DSAI.CA - Key Persons
Aaron Costain joined Diamond Schmitt in 2002 and was made associate in 2017. He brings a desire for design excellence to the fore in his projects, among them the Spadina Sussex Student Residence, the Robarts Library renovation and the Robarts Common addition at the University of Toronto.
His passion for design is matched with a pursuit of sustainability, expressed in high performance building envelopes for the KPMG Tower at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (LEED Gold), the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (LEED Silver), and the Cambridge Civic Administration Centre (LEED Gold), among others. Aaron has a breadth of experience in institutional projects, from feasibility studies, programming and schematic design through to construction documents and contract administration.
He is also an accomplished illustrator and author with several titles published for which he has gained a wide following.
Ana Maria Llanos leads the Vancouver studio of Diamond Schmitt and has over 20 years experience with the firm. Her work is focused on western Canada, including institutional, health care facilities, performing arts, residential, commercial, restoration and academic projects.
A commitment to design excellence is accompanied by rigorous project management skills and a proven track record of delivering complex projects on time and on budget. She is a well versed in a wide range of delivery methods and has completed projects using IPD, Stipulated Sum, CM and P3 models.
Ana Maria was Project Architect for the recently completed Emily Carr University of Art + Design, a landmark for the City of Vancouver and a state-of-the-art facility for 3,800 students, faculty and staff. As Executive Architects for the large Oakridge Redevelopment, she is leading Diamond Schmitt's involvement to deliver residential towers, the Civic Centre and the interior design of the retail areas.
She is a graduate of UBC's School of Architecture and is rooted in the west coast lifestyle of British Columbia.
Andrea has more than 10 years of international experience working in the architecture and design industry, both in media and public relations, identifying trends and developing design narratives for various collateral.
Andrea has collaborated with global brands and clients across a range of creative sectors on the planning and implementation of media campaigns, utilizing her innate ability to tell stories and express ideas visually and textually to boost brand awareness. Her unique professional background and perspective have allowed her to develop a strong editorial sensibility that has led her to create quality communications and deliver engaging content that speaks to diverse audiences across online and print platforms.
In particular, she brings a good understanding of the digital space with expertise in online publishing, content management, and social media engagement.
Antra Roze has over 30 years of design, development and construction experience of large, complex projects for both private and public sector clients. She has worked internationally on the design of venues for the performing arts, healthcare, commercial, institutional, assisted housing and mixed-used developments.
Antra has distinguished herself on multifaceted projects requiring intricate project management and coordination of large owner and consultant teams. She was the project architect on the award-winning Bridgepoint Active Healthcare in Toronto, which included the renovation of the historic Don Jail. She completed the innovative reconfiguration of the Toronto Centre for the Arts Lyric and Greenwin Theatres and continues to work on projects that require a high degree of collaboration, imagination and management skills. Antra recently completed the Living and Learning Centre, a hybrid academic and residential building, at McMaster University in Hamilton.
Antra is a firm believer in the need to design sustainable architecture and is an active member on the company's Sustainability Committee. She has given a number of public presentations on various green initiatives and continues to strive to educate clients, consultants and mentor junior architects.
Being fascinated by architecture and design from an early age, Arne pursued this passion through a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Toronto. After joining Diamond Schmitt Architects in 2013 he has been engaged on numerous projects of truly varied scales: From temporary pavilions sheltering dozens through to multi-tower developments housing thousands, his attention to detail and design are central to them all. His portfolio of experience includes a broad range of building typologies, from institutional academic facilities to residential projects, through to commercial spaces and installations.
Developing designs hand-in-hand with sustainable objectives is a key element of his design ethos, and this belief in implementing real-world solutions drew him to become involved in the Passive House community, culminating in becoming a Certified Passive House Designer in 2017. Looking to elevate the design process further, he has been a leading voice at the firm for exploring digital fabrication hand-in-hand with computational design, and to expand design exploration through the firm's fabrication space.
Cameron Turvey has a commitment to design integrity through incorporating materials research, environmental considerations, visualization, and surrounding context into daily practice. He maintains a belief that there is the potential for any project to achieve "Gesamtkunstwerk" or total work of art, regardless of the circumstances under which it was conceived.
Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2008 Cameron has taken the opportunity to participate in a wide range of complex institutional projects from teaching and research laboratories to hospitals and museum facilities. More recently he has been extensively involved with mixed use high rise residential/commercial. What these typologies have in common is an inherent complexity that requires problem solving of a higher order. It is this challenge which he finds engaging while bringing together stakeholders throughout the various stages of the project from initial sketch to ribbon cutting.
In the community he has written scholarly articles advocating for the preservation of overlooked works by early modern architectural masters and joined in the development of a permanent facility for a local not-for-profit modern dance company.
Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2008, Catherine has been focused on the design and construction administration of laboratory, research facilities and complex academic facilities. Among current projects are Ādisōke (Ottawa Public Library - Library Archive of Canada), the Factory of the National Research Council (NRC) of Canada's Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility in Winnipeg, the NRC's Advanced Materials Research Facility in Mississauga, the Canada Centre for Inland Waters Lab Modernization, the Undergrad Life Sciences Teaching Lab at the University of British Columbia, and the DARE District at Algonquin College.
With years of experience and involvement throughout various stages of project delivery, Catherine meets demanding deadlines and challenging deliverables by shifting priorities and identifying critical paths to be effective and efficient, without compromising design. With the client and occupants' best interests in mind, Catherine ensures no opportunity is to be missed in enhancing the performance and functional use of the designed spaces.
Cecily is a LEED Green Associate and a Passive House Certified Designer. At Diamond Schmitt, Cecily has contributed to a number of innovative projects, including the LEED Platinum certified canmetMATERIALS Technology Laboratory at McMaster Innovation Park; the Public Health Ontario laboratories at MaRs; the Residence and Culinary Arts School for Centennial College; the Laboratory Modernization for Environment and Climate Change at the Canada Centre for Inland Waters; and more recently, the New Vic at McGill University.
In addition to project work, Cecily enjoys sharing her knowledge and has presented at both academic and professional design workshops and seminars. A graduate of McGill University, Cecily holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Toronto and a Master of Social Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Chris has worked in the architectural profession for 30 years, as a student, graduate and a registered architect. He has managed a broad range of projects and specializes in complex commercial, institutional and assembly building types. He has extensive experience at all levels of design, production and contract administration, and offers expertise in building science and envelope design.
Chris' projects all have a single commonality: they required a very high level of coordination and design excellence. Chris joined Diamond Schmitt in 2015 and for most of this time worked on the Senate of Canada Building redevelopment in Ottawa and focused on the construction phase of the Holy Blossom Temple Renewal in Toronto. He is a collaborator, a mentor, and a problem solver.
Job Titles:
- Principals Senior Associates Associates Directors Staff Member
Cynthia Carbonneau studied architecture at McGill University in Montreal where she received a Bachelor of Science Architecture degree and a Master of Architecture.
Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2008, Cynthia has distinguished herself in the performing arts portfolio. Her involvement has included key responsibilities on La Maison Symphonique in Montreal, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre in St.Catharines, Ontario, the design phase of the New Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia, and the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts and Sciences in Texas.
In addition to her work in the performing arts sector, Cynthia's experience includes institutional and residential projects. She worked on The Globe and Mail Centre, the LEED GOLD-certified Hadden Hall Recreational Centre for Lakefield College School; the Health Science Building for the Santa Fe Community College in New Mexico, and the Davisville-Balliol residential towers in Toronto.
Dale McDowell has been engaged in all aspects of design and development work, from design inception through construction administration, during her 20 years with Diamond Schmitt. She is committed to design excellence and buildings that work for the people who occupy them.
Her focus on communication, collaboration and design excellence has contributed to many award-winning projects. Among these are The Globe and Mail Centre, with its rhythmic sequence of cantilevered viewing terraces on all sides of the building; the wood-lined Salvation Army Harbour Light; Bridgepoint Active Healthcare with its adaptive re-use of the historic Don Jail; the energy-efficient Bahen Centre at University of Toronto; and the Oakville Trafalgar Community Centre that was delivered by Integrated Project Delivery, a highly collaborative procurement method.
Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2003, Dan Gallivan has applied his design acumen to a wide range of projects and studies across the firm's portfolio of building types. The scope of this work includes everything from Building Code and life-safety analysis, planning, programming and schematic design though to construction documents and contract administration.
Among his projects are the LEED Platinum-certified Algonquin College Centre for Construction Excellence in Ottawa; The Max M. Fisher Music Centre in Detroit; offices for West Face Capital; the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington D.C.; the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building at Drexel University in Philadelphia, as well as the Bahen Centre for Information Technology at University of Toronto. The Lethbridge College TRIPP project led Dan to become an advocate for the development of sustainable approaches to construction utilizing mass timber and digital fabrication technologies.
He was made an Associate in 2015 and is currently working numerous institutional and commercial projects as well as coordinating the efforts of the in-house Design Communications Team.
Daniel Klinck is an accomplished architect with over 35 years of experience. His body of work encompasses a wide range of disciplines and project types, from small-scale residential and institutional projects to complex architectural and urban planning commissions. He has held leadership positions in numerous prominent award-winning projects and garnered recognition for his contributions to accessible design, heritage restoration and adaptive re-use, community and urban planning, as well as both market and social housing.
Daniel has advanced technical skills and has received RAIC commendation for excellence in contract documentation. He has taught as sessional lecturer at the Ryerson University School of Urban Planning in Toronto and was appointed guest advisor to the Department of Engineering at George Brown College. Daniel's recent projects include the expansion of Osgoode Hall Law School at York University; CampusOne student housing at University of Toronto; and Mirvish Village, an expansive mixed-use redevelopment of a landmark Toronto city block.
Job Titles:
- Principals Senior Associates Associates Directors Staff Member
Since joining Diamond Schmitt more than twenty years ago, David Dow has been a key player in the growth of the company. He has implemented many projects of varying size and budget within a broad portfolio of completed work. Among these are the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary, numerous residential projects, the Bahen Centre for Information Technology at the University of Toronto, and the Computer Science and Engineering Building at the University of Michigan.
He enjoys tackling large and complex design problems to which he brings a pragmatic sensibility and creative flair. His demonstrated ability to work with developer, institutional and private owner clients is testament to his collaborative approach to design.
David graduated from the University of Dundee, Scotland, and the University of Waterloo. With a perspective informed by his early education in Scotland and life in Toronto, he has also lived in Tokyo, Rome and Boston. This cosmopolitan upbringing has enabled him to understand and interpret sensitive local architectural issues.
With multiple Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) projects completed under his direction, he is an acknowledged industry leader in this relatively new and highly collaborative contract type and has spoken on the topic at conferences across North America.
Dennis Giobbe is a graduate of Ryerson University and the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, New York and joined Diamond Schmitt Architects in 2003. He has worked on all aspects of production and has a deep understanding of construction administration on numerous highly technical projects. He takes pride is forming relationships with the contractor team to see the design vision become reality.
In a Project Architect role, Dennis worked with Public Health Ontario on the Toronto Laboratory at MaRS Centre Phase II. His responsibilities included coordinating the design and managing the project team. He successfully expedited time-sensitive revisions to the base building under construction as the lab was being designed.
Dennis was an integral team member on the School of Medicine Building at Queen's University and also worked on the LEED Gold Integrated Sciences Building at Drexel University in Philadelphia. His expertise in laboratory design extends to a Biorepository Centre for Public Health Ontario, the Sustainable Crop Research and Innovation Centre and Campus Master Plan for the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, and the BioSciences Renewal Project at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver.
Job Titles:
- Architect With the Ontario Association of Architects
Diana Saragosa first joined Diamond Schmitt upon completing a Bachelor of Environmental Studies. After graduating with a Master of Architecture from University of Waterloo she returned to Diamond Schmitt in 2005. She has worked on a range of projects in a variety of roles including design and detailing on the Corus Quay office building, High Park condominium, the Medical Education Building at University of Windsor, and the KPMG Tower at the SmartVMC District in Vaughan.
Diana is a licensed architect with the Ontario Association of Architects and a certified Passive House Certified Designer. She has also been responsible for leading the interiors team and engineering systems coordination for the PwC-YMCA Building, also at the SmartVMC District. Diana worked on the concept design for the LiUNA office project and was the project architect for the University of Toronto Schools (UTS) expansion and renewal.
