Tekαkαpimək Contact Station courtesy of Saunders Architecture
Event Description
In this engaging lecture for the American Institute of Architects, Todd will share the transformative journey of his architectural career, reflecting on both the highs and lows that have shaped his professional path. Through candid storytelling, Todd will explore the lessons learned from past challenges and illustrate how adaptability and resilience have been pivotal in achieving success. Central to his discussion will be his interactions with builders and the critical importance of nurturing those relationships for project advancement.
Todd will delve into the complexities of managing time and cultivating patience in the construction process, drawing parallels to his early experiences of building cabins with family. This childhood foundation has significantly influenced their approach to refining and simplifying their workflow, creating a more joyful and efficient process for both their staff and clients.
As we look toward the future, Todd will address contemporary challenges in architecture while emphasizing the essential role of joy in the creation of meaningful spaces.
CES: 1 LU for AIA Members
Speaker
Todd Saunders, Founder, Saunders Architecture
Moderator: Michelle Montgomery, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, 2026 Spring Conference Co-Chair and Emerging Professionals Co-Chair, AIA International
Speaker Bios
Todd Saunders is a Norway-based Canadian architect known to infuse his contemporary buildings with an artistic sensibility that is deeply in tune with the uniqueness of northern terrains. His use of natural materials and simple yet striking geometries sets him apart as one of the most celebrated architects of his generation. He is recognized for constructing buildings that acknowledge and understand vernacular histories but create something entirely new.
Born in Gander, Newfoundland, Saunders studied architecture at McGill University in Montreal before moving to Norway and establishing Saunders Architecture in Bergen in 1998. Todd lectures worldwide and was a guest lecturer at Harvard University. His work has been the subject of three books, including Todd Saunders: New Northern Houses. He has been a visiting professor at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York and at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, and continues to combine teaching with practice.
Michelle Montgomery is an Associate Architect at ZGF Architects with a diverse portfolio including inpatient and outpatient healthcare, professional and recreational sports, mixed-use development and corporate office. Michelle brings expertise in all aspects of architecture, from technical design to documentation to construction administration. Her experience living abroad in Italy, paired with working on various project types, gives her a unique lens through which she integrates universal principles into the design and construction process.
Michelle sits on the advisory board of the NCARB International Workgroup. She is a Co-Chair of the AIA International Emerging Professionals Committee as well as that of AIA Continental Europe.
