October 6, 2025
It is with mixed emotions that we announce the retirement of Architecture49’s CEO, Scott Stirton. After a remarkable 39-year career with our company - spanning from intern, to architect, to office leader, and ultimately CEO - Scott is preparing to close this chapter with the same grace, integrity, and vision that have defined his leadership. For the past 12 years, he has guided Architecture49 through its most transformative era, leading the unification of respected regional firms into a truly national practice. Scott’s impact on our organization, our industry, and the communities we serve is immeasurable. While we are thrilled for him as he embarks on this next stage of life, we are profoundly grateful for all that he has accomplished and deeply saddened to see him go.
Scott’s journey at A49 began at legacy firm Smith Carter in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Early in his career, while leading a project in Atlanta, Georgia, he recognized an opportunity to formally establish Smith Carter’s expertise in the United States. Over three years, he grew the Atlanta office into a nationally and internationally recognized specialist in biocontainment design. Scott often reflects that this formative experience, building an office from the ground up and guiding it through significant growth, taught him how to lead teams, manage an organization, and create something with lasting impact. These lessons became the foundation for his leadership at Architecture49.
Returning to Winnipeg in 2003 to lead Smith Carter, Scott stepped into the role of national leader and CEO when the firm evolved into Architecture49 in 2014. He guided the unification of respected Canadian design firms, including Arcop, PBK Architects, Smith Carter Architects & Engineers, North46, AE Consultants and WHW Architects, into a single national practice. Throughout his leadership, Scott emphasized celebrating the distinct expertise of each region, believing that honoring local strengths keeps the firm dynamic and unique. Since its establishment, Architecture49 has grown to nine offices across seven regions, serving 12 industry sectors with a staff of 421. Beyond overseeing complex projects, Scott has always prioritized the growth of people within the firm. He often cites his proudest accomplishment as “watching people I’ve met in our organization find their path, grow from eager interns into confident leaders, and take on major responsibilities with knowledge and autonomy.” For Scott, nurturing talent has been as rewarding as the success of the projects themselves.
Under Scott’s leadership, Architecture49 has delivered some of Canada’s most notable projects, including the Restoration and rehabilitation of the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa. Spanning regions, scales, and typologies, these works demonstrate the breadth and depth of expertise within our firm. They also reflect Scott’s conviction that architecture should “elevate life experiences, transform communities, and enhance our country.” Each project is a testament to his vision of a practice that is both nationally unified and regionally distinct, rooted in local strengths yet capable of shaping the national and international stage.
While maintaining cross-country connection and presence as the leader of a pan-Canadian firm, Scott’s gaze has always remained steady on home - Winnipeg - in particular, the revitalization of the city’s downtown core. For Scott, architecture is not only about buildings but about shaping the future of communities. With humility, integrity, and a deep sense of responsibility, he has consistently used his platform to help nudge his city toward a new era of renewal, vitality, and possibility.
This philosophy has guided Scott’s approach to urban projects in Winnipeg, where the work extends beyond bricks and mortar to embrace inclusivity, cultural responsiveness, and long-term community impact. From the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, to True North Square, the Women’s Hospital at Health Sciences Centre, and Wahbung Abinoonjiiag’s Watt Street Women’s Transitional Housing, Scott has championed the idea that design must serve people first - fostering connection, cultural safety, and reconciliation in the built environment. Now in its design phase, the complete reimagining of Portage Place, including the Healthcare Centre of Excellence, stands as a legacy project carrying forward Scott’s vision for renewal in the heart of his city. His goal has always been to create spaces that not only function seamlessly but also reflect the diversity, aspirations, and resilience of the communities they belong to.
Scott’s commitment to community has always extended beyond Architecture49. Over the years, he has served on boards, offered guest lectures, and dedicated his time to volunteering. He has been an active member of the CentreVenture Board, a former Chair of the Canadian Architectural Large Firm Round Table, a Board Member of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation, and a champion of End Homelessness Winnipeg.
Looking ahead, Scott has spoken about the importance of renewal in the profession—of making space for new generations and new ideas to lead the industry. While retirement will allow him more time with family and personal passions, he has been clear that his connection to the profession will continue. Whether through mentoring, teaching, or speaking, Scott is ready to shift his focus toward giving back.
For all of us at Architecture49, Scott’s retirement marks both an ending and a beginning. We will carry forward the legacy of leadership, integrity, and vision he has instilled in our firm. We will miss him deeply and wish him every joy in this next chapter.