The Cree Nation Embassy

The Cree Nation Embassy in Montreal was designed in close collaboration with community members to provide a workplace deeply rooted in their culture. The project reflects their identity and values through the integration of objects and works by First Nations artists.

Located in Old Montreal, the offices are housed in a heritage building that bears witness to early 20th-century industrial architecture. The renovation highlights this rich context by conserving the existing structure, preserving remnants of old walls and openings, and maintaining the industrial fabric of the site.

Drawing inspiration from nature and indigenous knowledge, the concept is expressed through organic designs that become apparent from the moment of entry. A spiral staircase accentuates the double height of the reception hall, creating a sense of arrival. With a capacity of around sixty employees, the spaces have been designed with particular attention to materiality. This is reflected in the use of contrasting wood species, limestone-style ceramics, acoustic wood wool ceilings, and a colour scheme inspired by plants.

Our team has developed an arts and signage integration programme based on thorough work involving active listening and recognition. Regular dialogues with the community's communications team have been instrumental in propelling this process, which is intended to augment the occupants' sense of affiliation with their novel workplace.

The rooms are named after natural elements and the pictograms are inspired by Cree symbols. Murals created by a local photographer adorn the walls. Artefacts from the client's collection are also on display. A timeline traces the community's rich history and culture through five thematic segments that are deeply bound to their territory.