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. At McGill, where he is a full professor, he cofounded the Affordable Homes Program. He also holds a visiting professor position in Lancaster University in the UK. He is the author of 25 books, the principal of Avi Friedman Consultants Inc. and the recipient of numerous awards including the Lifetime 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'.