Opposites Attract: ACDF au fils des contrastes

Wishing to pay respect to its Montreal heritage while also taking inspiration and liberties from the international design scene, the studio is adept at balancing various goals and identities to achieve distinct results. Balancing the contrasts of black and white, glossy and matte, French and English, ACDF’s projects are a masterclass in navigating these polarities. They infuse new vitality into the contrast of colour, texture, form, and functional design. ACDF is the perfect blend of North American pragmatism and European flair. The studio is a rich mix of logical thinkers and hopeless romantics; its approach is methodical and exploratory, balancing efficiency and creativity. 

With its creative energy and its broad expertise, ACDF designs inspiring spaces in which North American pragmatism meets European flamboyance. Every creation is a careful response to the project’s objectives and constraints in order to mobilize the full potential of the site and its surroundings. ACDF uses clear and bold language that highlights the project’s key design principles with sophisticated detailing and materials.

Founded in 2006 by Maxime Frappier, the firm’s major achievements established its reputation in Quebec, Canada and around the world. The 86-people team has a flexible structure that allows it to take on residential, commercial, and institutional projects of every scale. This team structure encourages everyone in the firm to constantly reinvent themselves through design, research, and experimentation. The firm’s innovative work has been celebrated on many occasions.

François-Luc Giraldeau

FRAME Publishers, 2025

30 X 23 cm, 272 pages