Abbott Brown Architects is a Halifax-based design studio working at different scales across public, residential, cultural and heritage sectors throughout Atlantic Canada. It was established in 2013 by Jane Abbott and Alec Brown. Prior to returning to Nova Scotia, the partners studied and worked variously in Berlin, London, Vancouver, Copenhagen and Toronto. The design-driven, creative mindset of the office, and the conviction that architecture can be more ambitious, thoughtful and joyful, are informed by this disparate experience.
In our work we combine contemporary approaches to form, material and light with an admiration for Atlantic Canada’s landscapes, rich vernacular building traditions, and layered histories. Projects benefit from a process of distillation—reducing complex conditions into core architectural ideas that organize space, use, composition and overall identity.
Abbott Brown have long been local advocates for the research, design and provision of equitable and inclusive spaces and communities, including our own studio environment.
Jane Abbott was born in St John’s and raised in Halifax, Jane studied at the Danish Technical School in Copenhagen and worked in theatre and production design with the Canadian Opera Company, the National Ballet, and the Metropolitan Opera. Following several years living and working in Toronto, Jane returned to Nova Scotia to study architecture at Dalhousie. She graduated with distinction, receiving the AIA Henry Adams Medal, the NSAA Thesis Award, and recognition on the RAIC Honour Roll.
Jane teaches at the School of Architecture at Dalhousie and has served on multiple awards juries.
Alec Brown is originally from Montreal and Nova Scotia’s South Shore. He studied Art History in Scotland before completing his architectural studies in Halifax. He worked with a number of prominent practices in Vancouver, London, and Berlin, returning to Nova Scotia in the early 2000’s. Before co-founding Abbot Brown, Alec started his own office in 2006, itself receiving recognition as one of the top Emerging Canadian Design Practices by the organization 20+Change.
Alec is a long-time practitioner of the Japanese Way of Tea, and a published illustrator. He serves on the NSAA's Board of Registration and also teaches at the School of Architecture.
