Diamond Schmitt

Diamond Schmitt is thrilled to announce that it has been named to Fast Company’s list of the Most Innovative Companies of 2025, earning the ninth spot in the Architecture category! In Canada, Diamond Schmitt has been leading the charge on the innovative use of Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) cladding over the past decade, demonstrating that sustainable design can positively contribute to the beauty of the built environment as much as it does to the preservation of our natural one. There is limited precedent for BIPV use in Canada, but we believe this will change significantly in the near future. It’s such a positive step to see Diamond Schmitt’s pioneering efforts recognized by Fast Company: https://lnkd.in/einZpZTj We’ve been collaborating with regulatory bodies and sustainability organizations to establish best practices that encourage the broader adoption of renewable energy solutions in construction, facilitating a shift towards more sustainable building practices across the industry. Learn more about how Diamond Schmitt is Shedding a Light on Solar Energy: https://lnkd.in/eJtdsxbh #diamondschmitt #FCMostInnovative #sustainabledesign #BIPV

Inclusive design is shaping the future of healthcare and education – supporting healing, learning, and bringing communities together. Principal Nigel Tai and Senior Associate Vincent Goetz are speaking at Sustainable Labs Canada (SLCan) Education Week on April 9th at 4:00pm, in the session “Reduction in Action: Canadian Case Studies in Health, Learning, and Community” in which they will share insights, alongside project partners, into how inclusive design can support healing, learning, and bring communities together. Nigel will discuss how #sustainable features not only reduce energy use and emissions but also bring healthcare, academics, and science together under one roof at the Myron and Berna Garron Health Sciences Complex, UofT Scarborough. Vincent will highlight how the new St. Paul's Clinical Support and Research Centre integrates future flexibility, collaboration, and discovery in a centre of excellence, while striving to achieve a Net Zero Carbon ready facility. Learn more about the discussion here: https://lnkd.in/dWcv3raX More information on SLCan’s Education Week and how to register: https://lnkd.in/eD9Sa3r4 #diamondschmitt #SLCan

This month marks five years since the opening of the The University of British Columbia’s BioSciences Complex—a space that continues to foster interdisciplinary learning, sustainability, and connectedness. Designed to attract leading life sciences researchers and inspire students to innovate and discover in state-of-the-art, versatile teaching and research laboratories, the renewal of the facility integrates sustainable design initiatives in a highly functional and aesthetic environment. The building brings the outdoors in, with large, light-filled windows that connect classrooms and administrative spaces. Elements such as frit patterns on the glazing—found in nature, like dragonfly wings and giraffe spots—reinforce the connection between the built environment and the natural world. Extending the classroom into the quad, a new Biosciences Courtyard was designed as an outdoor teaching space where Indigenous plants and collections from UBC’s Biology department flourish. This integration of natural elements strengthens UBC’s commitment to creating a "Campus as a Living Laboratory." Located at the most prominent intersection at the heart of campus, the BioSciences Complex bridges the existing with the new, through interconnected pathways that foster moments of study and collaboration. Since its completion, the project achieved LEED Gold Certification and received numerous recognitions, including a Vancouver Regional Construction Association (VRCA) Gold Award of Excellence, a SCUP/AIA-CAE Excellence in Architecture honourable mention, and a BD+C Reconstruction Bronze Award. Read our latest Explorations about Redefining Research with Nature-Inspired Design here: https://lnkd.in/egpYEvUp #diamondschmitt #diamondschmitt_explorations

