From Global Experience to Local Impact: Acre Architects’ Bold Vision and Award-Winning Designs

Acre Architects’ Bold Vision and Award-Winning Designs

Monica Adair and Stephen Kopp are fueled by a passion for transformative design, and for the last 15 years they have been leading award-winning projects through their storied architecture.

The duo founded Acre Architects in the Saint John Region in 2010 with a bold vision – to change the world by creating 100 transformational stories by 2030. Their mission reflects not just a commitment to exceptional design but to the power of architecture as a vehicle for storytelling and change.

“They don't have to be epic stories. We're not going to try to solve global problems overnight,” Monica explained. “But each project that we tackle can have the ability to create meaningful change within.”

One of their recent projects, The Wellington in uptown Saint John is an example of that meaningful change. It recently received the Atlantic Architecture Design Excellence Award in the Multifamily Residential category.

Monica explained how The Wellington project offered the opportunity to step out of a mold and try different things. Working with Saint John Nonprofit Housing, The Wellington is the first Passive House and mixed market rate and affordable housing project for Atlantic Canada. A Passive House has a rigorous sustainability target, focusing on effective insulation, heat recovery and superior air quality - creating a highly energy efficient, low carbon usage building that is comfortable.

 

 

“We always say that great things don't only have to happen in big cities, and that they can happen here at home,” Monica said. “To see this project recognized for architectural excellence nationally is really exciting.”

The Wellington appeared on the cover of Sustainable Architecture and Building Magazine and was recognized as a leader in design for housing, affordable housing, and sustainability.

 

 

Outside of her architectural work, Monica returns to The Wellington regularly - her mother is now a resident of one of the market units, and her brother is opening a restaurant, Abuelitas (Litas) in the commercial space on the main level. Stephen’s father has also moved into the building - it’s provided a sense of community and home for their families as well.

Monica and Stephen’s passion for establishing Acre Architects in the Saint John Region is one marked by global experiences and a love for their craft. Working in New York and Germany, their decision to build something special here at home was grounded in a belief that meaningful architecture could succeed in smaller, vibrant communities.

As their reputation grows, so does their team and portfolio. With an office expansion to Halifax and new projects like the highly anticipated Welcome Centre slated for the foot of King Street in Saint John, Acre Architects is poised to leave a lasting imprint on the region, province, and Atlantic Canada.

“I think we've had a really supportive community. We're surrounded by a lot of great champions and talent,” Monica said. “I don't think you get that everywhere, and we're grateful for the people that we've been able to work with here that have helped us grow. It’s not about growing somewhere else to get bigger - it's about growing something that you care about.”

Monica and Steve’s journey is about more than buildings—it’s about developing a sense of place, purpose, and connection. Their work not only transforms physical spaces but also touches the lives of the people who occupy those spaces. With an eye on the future, Acre Architects remains committed in their mission to create designs that inspire, uplift, and empower communities.