not only functional and beautiful but also responsible.”

This philosophy permeates L’Abri’s projects, including the Goodwill Versa and Vista homes. These homes are more than just places to live—they are designed to foster a deeper connection with nature and provide a lasting, positive impact on the environment. With these developments, Nicolas and his team are setting a new standard for eco-friendly housing, ensuring that sustainability is at the core of every decision.

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A collaborative and contextual approach

Nicolas also emphasizes the importance of collaboration in creating sustainable architecture. He works closely with clients to understand their needs and desires, translating them into thoughtful, tailored solutions that stand the test of time. Whether it’s a family home or a large commercial project, Nicolas is driven by a desire to create human-scale, contemporary spaces that enhance both personal well-being and the environment.

L’Abri’s approach is inherently collaborative, involving not only clients but also skilled craftsmen and builders. This collaboration extends to the firm’s in-house workshop on St-Zotique Street, where they create custom furniture and architectural elements, ensuring that each piece fits seamlessly into the larger vision.

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The future of sustainable design

Looking ahead, Nicolas is optimistic about the future of sustainable architecture. He sees it as a field rich with potential for innovation, especially as new materials and technologies become available. However, he is also a strong advocate for simplicity and authenticity in design, preferring to work with durable, high-quality materials that age gracefully and have a minimal environmental impact.

“There’s a lot of hype around certain technologies, but at the end of the day, sustainability often comes down to basic principles—building with integrity, choosing the right materials, and creating spaces that endure,” he says.

With Nicolas at the helm, L’Abri continues to push the boundaries of sustainable design, transforming ideas into concrete, enduring realities. Whether through the innovative Goodwill Versa and Vista homes or the firm’s many other projects, Nicolas Lapierre’s vision for a greener, more thoughtful future is already shaping the architectural landscape in profound ways.

In Nicolas’s own words: “Architecture has the potential to change the world—not just through grand gestures, but by making the everyday more beautiful, more functional, and more sustainable.”