Principal David Dow, Principal Michael Treacy, and Technical Director Rod Maas, have been named Fellows of the RAIC by The College of Fellows of the The Royal Architectural Institute Of Canada | L'Institut royal d'architecture du Canada (RAIC).    David has been a principal at Diamond Schmitt since 2003, and has touched hundreds of projects. David has advanced the architecture of STEM infrastructure in North American universities, and has also elevated commercial, institutional and residential design in Canada, creating positive change in developing neighbourhoods. In his years of practice, David has humanized the profession both outwardly by doing work that is centered on the human experience and inwardly by fostering collegiality and friendship amongst architects.    Read more about David’s achievements:  https://lnkd.in/dX6pNHRE    Michael has been a Principal at Diamond Schmitt since 2009. He brings a deep commitment to the design and management of complex projects across sectors and is highly skilled at leading specialized teams towards successful outcomes for both his clients and the communities they serve. Michael is an accomplished leader whose range of talents includes the entire architectural process from design to construction with a particular focus on the social wellbeing of both the users of his buildings as well as his colleagues and collaborators.     Read more about Michael’s achievements:  https://lnkd.in/dqAFgiFk    Rod Maas has over 35 years of experience in project delivery and has expertly led the design and construction of numerous large-scale institutional, commercial, and residential projects. His leadership style is both enthusiastic and inspiring, motivating teams to pursue excellence and master the complex processes required for competent architectural practice. A dedicated mentor and teacher, Rod has devoted his career to developing future professionals, significantly impacting the architectural community.     Read more about Rod’s achievements:  https://lnkd.in/dUgt-jsE    A huge congratulations to David, Michael and Rod on this well-deserved recognition! #diamondschmitt

In celebration of International Women’s Day, we honour the remarkable women at Diamond Schmitt who are driving change within our firm and the industry. Each one plays a pivotal role in advancing DEI, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of women in a traditionally male-dominated field. Today, we spotlight five exceptional women who are making a profound impact through their leadership, expertise, and dedication to community advancement. Lilia Kiriakou, Director of HR, is a passionate, people-focused leader with who has been instrumental in shaping Diamond Schmitt’s people strategy, fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performance workplace culture. As a key driver behind our recognition as one of Canada’s Top Employers for ten consecutive years, Lilia leads with compassion and transparency. Her achievements include establishing our DEI committee, engaging with organizations like BAIDA and NOMAS, and ensuring that DEI remains at the core of our workplace culture. Lisa Prime, Director of Sustainability, brings extensive experience from both the private and public sectors, where she works to advance climate action and drive change in city planning. Committed to sustainability, Lisa develops strategies through policy, goal setting, and solutions. She focuses on creating measurable benefits in the built environment, promoting healthy cities, restoring nature, and proposing forward-thinking solutions that shape the future of architecture. Alison Modl, Associate and project lead for the Myron and Berna Garron Health Sciences Complex (MBGHSC), is a WELL Accredited Professional who prioritizes health and wellness through design. Her attention to detail has been pivotal in delivering a facility designed to shape the next generation of healthcare professionals. As a hub for healing, learning, and collaboration, MBGHSC also healing the planet, generating 20% of its energy through on-site building-integrated photovoltaics. Sam Horton, Learning and Development Manager, is dedicated to building an industry-leading learning program that empowers our team to grow, adapt, and push the boundaries of design. Through Diamond Schmitt University, Sam creates engaging learning experiences like hands-on workshops and seminars. She organizes initiatives on technical topics, project management, DEI, Indigeneity and digital fabrication, while also having launched a mentorship meetup program to connect colleagues across the firm. Patricia Marin Arraiza, an internationally trained architect, specializes in academic and community-based projects. Patricia works to create inclusive spaces that enhance well-being and promote long-term environmental sustainability. By advocating for accessibility, equity, and representation, she contributes to advancing a more diverse and inclusive built environment, one that fosters collaboration, innovation, and social responsibility. #diamondschmitt #IWD2025 #AccelerateAction

