Cimaise is a 34-person architecture practice based in Sherbrooke and Montréal, active since 1960 within Québec’s public and institutional fabric. Led by partners Jean‑François Brosseau, Marc Dufour, Nicolas Lemay, Sébastien Roy and technologist partner Dany Charbonneau, the office brings together complementary perspectives in design, project management and building envelope expertise within a single, collaborative studio, working with school service centers, CIUSSS and hospital networks, Hydro‑Québec, the Canadian Space Agency and other public institutions across the province.
Cimaise is recognized for a precise, context‑aware architecture that balances clarity of form, careful material expression and a deep understanding of how buildings perform over time. The practice works across multiple scales, from targeted asset‑renewal and envelope interventions to new civic, educational and community buildings, approaching each project as a specific response to its users, site and public role.
Cimaise is also distinguished by its in‑house roofing and building‑envelope workshop, a unique structure in Québec’s architectural landscape. This dedicated team, certified by the Association des maîtres couvreurs du Québec (AMCQ), allows the firm to combine rigorous quality control with a hands‑on understanding of materials, detailing and installation, directly informing both design decisions and the long‑term performance of its buildings.
Environmental responsibility is a central value for Cimaise and a constant lens through which projects are developed. The firm counts a LEED AP architect, Josiane Tardif, and LEED Green Associates, Elizabeth Caron and Nils Kröger, and integrates sustainable strategies, energy efficiency and envelope durability from the earliest stages of design, supported by BIM‑based workflows and long‑term collaborations with public clients.
Cimaise’s work has been recognized through numerous awards, publications and distinctions for excellence in architecture and design across Québec. Recent recognitions include platinum and gold awards at the 17th Grands Prix du Design (2019–2021) for the renovation of the Pavillon de la vie étudiante (E1) at the Université de Sherbrooke, as well as a gold award at the 16th Grands Prix du Design (2019–2021) for the renovation of the Pavillon multifonctionnel (B5).
Between 2016 and 2024, Cimaise received multiple silver and bronze Grands Prix du Design awards for projects such as the Parc Henri‑Bourassa community pavilion in Montréal‑Nord (2016–2020), the Sabrevois Park service pavilion (2018–2020), the Sir‑George‑Étienne‑Cartier Square aquatic facilities (2017–2020), the new fire station 21 in Beloeil (2021–2024) and new offices for Therrien Couture Joli‑Cœur in Québec City and Brossard (2021–2023), along with the Prix Distinction 2019–2020 from the AERMQ and the 2013 Prix d’excellence en architecture of the Ordre des architectes du Québec for the Centre de collaboration MiQro innovation (C2MI) in Bromont.