REAL ESTATE PROFILE
A Q&A with Gil Hardy
Gil Hardy, architect and co-founder of Nós Architectes, is an engaging and self-confident woman who, at age 29, has been embracing entrepreneurship for three years. She and architect Charles Laurence Proulx, her partner in and out of the office, launched Nós together in 2016.
In this short time, the firm has grown from three to 16 permanent and contractual employees. Nós is the Latin word for “we” and embodies the collaborative spirit with which Hardy and Proulx take on all projects.
I sat down with Gil Hardy at the Nós office on de la Commune Street near Old Montreal.
Where did you grow up?
When I was born, my family lived in Ahuntsic. Four years later, when my sister Amélie came along, we moved to Lachine — one of Montreal’s outer-ring boroughs, bordering Dorval. Lachine is the last area, west of downtown, where Lac St-louis is accessible to the public. Growing up, I was involved with competitive sports: track-and-field, biking, and running. For years, I ran 10 kilometres per day — and living close to the lakeshore allowed me to map out interesting routes with lots of green space. I am still a big fan of public parks, which highlight natural beauty.
Where did you study?
I attended Collège Sainte-anne for high school and did my CEGEP years at Collège Brébeuf. I was thinking about pursuing fashion design but chose the science, lettres
et arts program, which includes math, science, philosophy and psychology courses. I ultimately chose architecture and obtained undergraduate and master’s degrees from l’université de Montréal.
This decision did not come easily to me, because my father is architect Michel Hardy. Although he never talked about work at home, I was aware of how stressful his career could be.
I did the second year of my undergraduate degree in Brazil, which really changed my world view. Brazilians have a communal lifestyle which is very appealing. I integrated well and could have built a life there. I also learned how difficult it can be to achieve financial security. The experience helped me recognize how fortunate I have been in my life.
What happened next?
I returned to Montreal for my master’s and then interned with my dad at his firm, Cardinal Hardy. Less than two years after completing my exams, Charles and I launched Nós. It was tough starting out as new architects and entrepreneurs. We succeeded in doing it all with help from my father, who is our “coach.”
When I interviewed your dad, years ago, he said that when designing a structure, he considers its relevance 100 years in the future. Is this part of your creative process?
My generation of architects tends not to have this same consideration because our relationship to the future is different. We have an acute awareness about how our planet’s natural resources are becoming depleted. This makes the future uncertain and scary. Instead, we design buildings to satisfy current needs and are mindful of the impact our actions will have on future generations. We have a strong commitment to sustainability with the materials we use and our construction techniques.
What are you working on now?
One of our projects, Union sur le Parc (with Prével) on Renélévesque Boulevard West, was designed for families. The condos have three to four bedrooms, convertible to one to two bedrooms based on the owners’ changing needs. It will be completed one year from now.
Another interesting project is Esplanade Cartier (also with Prével), located just east of the Jacques-cartier Bridge. It will comprise condos and rental units, social housing, commercial space and a big park. Ground-breaking will be early this year and units delivered in 2021.
Something special about Esplanade Cartier is that the two structures are 14 storeys but the first three floors have a triplex feel, with outdoor winding staircases like the older style of Montreal architecture. Residents on these floors will be able to enter their dwellings from the outside as well (as from the lobby), which will enhance their connection to the community.
And in your spare time?
I do hot yoga once a week and enjoy walks around my neighbourhood, Plateau Mont-royal. I recently started taking chess classes; it’s a stimulating game, full of tactics and strategies.
Charles and I enjoy travel, and music is also a big part of our lives. I studied piano for many years, and still play. Charles sings and produces electronic and hip-hop music.
We sometimes DJ together for friends’ parties.
What puts the spring in your step?
When I wake up each day, I am thrilled that my work has the potential of improving the lives of my co-workers, clients and anyone who will live, work or play in one of our buildings.
Being an architect is challenging because, to a great extent, the job consists of solving complex problems in a world where the only