Sault Ste. Marie has lost a gifted architect who designed many of the city’s most notable buildings.
Franco Pastore died suddenly and peacefully June 1.
Pastore was principal architect, designer and partner in locally-based firm IDEA Inc. (Integrated Design Engineering & Architecture).
He designed many landmark buildings including Sault Area Hospital (in partnership with other architectural firms), GFL Memorial Gardens, Algoma Public Health, St. Mary's College, Sault College’s M Wing, Sault College’s Health and Wellness building, the International Bridge Authority Toll Plaza, and the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge redevelopment.
More recently, Pastore designed the Northern Community Centre, Northway Wellness Centre (an adaptive reuse of the former Sault Star building) and the Three Rivers JK-12 school in Blind River, currently under construction.
“Franco was an industry titan – a strong leader, a brilliant visionary, and above all else, a kind and principled person," IDEA Inc. said in a statement provided to SooToday.
"Franco took the time to listen and really get to know people. This helped him truly understand the needs of our clients, which enabled him to design and create solutions that made a difference. Despite his incredible success, Franco remained humble and always sought to mentor and build up those around him. He encouraged ideas from others and took the time to share his vast experience with our team.”
Much of Pastore’s work is characterized by high ceilings and large windows that bathe the interior of his buildings with natural light.
“People are very conscious about what they wear or what car they drive because it makes them look good. Architecture is the same way. It might be more subconscious but if people are in an environment where they like the buildings that surround them, it makes them feel better. That’s important to me and that’s what drives me,” Pastore said in an interview with SooToday in April.
IDEA Inc. employs 20 professionals in its Sault office in the McDougall Energy Tower - a building that Pastore redesigned inside and out - and another 20 in its Ottawa office.
Pastore’s daughter Catrina recently joined IDEA Inc. as an architect.
“Although Franco leaves behind many legacies, his proudest was his family – his best friend and loving wife Maria, and their three accomplished daughters, Catrina, Olivia and Daniella,” Pastore’s family said in a statement.
“Franco was a pillar of our community in every sense. He was a devoted family man, respected business owner, visionary architect, and a trusted colleague and friend. Franco’s absence will be deeply felt by many,” Pastore’s family said.
Pastore studied architecture at Carleton University in Ottawa and spent the early years of his architectural career in Sudbury before returning to his hometown of Sault Ste. Marie.
He became a partner in local architectural firm EPOH in 1994.
EPOH rebranded as IDEA in 2017.
Pastore began a gradual retirement from IDEA Inc. in 2021 before fully stepping back from daily company operations in January.
“IDEA Inc. is well-positioned to uphold and build upon the remarkable legacy that Franco spent a lifetime creating. Franco’s passion for design, his collaborative spirit, and his light-hearted presence will be deeply missed by his partners, colleagues, and the extended IDEA Inc. family,” IDEA Inc. said.
A SooToday profile of Pastore and his work was written in April and can be found here.
Pastore’s obituary and funeral arrangements are here.
