The Soirée des Grands A 2025 delivered an unforgettable celebration of community, creativity, and collective purpose. Held on Wednesday, November 12, in the grand ballroom of Bonsecours Market, the annual gathering once again confirmed its place as a premier event for professionals who shape the built environment. Architecture Without Borders Quebec (AWBQ) brought together 630 guests for an evening defined by generosity, conviviality, and a shared commitment to human centered design.
The atmosphere was warm the moment the doors opened at 5:30 p.m.. The panoramic windows overlooking the Old Port created a dramatic backdrop for a welcome cocktail that set the tone for the night. Many arrived dressed in elegant city attire and added a touch of orange as a nod to the event’s theme of vitality and inclusion. This color was chosen to symbolize optimism and solidarity, two values that animate AWBQ’s mission year after year.
This edition revolved around the theme Humanizing Architecture. The goal was to spotlight the profound impact that architecture can have on dignity, quality of life, and community resilience. Guests were invited not only to celebrate, but to reflect on how design and construction can uplift the most vulnerable. It was a fitting message for an organization that consistently places social impact at the heart of its projects.
Carolyne Fontaine, newly appointed president of AWBQ, opened the evening with a heartfelt message about the organization’s expanding mission. She spoke of the importance of mobilizing architectural expertise to support communities both locally and abroad. Her remarks highlighted the dedication of the board of directors and AWBQ’s team to strengthening capacities, improving living environments, and promoting dignity through thoughtful design.
The event was animated by AWBQ’s executive director, Bruno Demers, whose energy carried the room.
A moving tribute was dedicated to outgoing president Christian Samman, who served from 2009 to 2025 and played a significant role in advancing AWBQ’s vision. The tribute continued with a message from Pierre Corriveau, president of the Order of Architects of Quebec, who highlighted the long standing support that the OAQ provides to AWBQ.
One of the most anticipated moments came with the announcement of the fundraising total. The evening raised an impressive $225,000 for AWBQ’s ongoing programs. Demers took the opportunity to thank the event’s numerous partners and to introduce the seven architects who make up the Circle of Ambassadors. Their engagement proved essential for the success of the annual fundraising campaign.
The program continued with a series of project presentations that demonstrated the scale and ambition of AWBQ’s work. Architect Daniel Smith of Smith Vigeant Architectes provided insight into project Kazoza, the construction of school dormitories at the Nakivale refugee camp in Uganda. The new collaboration with a Senegalese beekeeping cooperative was also unveiled, highlighting AWBQ’s dedication to reinforcing local resilience through sustainable initiatives.
AWBQ’s urban solidarity program took center stage with updates on Acupuncture urbaine, an initiative focused on strengthening social cohesion and addressing climate vulnerability in Montreal. A new project titled Démocratiser les usages de l’eau à Montréal par le design was also introduced. This initiative will explore inclusive and innovative approaches to urban water access.
In the realm of climate resilience, AWBQ shared major progress on its forthcoming national reference guide for flood adaptation in buildings. This guide will soon be adopted and distributed by the Government of Quebec, marking an important Canadian first. The organization also celebrated advancements in circular economy through its enterprise RÉCO and announced plans for a major architectural education conference in 2026.
The soirée closed with warm acknowledgments to partners large and small. Guests enjoyed a final round of gourmet bites by AvecPlaisirs and a lively musical set by DJ Yuki. The sense of unity was unmistakable as the community celebrated a night that blended purpose with pleasure.
As the architectural community looks ahead to the 2026 edition, the Soirée des Grands A remains a testament to what can be achieved when design meets solidarity.
Architecture Without Borders Quebec
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