Acre Architects is a design firm committed to expanding the role of contemporary architecture in the Maritimes. Over the past 15 years, they have garnered national and international exposure, they have won several prestigious industry accolades, and they have been involved in a long list of impactful projects across Eastern Canada and beyond. Principal architect Monica Adair – who co-founded the company with her husband and fellow principal Stephen Kopp – credits their success to their core design philosophy, ‘Storied Architecture,’ which is about understanding the “unique opportunity that creative collaboration offers for the exploration of new ideas and the achievement of new outcomes.” “We involve ourselves in projects that emphasize craftsmanship, functionality, local tradition, and artistic expression,” Monica says. “As we shape our cultural heritage, it is vital that we do so with purpose, for ultimately – WE ARE WHAT WE CREATE.” Monica grew up in New Brunswick and Stephen grew up in the prairies of Southern Manitoba. They met while attending the University of Toronto, where they both obtained their master’s degrees in architecture. Professionally, they teamed up when they both interviewed for the same position at SOM – formerly Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, a New York-based architecture firm credited with designing some of the most innovative buildings in the world. “They had one position available, and they interviewed us in the same room,” Monica recalls. “They ended up giving the job to both of us and we always say we probably wouldn’t be married today if they didn’t.” DECEMBER 2024
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