We have deep and diverse experience in making all kinds of books, from critically acclaimed limited-edition art monographs to award-winning international bestsellers. While our backgrounds and interests vary, we share a few things in common:
Chris co-founded Figure 1 in 2012 and has built it into one of the leading publishers of high-quality illustrated books in North America. He has worked in the book publishing industry for the past 25 years, and prior to that worked at Vancouver’s legendary independent bookseller, Duthie Books. When he’s not growing the business, he’s either tracking the exploits of Canada’s Men’s National soccer team, tending his vegetable garden, or driving his kids all over the city.
Steve oversees Figure 1’s publishing program and acquires books by unique voices and exceptional partners in the areas of art, architecture, design, Indigenous art + culture, photography, and food + drink. He is a 20-year industry veteran who has published numerous bestsellers and award winners. When not seeking out what to publish next, he can be found between the pipes in a local shinny game or enjoying a hazy pale ale at one of Toronto’s many craft breweries.
Mike provides editorial oversight for the publishing program and in-house editors, and works with authors and partners at the proposal, developmental, and editing stages to help bring their vision to the page. He’s worked on award-winning books in a variety of genres, and been a finalist (2020) and winner (2022) of the Tom Fairley Award for Editorial Excellence from Editors Canada. When he’s not making books he’s reading fiction, biking to the beach, or shredding the local hills with his kids.
Lara works with our freelance editors, print suppliers, and book-industry organizations to manage editorial and print production at Figure 1. She’s an alumna of Emily Carr University of Art + Design and Simon Fraser University and has enjoyed thirty years in the printing and book-publishing industries. She’ll argue that some of the best things in life are dogs, bicycles, and breakfast cereal.
Heidi oversees our sales and distribution channels and marketing initiatives, working closely with our distributors and sales force to bring Figure 1’s books to readers around the world. A versatile publishing professional, her experience includes senior roles at an award-winning literary press and at an industry trade association. She enjoys sushi, yoga, natural wine, and getting lost in museums and galleries.
Teresa collaborates closely with our authors, photographers, freelance designers, and publishing partners to ensure each book meets Figure 1’s highest visual standards. She is an award-winning designer and 25-year publishing veteran with experience at every level of book publishing, across numerous genres. When not immersed in research for a new project, she’s a dedicated baseball fan, locavore, and home preserving enthusiast with two active, jam-loving boys.
Jenna provides publicity support for Figure 1’s authors, as well as coordinating social media marketing initiatives and events. With nearly two decades of PR experience, Jenna has worked at many publishing houses, agencies and corporations in Toronto. She loves trying out new recipes while listening to audiobooks in her kitchen.
Michelle oversees Figure 1’s financial administration, including the timely payment of royalty cheques to our authors and publishing partners. She has been an accountant and bookkeeper for twenty-two years. When she isn’t keeping the books, she is reading them, and has a weak spot for the Brontës and Jane Austen.
“Figure 1 was outstanding. Attentive to detail, incredibly creative, extremely organized, and great collaborators. A true pleasure to work with their team.”
—James Walt, executive chef and author of Araxi
“It was an honor to collaborate with Figure 1! Working with this passionate team was one of the highlights of my food-writing career.”
—Julien Perry, author of Seattle Cooks: Signature Recipes from the City’s Best Chefs & Bartenders