Michael Robertson

A modern, glass-fronted library building with landscaping and a path in front.

Architecture for Change: Designing for Community Needs

A recent winner of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service, Michael Robertson is a pillar of the Manitoba architecture community and an inspiration to aspiring architects everywhere. The first Indigenous graduate from the University of Manitoba’s Master of Architecture program (with honours), Michael Robertson has been a partner at Cibinel Architects Ltd. In Winnipeg since 2014. In this talk, co-organized by the Indigenous Design and Planning Students’ Association (IDPSA), Michael will share with us his journey from education to career, speaking on multiple projects he has worked on and community involvement in architecture and design. This includes topics of food insecurity, housing our relatives, and working with non-profit organizations to meet their needs through design.  
    
Anyone is welcome to come to the talk and we encourage outside of faculty Indigenous students and staff to celebrate Indigenous alumni for Indigenous Student’s Month! 

Smiling person in gray checkered suit jacket and white shirt against a gray background.

Michael Robertson

Michael Robertson (BA, MArch, MAA) has been a partner and principal architect at Winnipeg-based, Cibinel Architecture Ltd since 2014. With over 20 years of architectural experience, he started his career at Prairie Architects, and went on to work with Bridgman Collective, Smith Carter, and MMP, in addition to leading his own firm. He holds both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Architecture from the University of Manitoba.

Of Cree descent, Michael is one of the few First Nation architects in Canada and brings a unique focus to the Indigenization of physical space. Throughout his career, he has developed expertise designing and delivering major capital projects for organizations such as the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, University of Manitoba, Main Street Project, City of Winnipeg, and University College of the North.

Michael is a current member of the United Way of Winnipeg, Board of Trustees and Council for Indigenous Relations and the University of Manitoba, Board of Governors and President’s Advisory Council. He is the past chair of the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Architecture, Partners Program, a past member of the Winnipeg Poverty Reduction Council, and past vice-chair of the University of Manitoba, Board of Governors, acting as an advisor on issues of Indigenous achievement in education. He has also served on the Board of Directors for BUILD Inc, a non-profit contractor and training program for people who face barriers to employment. He was a jury member and technical advisor for the University of Manitoba’s Visionary (re)Generation international design competition, which envisioned a mixed-use housing development on the 125-acre Southwood Lands precinct.

Michael was recently recognized for his community service by the University of Manitoba with a Distinguished Alumni Award in 2024. His proven focus on designing community-oriented gathering spaces, long-standing dedication to the unhoused, extensive non-profit and Indigenous engagement, resume of major capital projects, experience managing the award-winning Inuit Art Centre at the Winnipeg Art Gallery-Qaumajuq, and deep understanding of cultural spaces, makes him an informed leader.