Jean Philippe Larocque, principal, architect, and director of design at LEA headshot. Black framed glasses with a white button down shirt and black wristwatch on his left wrist 
Jean Philippe Larocque

OAA, OAQ, LEED AP BD+C, MRAIC, B.Arch

  • Jean is originally from the Nipissing area, where he attended elementary and secondary school. He studied architecture at the Carleton University School of Architecture in Ottawa, where he graduated in 1985 receiving a Bachelor of Architecture with Distinction. Upon graduating, Jean worked in architectural firms in both Ottawa and Toronto, returned to North Bay in 1988 to practice architecture in Northern Ontario, and co-founded LEA Architectes Inc. in 1995. Jean is fluent in both French and English and is a LEED Accredited Professional with the Building Design + Construction Designation . He is committed and passionate about improving the built environment through sustainable design practices.

Principal, Architect, Director of Design

Ruth Elder, Principal, Architect, and facility planner at LEA wearing black long sleeve top and blonde hair to her shoulders 
Ruth Elder

OAA, MRAIC, B.Arch

  • Originally from southern Ontario, Ruth studied architecture at Carleton University in Ottawa and in 1985 received her Bachelor of Architecture. Ruth worked for the Architectural branch of the National Museums of Canada in Ottawa and worked in numerous architectural firms in Toronto specializing in institutional projects. In 1988, Ruth moved to North Bay to practice architecture in Northern Ontario and co-founded LEA Architectes Inc in 1995. Ruth's strengths and responsibilities include the preparation of functional programs, need assessments and building design. Her ability to listen carefully, comprehend, analyze and transform complex requirements into practical solutions has led the firm to successfully complete and deliver state-of-the-art, award-winning projects.

Principal, Architect, Facility Planner

Jeff Decker, Senior Project Manager, wearing a dark plaid button up shirt with dark facial hair and dark hair 
Jeff De Decker

BCIN, B.A. 

  • Jeff is originally from southern Ontario where he completed his Bachelor of Arts with a major in mathematics at the University of Guelph. In 2004 he achieved his Diploma in Architectural Technology and worked for 3 years as an architectural technologist in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. In 2007, Jeff joined LEA where he has been actively involved in a number of the firm's projects from inception through to completion. His detail oriented nature, knowledge of the Ontario Building Code, ability to efficiently coordinate a project and his leadership and communication skills have allowed him to excel in the role as Senior Project Manager / Contract Administrator.

Senior Project Manager

Olivier Larocque, OAA Intern Architect, wearing white button down shirt with dark hair 
Olivier Larocque

​OAA, MRAIC, M.Arch., B.A.S.

  • Olivier is originally from North Bay and holds a Masters Degree from the Azrieli School of Architecture & Urbanism at Carleton University in Ottawa. Olivier has been working for LEA part-time since 2010 and has joined full-time in 2018.

    Olivier has had the opportunity over the years to actively work on design competitions, notable architectural projects abroad, in the Ottawa region and in the North Bay area. Olivier’s versatility, attention to details and ability to quickly find creative solutions to complex design and construction issues is what makes him a valuable member of the LEA team.

Architect

Paola Vega, OAA Intern Architect, wearing a white short sleeve, v-neck top with dainty flowers and long dark hair 
Paola Vega

OAA, MRAIC, ​M.Arch., B.A.S.,

  • Prior to rejoining the LEA team, Paola relocated from southern Ontario to study Architecture at Carleton University where she focused on developing her passion for design. Recently graduated with her Masters of Architecture, Paola has rejoined the LEA team following her internship during the summer of 2014 and 2016. Paola’s Masters Thesis focused on architecture for progressive pedagogies, which has been an area of interest for Paola throughout her professional career, as is prefaced with her experience working as a designer and image consultant for Montessori Schools in the Greater Toronto Area.

Architect