Georges Drolet appointed managing principal of EVOQ Architecture

07 May 2024

EVOQ Architecture is proud to announce the appointment of its new Managing Principal, Georges Drolet.

Georges Drolet, Architect & Managing Principal of EVOQ Architecture Photo credit: EVOQ Architecture

EVOQ Architecture is proud to announce the appointment of its new Managing Principal, Georges Drolet. Following more than thirty years with EVOQ under the mentorship and in partnership with, the firm's founders, Alain Fournier, Julia Gersovitz, and Rosanne Moss, Georges is embarking on this new phase of his career. His unwavering commitment to EVOQ and his colleagues reflects the firm's core values: rigour, collegiality, respect for people and cultures, and a deep conviction that whatever its use, architecture must be meaningful.

I am delighted that Georges Drolet has accepted the role of Managing Principal of EVOQ," says Julia Gersovitz O.C., architect and founding Principal of EVOQ Architecture. "His thoughtfulness, integrity, and dedication will ensure the continuity of the excellence that has characterized our work for over 40 years.

During his thirty years with the firm, Georges has helped bring some of the country's most iconic buildings back to life. His design approach is based on a detailed understanding of the historic evolution of a site and applies the most advanced architectural conservation practices. Regularly called upon to develop cost-effective intervention strategies for the rehabilitation of historic buildings, Georges has built a diverse portfolio, including commercial complexes, hotels, schools, libraries, and high-rise residential, civic, and parliamentary buildings. In the context of numerous award-winning projects, Georges has demonstrated the viability of the values-based approach underlying the Standards and Guidelines for the Conservation of Historic Places in Canada. Three of his flagship projects illustrate this approach to planning: the West Block House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Calgary City Hall, and the conservation plan for the Royal Victoria Hospital site in Montreal.

 

A visiting professor at Université de Montréal's Faculty of Planning for many years, Georges was also a member of the Conseil du Patrimoine de Montréal from 2015 to 2021. He served on the Board of Directors of ICOMOS Canada from 2013 to 2018 and was Vice-President from 2017-2018. Georges is a graduate of McGill University's School of Architecture and holds a master's degree in architectural history from the University of Virginia.

At EVOQ, Georges has contributed to the evolution of the company's professional practice and management. Appointed principal in 2007, he developed EVOQ’s first web presence, set up the Talent and Culture department, and implemented the company's training program. More recently, he founded EVOQ Strategies, aimed at developing interdisciplinary approaches to cultural heritage management.

“It is with great humility and with great enthusiasm, that I take on this role," he says. "I look forward to supporting all the initiatives of my EVOQ colleagues as I continue my long career with such a creative and committed firm.”