Diamond Schmitt Architects Toronto office, Canadian architecture practice, Ontario design studio
Diamond Schmitt Architects
Toronto Architecture Practice News: Contemporary Canadian Buildings, North America
post updated January 14, 2025
Diamond Schmitt Architects News arranged chronologically:
May 23, 2024
Ingenium Centre, Ottawa, southern Ontario
Design: Diamond Schmitt and KWC Architects
photo © Michael Muraz
Ingenium Centre, Ottawa, Ontario building
March 2, 2024
New Brunswick Museum, Saint John, New Brunswick, northeast Canada
image : PLAY-TIME, Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt
New Brunswick Museum, Saint John
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July 31, 2021
Therme Canada | Ontario Place, West Island, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
image courtesy of Diamond Schmitt
Therme Canada Ontario Place
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Diamond Schmitt Architects News
Oct 22, 2020
Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
photo : Tom Arban Photography
Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre
July 24, 2020
Markham Centre Campus, Regional Municipality of York, Southern Ontario, Canada
image : Diamond Schmitt Architects
Markham Centre Campus
May 7, 2020
Haskyane School of Business at the University of Calgary, Canada
Architects: Diamond Schmitt Architects In association with Gibbs Gage Architects
image : Diamond Schmitt Architects / Gibbs Gage Architects
Haskyane School of Business at the University of Calgary
Apr 3, 2020
New Associates and Directors
News of expansion of this Canadian architecture firm’s design and management teams with the appointment of 14 Associates and advancements and two new Directors:
Diamond Schmitt Architects Office
Jan 24, 2020
Ottawa Public Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility, 555 Albert St, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Design: Diamond Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects
picture courtesy of architects office
Ottawa Public Library and Archives Canada Joint Facility
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June 28, 2019
Donald Schmitt Named To The Order Of Canada
Don is a recognized leader in the architectural community and known as a champion of sustainable environments and design excellence:
Donald Schmitt Named To The Order Of Canada
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9 Nov 2018
Marlborough College Memorial Hall Building Refurbishment, Wiltshire, southwest England, UK
Design: Diamond Schmitt Architects and Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt
photo : Andy Matthews
Marlborough College Memorial Hall
Sep 2, 2018
Trafalgar Park Community Centre, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Design: Diamond Schmitt Architects
photograph : Lisa Logan Photography
Trafalgar Park Community Centre Building
The 65,000-sqft, $37m project is one of the first in Canada for a municipal client using the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model.
Aug 14, 2018
New Student Residence at University of Toronto St. George Campus, corner of Spadina & Sussex Avenues, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
picture courtesy of architects office
New Student Residence at University of Toronto St. George Campus
Jul 2, 2018
Ambulatory Care Building, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Design: Gibbs Gage Architects and Diamond Schmitt
photo : Tom Arban Photography
Ambulatory Care Building, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital
Jul 21, 2018
Innovation Centre at Red River College Exchange District Campus, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Design: Diamond Schmitt Architects with Number TEN Architectural Group
picture courtesy of architects office
Innovation Centre at Red River College
Construction has commenced on a $95-million Innovation Centre at the Red River College Exchange District campus in Winnipeg.
Jul , 2018
North York Central Library Building, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Design: Diamond Schmitt Architects
photo : Lisa Logan Photography
Museum Station Toronto Building
Toronto’s largest circulating library re-opens today after a major renovation project.
Jun 28, 2018
Museum Subway Station, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
photo : Elizabeth Gyde
Museum Subway Station Toronto Building
May 1, 2018
Metropolitan Toronto Central YMCA, Ontario, Canada
photograph : Fiona Spalding-Smith
Metropolitan Toronto Central YMCA
The Metropolitan Toronto Central YMCA, designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects, is this year’s recipient of the Prix du XXe siècle, an award that recognizes outstanding contribution to Canadian architecture of 20th century design.
May 8, 2018
DARE District at Algonquin College, Ottawa, Canada
images courtesy of architects
DARE District at Algonquin College
Apr 22, 2018
Weiser Hall Expansion, 500 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
image from architects
Weiser Hall Building Expansion by DSA
Mar 2, 2018
The Globe and Mail Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
photo : Tom Arban Photography
The Globe and Mail Centre
Mar 1, 2018
The LiUNA Building, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
image courtesy of architects
The LiUNA Building in Vaughan
Feb 7, 2018
Michael Garron Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
image courtesy of architects
Michael Garron Hospital Building in Toronto
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Dec 22, 2017
The Kipnes Lantern at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, Canada
photo by Doublespace Photography
The Kipnes Lantern at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa
Sep 6, 2017
Emily Carr University of Art + Design Building, downtown Vancouver, southern British Columbia, Canada
photo courtesy Emily Carr University
Emily Carr University of Art + Design Building
Jul 24, 2017
Robarts Library Building, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
image courtesy of architects
Robarts Library Expansion at the University of Toronto
Jul 11, 2017
International shortlist revealed for architects to design landmark Centre for Music in London
Diamond Schmitt Architects in partnership with UK architects AL_A are shortlisted to develop a concept design for a new concert hall in the City of London. The Barbican Centre, London Symphony Orchestra and Guildhall School of Music & Drama are leading the competition, with support from the City of London Corporation.
The Centre for Music is planned to contain a world-class concert hall, education, training and digital spaces, and excellent facilities for audiences and performers to bring music-making to the widest possible audience. “It would be a place of welcome, participation, discovery and learning fit for the digital age,” said the project’s backers in a press release.
The developers sought applications from internationally recognized experts to develop plans for a state-of-the-art building of acoustic and visual excellence. The other firms on the shortlist are Foster + Partners, Gehry Partners, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and Snøhetta. The Centre would be a permanent home to the London Symphony Orchestra and host performances from the Barbican’s family of Associate orchestras, as well as performances from touring artists and orchestras in a range of genres from across the UK and the world.
The preferred site for the Centre for Music is in the heart of the Square Mile, currently occupied by the Museum of London, which is developing a new and larger site at West Smithfield.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to help the Barbican, London Symphony Orchestra, Guildhall School and the City of London Corporation realize their goal for a concert hall to be among the best in the world,” said Donald Schmitt, principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects.
Amanda Levete, Principal of AL_A, said: “I am thrilled that AL_A and Diamond Schmitt Architects have been shortlisted for this ambitious project. It is an extraordinary opportunity to redefine the role that music and culture can play in today’s society, right in the heart of the City.”
Diamond Schmitt Architects (www.dsai.ca) is among the world’s top design firms for the cultural building sector. An award-winning portfolio of opera houses, concert halls and galleries includes the Mariinsky II Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, Maison Symphonique in Montreal, and the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto. Current projects include the renewal of David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in New York City and Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Texas.
AL_A (www.ala.uk.com) is an award-winning architecture and design studio, with recently completed work including the highly acclaimed V&A Exhibition Road Quarter in London, MAAT in Lisbon, and Central Embassy in Bangkok. Ongoing commissions around the world include the transformation of the flagship Galleries Lafayette department store in Paris, two new buildings for Wadham College at the University of Oxford, and the Monte St Angelo subway station in Naples.
30 Jun 2017
National Arts Centre – NAC Reopening, Ottawa, Canada
National Arts Centre in Ottawa NAC
29 Jun 2017
PwC-YMCA Tower, Vaughan, Ontario, Canada
image from architecture office
PwC-YMCA Tower, Vaughan Building
6 + 2 May 2017
Etobicoke Commons in Toronto, Etobicoke, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
image from architecture firm
Etobicoke Commons Toronto Building
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26 Oct 2016
The Waterworks Toronto Building, Ontario, Canada
image from architect office
The Waterworks Toronto Building
2 May 2016
Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences, Lubbock, Texas, USA
image from architect firm
Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences
13 Apr 2016
Creative City Campus, 100 McCaul Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
image from architect
OCAD University Creative City Campus
10 Feb 2016
National Arts Centre in Ottawa Building, Ottawa, Canada
image from architect
National Arts Centre in Ottawa Building
30 Jan 2016
University of Toronto Scarborough Environmental Science and Chemistry Building, Ontario, Canada
photo : Michael Muraz
University of Toronto Scarborough ESCB
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20 Sep 2013
Globe Mail Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
image from architect
Globe Mail Centre
18 Sep 2013
Peter Gilgan Centre Toronto, Ontario, Canada
photo from architect
Peter Gilgan Centre Toronto
10 Sep 2013
UofT Scarborough – Environmental Science & Chemistry Building, Canada
image from architect
UofT Scarborough
31 Jul 2013
New Mexico Highlands University Student, Mexico
photo : Robert Reck
New Mexico Highlands University Student
8 Mar 2013
Dunfield Theatre Building, Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
picture from architects
Dunfield Theatre Ontario
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Diamond and Schmitt Buildings in 2012
19 Dec 2012
Mariinsky Theatre, St Petersburg, Russia
image from architect
Mariinsky Theatre
4 Dec 2012
LEED Gold Cultural Facilities, Canada
Two Cultural Facilities achieve LEED Gold
Burlington Performing Arts and Kinnear Centre in Banff cited for sustainable design
Two cultural facilities designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects can take a bow. The Burlington Performing Arts Centre and the Kinnear Centre for Creativity & Innovation have received LEED® Gold certification for New Construction from The Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC).
