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 is the director of the Affordable Homes Research Group at the McGill School of Architecture, where he teaches. He also holds a Visiting Professor position in Lancaster University in the UK. Avi is known for his housing innovation and for several demonstration projects. He is the author of 25 books and the principal of Avi Friedman Consultants, Inc. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the Manning Innovation Award, Lifetime Achievement Award from Sustainable Buildings Canada, and the World Habitat Award.