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Donald Schmitt Architect

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June 28, 2019

Donald Schmitt Architect News

Donald Schmitt Named To The Order Of Canada

Toronto, Ontario – Donald R. M. Schmitt, Principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects, has been appointed to the Order of Canada.

June 27th, 2019 – Don is a recognized leader in the architectural community at home and abroad and is known as a champion of sustainable environments and design excellence.

Donald R. M. Schmitt Architect:
Donald Schmitt Architect - The Order Of Canada
photograph : Jim Ryce

The Order of Canada is one of the highest civilian honours, recognizing outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The motto of the Order is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM, or “They desire a better country.”

The Lazaridis Hall building, Wilfrid Laurier University (WLU), Waterloo, Ontario, Canada:
The Lazaridis Hall building Wilfrid Laurier University Ontario
photo : Doublespace Photography

Don’s portfolio includes many iconic buildings across Canada. Among recent projects are the high-rise laboratories of The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at Sickids in Toronto; the new campus of Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver; and the highly collaborative academic environment of Lazaridis Hall at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario.

Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Vancouver, Canada
photo : Tom Arban Photography

He is also known for the re-imagination of landmark historical buildings, notably the National Arts Centre and The Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa, where he is currently leading the design for the Ottawa Public Library and Library and Archives Canada joint facility. A giving, civic-minded architect, Don lends his expertise to numerous cultural initiatives and design review panels.

National Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada:
National Arts Centre, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
photo : Doublespace Photography

The citation from Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, recognizes Don “for his rehabilitation of iconic heritage buildings and for his sustainable architectural designs.”

Senate of Canada Building interior, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada:
Senate of Canada Building by Diamond Schmitt Architects
photo : Tom Arban Photography

On learning of his appointment, Don Schmitt said, “I am honoured and humbled to be among Canadians from all walks of life as a Member of the Order of Canada.”

The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning – Sick Kids, Toronto, Ontario:
The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning - Sick Kids Toronto
photo : Tom Arban Photography

Don was born in South Porcupine, Ontario and graduated from the University of Toronto School of Architecture, winning the RAIC medal. Diamond Schmitt Architects has completed a wide range of projects worldwide and has received seven Governor General’s Medals in Architecture.

The investiture of the Order of Canada will be held at a date to be set by Rideau Hall.

Diamond Schmitt Architects

Photo Credits:

Don Schmitt: Jim Ryce
Lazaridis Hall WLU: Doublespace Photography
National Arts Centre: Doublespace Photography
Senate of Canada Building: Tom Arban Photography
Emily Carr University: Tom Arban Photography
Peter Gilgan Research SickKids: Tom Arban Photography

More office news from Diamond Schmitt Architects online soon

Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Diamond Schmitt Architects

Key Recent Buildings by Diamond Schmitt Architects

Metropolitan Toronto Central YMCA, Ontario, Canada
Metropolitan Toronto Central YMCA Building
photograph : Fiona Spalding-Smith
Metropolitan Toronto Central YMCA

DARE District at Algonquin College, Ottawa, Canada
DARE District at Algonquin College in Ottawa
image courtesy of architects
DARE District at Algonquin College

Museum Subway Station, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Museum Subway Station Toronto
photo : Elizabeth Gyde
Museum Subway Station Toronto Building

Toronto Architect

Canadian Architecture

Buildings by DSA

More Buildings by DSA

Ambulatory Care Building, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Design: Gibbs Gage Architects and Diamond Schmitt
Medicine Hat Regional Hospital Ambulatory Care Building
photo : Tom Arban Photography
Ambulatory Care Building, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital

Innovation Centre at Red River College Exchange District Campus, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Design: Diamond Schmitt Architects with Number TEN Architectural Group
Innovation Centre at Red River College Exchange District Campus in Winnipeg
picture courtesy of architects office
Innovation Centre at Red River College

North York Central Library Building, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
North York Central Library Building in Toronto
photo : Lisa Logan Photography
Museum Station Toronto Building

Canadian Architects

Toronto Architecture

Architecture Studios

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Website: www.dsai.ca