EVOQ Architecture, an award-winning architectural firm recognized for quality interventions and site sensitive design solutions, is proud to announce the appointment of three additional Directors who will carry the torch of the firm into the future. The promotion of three Senior Associates and long-time collaborators – Giovanni Diodati, Dima Cook and Éric Moutquin – ensures that EVOQ’s tradition of excellence will continue for many years to come.

“These individuals have made significant contributions to the firm’s success, and their appointments form part of EVOQ’s initiative to implement a clearly-defined succession plan,” notes Alain Fournier, a founding partner of EVOQ. “Giovanni, Dima and Éric will continue to build upon our pillars of expertise, while exemplifying the core values and best practices that we have worked so hard to develop.”

Building a legacy

With more than 50 years of combined service with the firm, the appointees have long been part of its management core and have made significant contributions to developing the two main pillars of EVOQ’s practice – heritage conservation and Inuit and First Nations development. Driven by strong belief in the traditions and values of the firm, the new Directors endeavour to ensure the continuity of the image and reputation forged by EVOQ’s founders.

Giovanni Diodati (OAQ OAA FRAIC FAPT CAHP)

Giovanni (John) Diodati joined the firm as an Associate in 1999 and has established himself as a professional known for the quality and accuracy of his building envelope analyses and remediation strategies. Specializing in heritage conservation and applying expertise in materials conservation and traditional building techniques, he has amassed an award-winning portfolio that includes some of Canada’s most significant historical buildings, including the West Block of the Canadian Parliament and Rideau Hall.

Placing the sustainability of the company at the forefront, Giovanni is focused on perpetuating EVOQ’s corporate culture of responding to client needs with innovative, creative and appropriate solutions.

“Being named a Director is wonderful recognition for years of collaboration with the firm’s founding partners,” he says. “I look forward to contributing to the firm’s longevity by ensuring that EVOQ is always at the top of its game.”

A graduate of McGill University’s School of Architecture, Giovanni is actively involved in the architectural and heritage conservation community and has lectured at the Université de Montréal, Collège de l’immobilier du Québec, and Heritage Montreal. He has also chaired numerous professional committees and served as Vice President of the Association for Preservation Technology International from 2013 to 2017.

Dima Cook (OAA OAQ MRAIC LEED AP CAHP)

Dima Cook joined the firm in 1998 and has applied her multi-disciplinary expertise in architecture and project management to EVOQ projects in both the heritage conservation and Inuit and First Nations fields. She was named a Senior Associate in 2009 and has headed the firm’s Toronto office since 2012.

Dima’s training and experience as both an architect and project manager provides her with the type of global perspective and expertise required for overseeing lengthy, complex projects. For over a decade, she has applied those skillsets to managing EVOQ’s services for one of Canada’s largest heritage projects; leading an extensive team of architects, conservation experts and specialized consultants involved in the Union Station revitalization project in downtown Toronto.

“With a larger directorship and leadership base, these appointments strongly position EVOQ for the future growth and development of our vision of conservation and Inuit and First Nations architecture,” she notes. “We have a great group of people and I am proud of the work that we do. I look forward to continuing to approach complex projects with the same high level of ethics, integrity and expertise as the founding partners envisioned.”

Dima is a graduate of McGill University’s School of Architecture. She is a founding member of Habitat for Humanity’s Montreal chapter. She is also a LEED© Accredited Professional who is developing a new specialty in the operation and maintenance of existing buildings, using sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact. She is a member of APT’s Technical Committee on Sustainable Preservation and sits on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP), as well as on the City of Toronto Design Review Panel.

Éric Moutquin (OAQ)

Éric Moutquin joined the EVOQ in 2003 after earning a Master’s degree in architecture from Université de Montréal. He soon immersed himself in the challenging realm of Inuit and First Nations development. Under the tutelage of founding partner, Alain Fournier, Éric developed the same passion for the work at hand as his mentor and would continue to hone his skills in applying architectural principles to very unique cultural projects. Working in complex conditions affected by weather, logistics, politics and cultural understanding, Éric’s analytical, organizational and leadership skills earned him an appointment as Senior Associate in 2014.

“The appointment means a lot to me. It is a strong affirmation of the faith and trust that the founding partners have invested in me,” he says. “I think I was able to progress to this point through my passion for the work that we do here at EVOQ, and that passion will remain at the forefront in my role as a Director.”

Éric plays a critical role in the development of EVOQ’s projects in Inuit and First Nations communities. His versatile abilities and multifaceted professional experience have left a lasting impression on a portfolio that includes the Kuujjuaq Air Terminal (certified LEED© Silver), the development of row-houses for the Kativik Regional Government, the Inukjuak Youth Rehabilitation Centre for Girls and multiple interventions at the Raglan Mine’s Katinniq complex. He is known as a team player within the firm who values the unique attributes of each contributor, positioning him well to carry forward the legacy of a firm dedicated to leveraging great talent.

A look to the future

Aligned with the core values of the firm, the work of the new Directors will help ensure the preservation and continuation of a legacy set in motion by EVOQ’s founding partners. In addition to advancing their current projects, the new Directors will foster expansion of EVOQ’s reach and influence by bringing in new clients, hiring the best talent and continuing to embody the firm’s best practices.

About EVOQ Architecture

EVOQ Architecture is an award-winning architectural firm specializing in heritage conservation and Inuit and First Nations architecture, with additional expertise in residential and commercial projects and heritage planning. In 2017, EVOQ further broadened the firm’s expertise in contemporary, cultural and institutional architecture with the integration of the team from Dan Hanganu architects. Recognized for quality interventions and site sensitive design solutions, the firm’s name embraces the conviction of its founders that architecture should be an expression of meaning.

As contextual architects, EVOQ approaches each project from a broad perspective, incorporating history, culture and location into every design process, while infusing creativity and nuance in order to create a link between past, present and future.