Naomi Lane is a contemporary Artist and Architectural conservationist who uses her painting practice to spotlight the importance of preserving heritage buildings. Her work evokes a renewed appreciation for traditional craftsmanship, natural materials, human-scale design, and the inherent sustainability of these structures.
Living at the intersection of Architecture and Art, Naomi has spent her life weaving the two. With diplomas in both Architecture and Fine Art, she initially worked in set design for theatre and film. A Master’s in the Conservation of the Built Environment further rooted her passion in the preservation of older buildings—first in an Architecture firm on major conservation projects in Quebec, then as an Architecture and Heritage advisor for municipalities.
In parallel, Naomi developed an art practice centred on architecture. Her deep knowledge and love of historic buildings, combined with a designer’s eye for composition and colour, infuse her vibrant, layered paintings. Through her work, she brings cultural relevance and urgency to architectural preservation as both a creative and sustainable act.
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Which ’hood are you in?
I live in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighbourhood of Montreal. I moved here after prices in my previous district, Plateau Mont-Royal, became unaffordable. Traditionally a working-class area, Hochelaga has a gritty history—factory closures, high unemployment, and organized crime—but also a strong legacy of social and community organizations. In recent years, the neighbourhood has seen a wave of urban renewal and gentrification, bringing in new residents, housing types, and businesses—along with the social complexities that change often brings.
What do you do?
I’m an Architectural Conservationist by day and an Artist by night. My work as an Architecture and Heritage Advisor sharpens my eye for the layers of history, design styles, and craftsmanship in buildings—insights that deeply inform my art.
Heritage buildings are the subject and soul of my paintings. I use a mix of poured house paint, acrylics, photography, stencilling, and anything else that helps bring their character to life, sometimes on canvas, sometimes on reclaimed materials salvaged from old barns or antique stores. My goal is to inspire renewed appreciation and stewardship of these structures—not just as private property, but as part of our shared cultural history.
What are you currently working on?
I’m launching The Heritage Legacy Experience, a unique offering for heritage building owners. It blends consulting and coaching to explore a property’s story and deepen the owner’s connection to it. The experience culminates in a custom-commissioned painting of their building and a heritage booklet that repositions the property as both a cultural and financial asset. Owners can use this as a tool to raise awareness, build appreciation, or enhance future sales and assessments. The heart of this project is reframing heritage ownership—not as a burden of upkeep, but as a living legacy of craftsmanship, sustainability, and cultural beauty. Check it out here.
Where can we find your work?
Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok
