Chris Couse

A founding principal of KPMB Architects, Chris Couse (FRAIC) transitioned into a project advisory role in 2026 and remains actively involved in the firm’s cultural practice. 

Since KPMB’s founding in 1987, Chris has played a pivotal leadership role, helping shape the firm’s ability to consistently deliver architectural excellence. He brings more than 40 years of experience in the design, management, and delivery of projects recognized for their integration of design quality and sustainable performance.

Chris has made significant contributions to KPMB’s cultural portfolio. His performing arts experience extends across North America, including Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis; the Young Centre for Performing Arts in Toronto; the Arthur Miller/Walgreen Drama Center at the University of Michigan; the Goodman Theatre in Chicago; the Adams Center for Musical Arts and Sprague Memorial Hall at Yale University; the expansion of the Jenny Belzberg Theatre for the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity; and the renovation and expansion of Toronto’s historic Massey Hall.

Chris’s work has been widely recognized for design excellence and innovation. Both Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis and the Young Centre in Toronto achieved Architectural Record’s “Good Design is Good Business” Award. The Massey Hall project received a Lieutenant Governor’s Ontario Heritage Award.

In addition to his cultural work, Chris has significant expertise in the design of state-of-the-art tall buildings. This experience includes 18 York Street (PwC Tower) and Bremner Tower at the Southcore Financial Centre in Toronto. 180 Queen West was the first Canadian project to receive a LEED CI certification.

Currently, Chris is working on two significant cultural projects in Calgary: the expansion and modernization of the Werklund Centre (formerly Arts Commons) and the transformation of the historic Centennial Planetarium into the home of Contemporary Calgary.