photo : Shai Gil
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre is the first theatre in Ontario and only the second in Canada to achieve this high distinction for sustainable design. “We pursued an aggressive sustainable directive to reduce energy consumption and lower the environmental impact for this building type, which is not typically associated with green design,” said Gary McCluskie, Principal at Diamond Schmitt Architects.
photo : Tom Arban
The sustainable narrative for the Burlington theatre was interwoven throughout the project and began with innovative on-site remediation initiatives to treat contaminated soil. Energy efficient design was achieved with thermal and lighting controls and monitoring, use of natural daylight and exterior envelope design. Ninety percent of construction waste was diverted from landfill, 19 percent of construction materials contain recycled content and 50 per cent of wood-based materials used are FSC certified. These and other measures resulted in a 50 per cent reduction in use of water, both indoors and outdoors, and a 47 per cent reduction in energy consumption relative to the Model National Energy Code for Buildings (MNECB).
photo : Shai Gil
The Burlington Performing Arts Centre (above) has a 720-seat Main Theatre, 260-seat Studio, a six-storey fly tower, a large public lobby and plaza that integrates the facility with downtown Burlington. It opened in December 2011.
photo : Tom Arban
The Kinnear Centre for Creativity & Innovation (above) is the new hub of The Banff Centre, the renowned Rocky Mountain arts and conference facility located in Banff National Park, Alberta. The three-storey, 60,000 square foot structure houses learning and meeting rooms, innovative rehearsal and performance space, plus informal gallery areas, a cafe/lounge and the Paul D. Fleck Library & Archives.
“The multi-disciplinary purposes of the Banff Centre and its setting guided the design to ensure the protection of the natural beauty, wildlife and environment within the park,” said Jarle Lovlin, Principal with Diamond Schmitt Architects.
The building scheme includes an efficient exterior building envelope, sun shading to reduce energy use and a storm water management system. The Kinnear Centre capitalizes on its stunning mountain setting and provides 100 percent of occupied space with access to views. Fully 78 percent of wood products were supplied from FSC-certified sources. A 37 percent energy cost savings relative to the MNECB was achieved.
“Going forward, the measures that enhance the environmental performance of buildings will hopefully become the standard for all building types, integrating sustainable innovation and design as these two projects have demonstrated,” added Jack Diamond, Principal with the firm.
7 Nov 2012
Brentwood Library, Toronto, Canada
image from architects
Brentwood Library
Sep 27, 2012
Ryerson Image Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Design: Diamond Schmitt Architects
photo © Tom Arban Photography Inc.
Ryerson Image Centre
Jul 18, 2012
West Kowloon Cultural District Competition, China
Shortlisted Design Team for First Arts Venue
Courtesy of the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority
West Kowloon Cultural District Competition
Shortlist of five design teams invited to submit proposals for the design of the Xiqu Centre, one of the first landmark buildings for the WKCD, scheduled for completion at the end of 2015.
Shortlisted design teams:
– BTA & RLP Company Limited
– Foster + Partners with O Studio Architects
– Mecanoo architecten / Leigh & Orange
– Safdie Architects LLC
– Wong & Ouyang (HK) Ltd. (in collaboration with Diamond and Schmitt)
May 11, 2012
St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada
Diamond Schmitt Architects
DIAMOND SCHMITT ARCHITECTS TO LEAD EARLY DESIGNS FOR HOSPITAL REDEVELOPMENT
TORONTO – Diamond Schmitt Architects has been selected by Infrastructure Ontario to lead the planning, design and compliance of a major expansion to St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. The project includes the construction of a new 17-storey patient-care tower and the renovation of approximately 150,000 square feet of existing space. The expansion will add five new operating rooms, enlarge the emergency department and relocate patient beds from an 85-year-old wing.
Earlier addition by Diamond Schmitt Architects at the St. Michael’s Hospital, the Cardinal Carter wind atop the red masonry base of the hospital, also shown is the current vacant lot where the 17-storey tower will rise:
picture Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects
Diamond Schmitt Architects will work in association with DIALOG Ontario Inc. on the redevelopment. Program features will include:
• hybrid operating rooms each large enough to include state-of-the-art medical imaging equipment that will allow surgeons to perform minimally invasive, image-guided or catheter-based procedures, as well as undertake open surgery in the same operating room.
• Enlarged, state-of-the-art facilities for orthopedic surgery, oncology, coronary care and respirology, including North America’s largest adult cystic fibrosis clinic, as well as critical care space for the coronary and medical-surgical units.
• Expansion of the current Emergency Department, which was originally designed to accommodate 45,000 patient visits, but now accommodates 70,000 patient visits a year—a number that continues to grow with the population.
“We are thrilled to be able to continue working with St Michael’s Hospital,” said Jack Diamond, Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects. “It is wonderful to work with an institution of such noble purpose, compassion and above all one that delivers such exceptional care. Our task will be to ensure an architecture commensurate with St Michael’s great attributes. This will not only be from a functional perspective, but, given the prominent location of the new patient care tower at the corner of Victoria and Queen Streets, will be the new face of St Michael’s”.
“The new patient care tower and renovation projects will ensure that St. Michael’s staff and physicians are able to provide the excellent quality of care that is our hallmark, within a state-of-the-art facility that includes the latest advances in technology and lifesaving equipment,” said Dr. Robert Howard, Chief Executive Officer, St. Michael’s Hospital.
Diamond Schmitt Architects previously designed St. Michael’s Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, a unique research and education facility; the Cardinal Carter wing and the St. Michael’s Women’s Health Clinic.
Diamond Schmitt Architects (www.dsai.ca) is a leading Canadian full-service architectural practice and is the recipient of more than 200 awards, including six Governor General’s Awards for Architecture. The firm is recognized for sustainable design expertise in healthcare facilities, academic and research buildings, the performing arts, residential and commercial properties. Current projects include The Hospital for Sick Children’s Research Tower and Bridgepoint Hospital in Toronto and the New Mariinsky Theatre, an opera house in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Mar 14, 2012
The Festival Hub at David Pecaut Square, Toronto, Canada
picture Courtesy of Diamond Schmitt Architects
Windscape Luminato Toronto
LUMINATO 2012 WINDSCAPE
Sparking an annual tradition, Luminato, Toronto Festival of Arts and Creativity, now in its sixth year, today announced that the Festival’s hub at David Pecaut Square will be transformed into an art installation for the duration of the festival, June 8-17, 2012.
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Key Projects by Diamond Schmitt Architects
Featured Buildings by Diamond and Schmitt, alphabetical:
Cambridge Civic Administration Building, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2008-
Corus Entertainment building, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2007
Esplanade Arts and Heritage Centre, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
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Foreign Ministry of Israel, Jerusalem, Israel
2007
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
2007
image Courtesy of the WKCDA
For Canadian Opera Company + National Ballet of Canada
2,000 seat auditorium
Hendrie Gateway Pavilion, Royal Ontario Botanical Gardens, Montreal, Canada
2007-
Life Sciences Building, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Los Alamos Civic Center, Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA
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Montreal Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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North Vancouver City Library, North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Sidney Harman Hall, Washington, D.C., USA
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Southbrook Vineyards, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada
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Toronto Central Waterfront, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada
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More architectural projects by Diamond Schmitt Architects online soon
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Toronto Architecture Practice Information
Diamond Schmitt Architects office based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Diamond Schmitt Architects is one of Canada’s leading architectural practices.
The firm was founded in 1975 and established in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The founding principals of the firm are architects A.J. Diamond and Donald Schmitt. It currently employs 160 architects working on projects worldwide.
Website: www.dsai.ca
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Architecture in Canada
Buildings / photos for the Diamond Schmitt Architects page welcome
