FGMDA founding partner Julia Gersovitz has been named the recipient of the 2015 Gabrielle Léger Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Conservation in Canada by the National Trust for Canada. The Gabrielle Léger Medal is Canada’s premier honour for individual achievement in heritage conservation. The committee recognizes Julia’s contribution and adds that “Mrs. Gersovitz is known among her peers for her thoughtfulness, tenacity and generous spirit as well as for the impeccable standard of her work. She is an inspiration to conservation professionals throughout Canada.” The award will be presented at the 2015 National Trust Conference in Calgary.
Gersovitz is an award-winning architect and architectural historian who has acquired over 40 years of experience in the field of heritage conservation working with private and public clients. Early in her career, she established her reputation with ground-breaking projects such as the Maison Alcan in Montreal. Recognized nationally as a leader in her field, Julia has worked on some of the most iconic historic buildings in Canada such as the West Block of Parliament, Toronto Union Station, and McGill University Arts Building. The award recognizes Gersovitz’s many professional accomplishments and published work, her dedication to teaching, and her leadership on various design review boards and volunteer organizations.
Since 1978, the Gabrielle Léger Medal for lifetime achievement has recognized individuals for their outstanding service to the country in the cause of heritage conservation. Julia Gersovitz is the 25th recipient of the Gabrielle Leger Medal. She joins a distinguished group of previous winners, including 2014 recipient Dr. Christina Cameron, Julian Smith (2008) and John Bland (1994).