Avi Friedman received his Bachelor's degree in architecture and town planning from the Israel Institute of Technology, his Master's degree from McGill University, and his Doctorate from the University of Montréal. He co-founded the Affordable Homes Program at the McGill School of Architecture where he teaches. He also holds an Honorary Professor position in Lancaster University in the U.K. Avi is known for his housing innovation and is the author of 18 books. He is the principal of Avi Friedman Consultants Inc. and the recipient of numerous awards including the Life Time Achievement Award from Sustainable Buildings Canada and the World Habitat Award. In 2000 he was selected by Wallpaper magazine as one of ten people from around the world 'most likely to change the way we live'.