There are encounters that sparkle and change the course of a life. When Laurie Pinard crossed paths with Mathieu Girard, the current went so well between the two that from a design project together, they moved on to a life as a couple and to a life as partners, by founding Projet Acier Montréal. Today, they are even the happy parents of two young children, their ultimate creation!

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She is a designer, he is a contractor and welder. She had been looking for a metal craftsman for a long time who could give life to the glass cellar she dreamed of for a restaurant customer. Mathieu mainly designed stairs and railings, but because the encounter inspired him and because he is always ready for a challenge, he said yes to Laurie.

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At the beginning, they created tailor-made interiors together, according to the desires of their customers; a bit of everything and enough to make a name for themselves among architects. But the windows particularly appealed to Laurie. This is finally the niche that Montreal Steel Project decided to occupy. To get there, we had to learn to refuse projects outside the chosen avenue, and thus allow ourselves to explore the field of possibilities with the windows, and then become the experts.

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“Our complementarity means that we are constantly pushing our personal boundaries, in a good way. We have fun constantly surpassing ourselves, in every way,” observed Laurie on the strength of their duo.

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From one achievement to another, the duo has developed a distinctive offer, its flagship product, the COSTAL architectural divisions, awarded at the Grands Prix du Design in 2021, 2023 and a profile now registered with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, as an industrial design. In fact, these glass and steel walls reflect the complementarity of the couple, because they combine opposing forces: transparency and opacity, fragility and solidity, classicism and modernity, minimalism and ingenuity. Refinement, for its parts, envelops the whole.

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Everything is tailor-made to adapt to each environment, with several variants, but a similar base. Pure lines and an impression of lightness emerge.

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The rigor of the work executed with precision, combined with the beauty of these walls that define spaces without closing horizons, creates magic for customers.

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“It's fascinating to see such a perfect marriage, whether you set up in a classic house or in a very contemporary setting. The product is versatile,” notes Mathieu.

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Happy customers are in part what makes the work of the duo of entrepreneurs so happy. The other ingredient in their happiness has its roots in their team.

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“We have a hard work ethic and a passion for the company. Having people around us who believe as much as we do in the product we make is worth gold,” Laurie is delighted.

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His creative fiber is now focused on the configuration and design of Montreal Steel Project's new workshop and showroom, in a building recently acquired in Saint-Hubert. In the winter of 2023-2024, customers will be able to enter this space, which will be inspired by New York lofts and where other local artisans will also be represented. Because creators are inspired by each other and beauty is created to be shared.

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Laurie and Mathieu still have a thousand ideas in mind to continue to develop their creation, while keeping the windows as the centrepiece. Innovating is in their DNA and working with architects continues to fuel their inspiration.