The Innovation Village at Fanshawe College is featured in an article by Trevor Schillaci for The Architect's Newspaper. Trevor interviewed project lead Principal Sydney Browne about the use of building integrated photovoltaic panels (BIPV) technology in the Innovation Village’s cladding, which is projected to supply nearly 20% of its annual energy use. The glass panels’ colour changes depending on the viewing angle, light conditions, and time of day, not only contributing on-site renewable energy, but also contributing to the building’s aesthetic. How does it work? The system incorporates several layers of laminated glass within a rainscreen assembly, using nanotechnology to absorb specific wavelengths of light that are directed toward photovoltaic cells on the glass’s back side. Wavelengths that are not absorbed are reflected, creating the building’s blueish hue. To maximize energy collection, the panels are angled outward, increasing exposure to the sky. Designed as a vibrant and collaborative space that caters to the different ways people learn, Innovation Villages creates a new campus hub that brings students, professors together to engage in cross-disciplinary collaboration and foster industry partnerships. Student and Indigenous engagement have informed the building’s design, visually and spatially, establishing a dynamic learning environment that supports diverse programming. Learn more about how this project is paving the way for BIPV in Canada and advancing #sustainable #architecture. View the article here: https://lnkd.in/eRV4hmg5 #diamondschmitt

We’re hiring a Studio Coordinator for our Vancouver office! At Diamond Schmitt, we aim to empower people to realize their potential in a dynamic studio environment that fosters continuous learning and professional development. This role offers a dynamic opportunity to be an essential part of a growing and creative office environment. You’ll have the ability to help shape the Vancouver office experience while working closely with a supportive team in Toronto. If you're a good communicator, a proactive self-starter, and a multi-tasker who thrives in a fast-paced environment, and are passionate about driving organizational excellence, we'd love to hear from you! Visit the Careers section on our website for more information: https://dsai.ca/careers/ #diamondschmitt #jobopenings #studiocoordinator

Designed by Diamond Schmitt in collaboration with GGA-Architecture, Mathison Hall at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business is a bold step forward in campus development, prioritizing sustainability, innovation, and community. With a comprehensive and integrated approach to #sustainability, Mathison Hall has achieved LEED Platinum Certification, reinforcing the University of Calgary’s commitment to carbon-neutrality. This recognition reflects the building’s high-performance energy efficiency metrics, renewable energy solutions, and use of sustainable materials, making it one of the most energy-efficient buildings on campus—setting a new benchmark for responsible, forward-thinking design. Learn more about how Mathison Hall has achieved LEED Platinum certification here:https://lnkd.in/g2B9SU63 #diamondschmitt #architectureanddesign

Innovation Village at Fanshawe College is featured in Canadian Architect magazine! “The new Innovation Village responds to the changing pedagogies of the 21st century,” said Principal Sydney Browne. “Designed to support a culture of active and experiential learning, the facility prioritizes a diversity of spaces that can be adapted for multiple users across faculties and encourage impromptu cross-disciplinary collaborations and interactions. Environmental #sustainability has also been an area of emphasis, with the Innovation Village wrapped in an envelope of custom BIPV that further expresses the facility’s focus on #innovation.” The project introduces Indigenous presence into the built fabric of the campus via a new Library Learning Commons and Indigenous illustrations throughout the building, demonstrating the college’s commitment to inclusivity. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eF37TEtq #diamondschmitt

The transformation of the former Union Train Station, once a landmark of Ottawa, into the current home of the Senate of Canada | Sénat du Canada, represents a unique intersection of heritage preservation and material innovation. The project’s objectives included the restoration of the Beaux-Arts station’s grandeur and the building adaptation for modern use while expressing a renewed narrative of Canadian iconography through design. A new east façade, taking cues from the classical language of the original architecture, completes the building for the first time, re-establishing its place amongst the great landmarks of Ottawa. Inside, carefully integrated pavilions house key spaces, including committee rooms and the Senate Chamber. These new volumes maintain harmony with the building’s original scale while incorporating a rich material narrative—combining traditional and modern craft techniques. From bronze landscape murals and carved maples leaf and pinecone details to marble thrones and kiln-cast glass, the design expresses a Canadian identity through material innovation. The Senate of Canada building represents a rethinking of architectural approaches to the challenge of redefining historic buildings. Its transformation gives powerful and persuasive proof of the inherent possibility for creative reinvention of historic #architecture, with the whole being greater than the sum of its parts. Learn more about how the Senate creates A Dialogue Between Heritage and Reinvention through Material Innovation in our latest exploration piece: https://lnkd.in/dxrcuy-N #diamondschmitt #diamondschmitt_explorations