Designed by renowned Montreal architect Edward Maxwell, the Birks building was originally built in 1894 for the Henry Birks & Sons jewellery store. This was one of the first businesses established around Phillips Square, along with Morgan’s department store (now Hudson’s Bay) and Montreal’s first art gallery. The client purchased the building in 2016 and lead a team of professionals to help realize an ambitious project: to transform and restore this historic building into a luxurious boutique hotel, while preserving the celebrated Birks jewelry store.
Founded in Montreal in 1971, NEUF architectes has grown into one of Canada's largest and most diversified architecture and design firms. Our long-lasting client relationships and the commitment of 250 engaged employees has led to the completion of over 10,000 projects serving communities around the globe. NEUF is recognized for delivering exceptional design services across many practice areas, helping build a rich portfolio for emblematic Canadian institutions, major real estate developers, and international leaders in sustainable innovation and new technologies.
Le Grand-Espace Sherbrooke
• LOOP Design Awards (*2): Architecture + Interior Design, Public Buildings, 2026
• DNA Paris Design Awards (*2): Architecture, Cultural + Interior Design, Civic Buildings, 2026
The Cree Nation Embassy
• LOOP Design Awards: Interior Design, Workspaces, 2026
• Interior Design Awards (INT): Offices, 2026
• DNA Paris Design Awards: Interior Design, Workplace, 2026
Épicentre-Culturel
• Global Architecture & Design Awards - Rethinking The Future, Cultural (Concept), 2025
• Architizer A+Awards, Unbuilt Cultural, Finalist, 2025
YYZ Bombardier Aircraft Assembly Centre
• Architecture MasterPrize, Industrial Building, 2025
• International Design Awards (IDA), Architecture, Industrial, 2025
• Archello Awards, Industrial Building, 2025
and more