Julia Gersovitz O.C.

Architect, Principal, Director
OAQ, OAA, AANB, CAHP, FAPT, FRAIC

Julia Gersovitz is a founder of EVOQ. Over four decades, Julia has established an international reputation as a leader in the theory and practice of conservation architecture. Her ability to reconcile conservation requirements with contemporary expectations has been recognized in numerous award-winning projects including the West Block of Parliament in Ottawa, Toronto's Union Station, the McGill Arts Building and the Harbour Commissioners’ Building in Montreal. In 2018, her first conservation project, Maison Alcan, was declared a national monument by the Government of Quebec.

Julia’s ability to analyze the development potential and then craft a tailored philosophical framework for each historic site has been complemented by her comprehensive knowledge of architectural and conservation history. Often solicited to be a member or to chair design review commissions, she is also a Professor of Practice at McGill University's School of Architecture, where she has taught since 1980. She teaches as well at the Université de Montréal, where she is a professeure associée.

Julia is a graduate of the McGill University School of Architecture (with distinction) and has a Master’s degree in Historic Preservation from Columbia University, NY.  She is a Fellow of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC), and the Association for Preservation Technology. She received the 2014 Harley J. McKee Award from APT, in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the field of preservation technology and in 2015, the National Trust for Canada awarded her the Gabrielle Léger Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Heritage Conservation. The award recognizes her many professional accomplishments and published work, her dedication to teaching and her leadership on various design review boards and volunteer organizations. In 2018, she was named an Officer of the Order of Canada for her contribution to architecture and heritage conservation in Canada and abroad.

Award | Distinction
Presented by
Date

Heritage Planning and Architecture in Built Heritage Award

Heritage Toronto

2024

Award of Merit, Conservation Small & Lovely

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2020

Award of Merit, Architectural Category

Canadian Institute of Steel Construction

2019

Award for Federal Buildings Heritage Conservation Excellence

Real Property Institute of Canada

2019

Award of Excellence, Conservation: Architecture

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2019

Certificate of Merit for Innovation in Architecture

Royal Architectural Institute of Canada

2019

North American Copper in Architecture Award for Outstanding Use of Architectural Copper in Building Design and Construction

Copper Development Association Inc.

2018

Award of Merit, Conservation: Landscape Category

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2018

Design Excellence Award

Ontario Association of Architects (OAA)

2018

BAC Craft Award for Best Restoration / Rehabilitation / Maintenance Project

International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers (BAC)

2017

Award of Excellence for the restoration of the Wellington Building

City of Ottawa

2017

Interiors Award for Historic Restoration / New Interior

Contract Magazine

2017

Award of Excellence, Conservation: Architecture

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2017

North American Copper Award in Architecture for Outstanding Use of Architectural Copper in Building Design and Construction

Copper Development Association Inc.

2017

Award of Excellence for Conservation: Architecture

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2016

Award of Excellence, Conservation: Small & Lovely

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2016

Award for Federal Buildings Heritage Conservation Excellence

Real Property Institute of Canada

2015

AIA Justice Facilities Review

2015

Award of Merit for Conservation of Buildings, Structures, Engineering Works and Landscapes - Rehabilitation and Restoration

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2014

Award of Excellence, Restoration

Conseil du patrimoine religieux du Québec

2014

National Gold Award for Innovation and Excellence in Public-Private Partnerships, Infrastructure | Rehabilitation and restoration of St. Thomas courthouse, a part of the Elgin County Courthouse

Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP)

2014

Award of Merit, Conservation (Restoration)

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2013

North American Copper in Architecture Award – Rideau Hall Front Entrance Handrail

Copper Development Association Inc.

2013

Ecclesiastical Insurance Cornerstone Award for Building Heritage (Adaptive Use)

Heritage Canada Foundation

2013

Ecclesiastical Insurance Cornerstone Award for Building Heritage (Adaptive Use)

 Heritage Canada Foundation

2013

Preservation of a Heritage Building Award of Merit

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2011

Award of Excellence for the Preservation of a Heritage Building

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2011

Preservation of a Heritage Building Award

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2010

Award of Excellence for the Preservation of A Heritage Building or Complex for the Auditorium restoration.

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2010

Award of Excellence, Ottawa Architectural Conservation Awards

City of Ottawa

2008

Finalist, Architecture Excellence Award

Ordre des Architectes du Québec

2005

Award of Excellence for the Preservation of a Heritage Building

Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals (CAHP)

2004

First Runner-up

Institut de Design Montréal

2003

Jury Grand Prize

Commerce Design Montreal

2003

Award for Heritage Conservation, Commercial Buildings

Montreal Chamber of Commerce

2003

Wawanesa Award for Heritage Enhancement for restoration and renovation, Montreal Architectural Conservation Operation

 City of Montreal

2002

Minister’s Award

Public Works and Government Services Canada

1997