Passionate about travel, photography and contemporary art, Jean-François completed his bachelor’s degree in architecture at Laval University. He notably studied in Mexico, where he met the architect Ricardo Legoretta who inspired him. In Belgium, he got to know the architect Lucien Kroll, whose influence he recognizes. He obtained a Master’s degree in Housing Design from McGill University under the supervision of architect Norbert Schoenauer, a specialist in vernacular architecture. In 1989 he founded with Eduardo Zarate the firm ZΛRΛTÉ + LΛVIGNE Architectes and in 2012 Maxime Brosseau architect became partner. Over the years, Jean-François has designed, estimated and supervised complex and large-scale projects in the residential, institutional and industrial sectors, in particular residences for the elderly with more than 200 units. At the same time, he has carried out numerous personalized projects. His practice is characterized by proactive customer support, which reinforces the identity of the projects carried out. The combination of his professional values, vast experience and technical skills make it possible to create living environments with a human dimension. Jean-François is recognized as an expert witness in construction before the courts and by the Quebec Architects Insurance Fund. For more than 20 years, he has acted as a technical consultant for numerous condominium associations and housing coops.