Thom Fougere: Canada's Design Recognition Gap Highlighted by 24 Sussex Restoration
In a Dezeen opinion article, designer Thom Fougere expresses his disapproval of Canada's initiative to renovate the prime minister's residence at 24 Sussex Drive, pointing out the country's failure to support its design professionals. A competition for the project was announced by the government in June 2026, but it does not mandate the use of Canadian materials or furnishings. He emphasizes the international acclaim of Canadian designers like Bocci and Yabu Pushelberg, who receive little backing at home. In contrast, he notes that South Korea and Scandinavian nations actively foster their creative sectors. Fougere urges that the competition should focus on Canadian talent, asserting that quality design enhances both national identity and the economy. The article features a photograph by Alasdair McLellan.
Key facts
- The Canadian government announced a national competition to restore 24 Sussex Drive, the prime minister's residence in Ottawa, in June 2026.
- Thom Fougere, a Montreal-based designer, wrote an opinion piece for Dezeen criticizing the lack of emphasis on Canadian design in the competition.
- The competition is open to Canadian design-build teams but does not require the use of Canadian furnishings, lighting, or materials.
- Fougere names Bocci, A-N-D Light, Lambert & Fils, Studio Paolo Ferrari, and Yabu Pushelberg as Canadian design firms gaining international attention.
- Montreal is recognized as a UNESCO City of Design, which Fougere cites as a rare example of institutional support for design in Canada.
- Fougere contrasts Canada's approach with South Korea and Scandinavian countries, which have successfully promoted their creative industries through government support.
- The New York Times referred to 24 Sussex as 'Canada's White House', highlighting its lack of symbolic recognition.
- Fougere previously served as creative director of Canadian design house EQ3 and is a board director of the Canadian Creators Collective (CCC).
Entities
Artists
- Thom Fougere
- Alasdair McLellan
Institutions
- Dezeen
- The New York Times
- UNESCO
- Canadian Creators Collective (CCC)
- EQ3
- Bocci
- A-N-D Light
- Lambert & Fils
- Studio Paolo Ferrari
- Yabu Pushelberg
Locations
- Canada
- Ottawa
- Montreal
- South Korea
- Scandinavia
- United States
- United Kingdom
Sources
- Dezeen —