Vision Statement
Creating inspiring places for people to work, think, share, and collaborate. We strive to bring thoughtful and sustainable design to Office, Commercial and Industrial projects across Canada.
About Us
Mission Statement
We design and deliver architectural projects across Canada in the Office, Commercial and Industrial sectors while carefully guiding the project scope, budget, and schedule according to the client’s expectations.
Customer Testimonial
Your comprehensive knowledge of the RONA building details and ability to coordinate the various professionals for adapting the prototype to our unique site characteristics was valuable.
Derrick Blay, Director, RONA, Customer
Notwithstanding that the direction of the project changed at the start of the construction or that we chose to double the size of the project halfway through construction, gkc dealt with every situation that arose with the calm, professional approach that was necessary for success.
Douglas W.Noonan, Director, Reebok International ltd., Customer
GKC members have demonstrated innovation, a deep understanding of our needs, fiscal and professional responsibility and leadership in the development of ideas, coordination and follow-up.
Richard Farrell, Director, Imperial Tobacco, Customer
The conception of our head office was expertly coordinated such that we had great confidence in the final result. Since then, we have expanded the distribution center twice and GKC made achieving our goals effortless each time.
Eric Knafo, Director, Structube, Customer
GKC’s attention to detail and highest quality work standards are surely their hallmarks.
Camilo Luciani, President, Luciani Automobile inc., Customer
Elopak Canada in Boisbriand proves that Industrial Architecture can be combined with modern design elements to provide an efficient and pleasing working environment.
Behcet Ciragan, Director, Elopak, Customer
The building delivered demonstrates the great know-how of GKC.
Eric Dugas, President, Amylior, Customer
The bottom line says it all – we were on time and under budget!
Marc Vaillancourt, General Manager, Aldo Group inc., Customer
I’ve personally seen how the team at GKC puts their heart into every project and devotes themselves to producing beautiful work environments.
Neil Rossy, President, Dollarama, Customer
In over 30 years of managing major construction projects, I have worked with many architectural firms and I feel qualified to state that GKC is among the best, if not, the best of their field.
P.F. Reed, VP, Sobeys inc, Customer
A project of great complexity was coordinated to the smallest details which had the effect of facilitating the work of all the involved parties and to advance the activities on the site in the right direction.
Guido di Cerbo, Director, Ericsson, Customer
A job done by a competent and dynamic team, based on respect and mutual trust.
Martin Fournier, Director, Lumen div. of Sonepar Canada inc., Customer
“Fast-paced atmosphere with wonderful people who are eager to help teach younger staff. The benefits are great and you have access to a variety of great resources.”
We are a mid-sized architectural practice based in Montreal, specializing in high-end commercial, industrial, retail, and office projects across Canada. GKC is proud to celebrate its 65th anniversary in 2024, having gained years of experience and earned the respect and loyalty of numerous prestigious national and international clients. We prioritize creating enduring relationships within the GKC family and with our clients, based on trust. This core value allows us to work with our clients to achieve their goals, resulting in innovative, environmentally-friendly, and fiscally responsible projects. By working together, we create inspiring work environments that respond to an ever-changing world and our client’s needs for improved spaces.
History
The practice was founded in 1959 by M. D. Gross, OAQ, RAIC. Morty Gross (R.I.P 2017) graduated from McGill University in 1958 and established his practice along with Allan Spevack, Architect under the name, Spevack & Gross, later becoming M. D. Gross Architects. The firm specialized in industrial projects and grew steadily. Jerry Coviensky (McGill 1980) joined M. D. Gross in 1980 and became a partner in 1985. Richard Kaplin (McGill 1979) started a small practice in 1981 and merged with M. D. Gross in 1986 to form Gross Kaplin Coviensky Architects. In 2014, Gross Kaplin Coviensky welcomed Normand Côté and Fernando Lozano as Partners, and the firm became GKC Architects.
Who we are
Fernando Lozano, CEO and Managing Principal, OAQ, OAA, LEED AP – Fernando has vast experience in various projects, including the construction of new office buildings and the renovation of existing ones to keep up with new workplace trends. He has also worked on large and high distribution centers for the e-commerce world, as well as car dealerships adapting to the evolution towards electrification. Fernando’s strength lies in his ability to synthesize diverse types of information required for successful project completion.
In 2020, Fernando led the winning team of the MIPIM Awards in the Industrial and Logistics category for Campus Simons in Quebec City. The same project won the Grand Prix du Design in the Manufacturing and Warehousing category in 2021.
Fernando has also been invited to speak at various real-estate forums, supply chain and logistics conferences, and educational settings.
Richard Kaplin, Partner, OAQ, OAA – Richard is an expert in managing and coordinating design consultants and building contractors, ensuring that the client’s interests are always the top priority. He has a talent for keeping the team’s focus on the critical elements of the project. Richard’s extensive knowledge of complex engineering systems has earned him the respect of other design professionals and contractors. This expertise enables him to intelligently challenge proposals made by other consultants to improve upon the proposed solutions, delivering the best possible value for the client. Richard’s business acumen, combined with his innate planning and management abilities, perfectly complement his passion for sustainable architecture. The result is the creation of buildings that meet the highest standards of quality, energy efficiency, and user comfort, while keeping costs to a minimum.
Jerry Coviensky, Partner, OAQ, OAA, LEED AP– With over three decades of architectural experience, Jerry Coviensky has established a strong reputation for building lasting relationships with repeat clients. He is a trusted expert in key aspects of construction such as highly automated industrial facilities, refrigerated buildings and commercial/industrial design. Jerry is committed to his role as an owner’s advocate and consistently demonstrates a keen ability to control the cost and schedule of construction while delivering aesthetic and efficiently designed buildings. As LEED AP, Jerry strives to optimize energy efficiency and sustainable design while maximizing the economic benefits.
Normand Côté, Partner, OAQ, OAA, LEED AP, graduated in 1985 from Université de Laval. After working with TPL and Larose Petrucci Architects, he joined GKC in 1997, becoming an Associate in 2002 and a Partner in 2014. Normand successfully collaborates with clients and developers while respecting each project’s time and budget constraints. He has proven himself able to spearhead the coordination of all aspects of each job from the beginning of the project to its completion with great attention to detail. He works collaboratively with the construction trades on site to find alternate solutions, as required, to resolve technical difficulties encountered in the execution of a project. This is accomplished while assuring that the final product respects the intention of the original design. As a LEED Accredited Professional, he has designed and supervised both LEED & sustainable projects.