With over twenty years of experience as a practicing architect, Dieter's work and curiosity have led to a broad range of collaborations with media & textile artists, photographers, dance and theatre groups, structural engineers, landscape architects, furniture designers, and graphic designers. These relationships have contributed to a unique expertise in a range of building types and spaces, from cultural and institutional, to transit infrastructure, urban, residential, and exhibition-based spaces.
Dieter joined Diamond Schmitt in 2015 and has been part of the team responsible for the award-winning design for the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa, as well as the University of Guelph's MacKinnon Building renovation for their College of Arts and IICSI programme. Dieter is a member of the OAA and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, and a photographer.
Job Titles:
- Founding Chair of the Public Art Commission for the City of Toronto
- Well - Known Canadian Architect
Donald Schmitt is a well-known Canadian architect whose practice is built on the transformative power of design. As a principal of Diamond Schmitt Architects, he is committed to the design of architecture that transcends convention and enriches everyday life. He is passionate about functionality, innovation, elegance, and sustainability.
Don is the Founding Chair of the Public Art Commission for the City of Toronto for which he was awarded the Civic Medal and is currently a member of the University of Toronto Design Review Panel. He served on the Design Review Panel of the National Capital Commission for over a decade and for many years for Waterfront Toronto.
His recent designs include the transformation of the National Arts Centre and the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa; the Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at Sick Children's Hospital; Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver; Lazaridis Hall at Wilfrid Laurier University; and the compact mixed-use, transit connected, pedestrian oriented SmartCentres Place in Vaughan, at 20 million square feet, one of North America's ground breaking new urban neighbourhoods.
Donald Schmitt is a Member of the Order of Canada.
Duncan Bates has a broad range of design experience and has made significant contributions as a design leader since joining the firm in 2005. Projects include the envelope of the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at Sickkids Hospital and the PwC-YMCA Tower at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.
As a resident of Guelph, Duncan is pleased to have led the competition-winning proposal for a new central library and 120-unit condominium building that will occupy the north block of the Baker District Redevelopment, a transformational project in downtown Guelph.
Duncan Higgins earned his design degrees at the Mackintosh School of Architecture in his native Scotland before emigrating to Canada. Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2002, he has developed considerable experience in the design of academic and research buildings and sports architecture.
For The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at SickKids Hospital, he was project architect through all stages of design, from concept to construction to post-occupancy evaluation. He combined his love of sport and architecture as project manager for the multi-purpose Varsity Centre and Pavilion at the University of Toronto and the Ronald Joyce Stadium at McMaster University.
He guided the renewal of Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, home to the oldest Jewish congregation in Ontario. The project creates a dramatic communal space that connects the existing historic Sanctuary and school buildings with a light-filled atrium and improved community facilities.
Duncan led the team in delivering the Ingenium Centre in Ottawa, a state-of-the-art facility designed to protect and showcase Canada's science and technology collection. He is currently engaged with the University of Windsor to renovate and transform the robust but modest 1970s Brutalist gem that is the Faculty of Law.
Elcin Unal has over 20 years of professional experience working as an architect. Her diverse portfolio of work includes academic, cultural, residential, and institutional projects.
Elcin joined Diamond Schmitt in 2006 and was one of the lead architects on the National Arts Centre Rejuvenation in Ottawa and the Innovation Centre at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. She has also been part of the team responsible for Peel Memorial Centre, the Environmental Science and Chemistry Building at the University of Toronto's Scarborough Campus, Daniels Spectrum Arts and Cultural Centre in Regent Park, Banff Kinnear Centre for Creativity and Innovation, and the Centre for Green Cities at Evergreen Brick Works in Toronto.
She is currently the project architect for the Yonge Street Mission Opportunity Centre which includes office, retail, and residential programs.
Elcin received her Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Toronto.
Elena has over twelve years of professional experience, on a wide variety of project types, scales, and budgets, with particular focus on educational and community projects. She is experienced and at ease in all project phases and tasks, bringing a particular emphasis tailoring the design process to each project.
Elena first joined Diamond Schmitt Architects' Toronto studio as a student during several cooperative work terms and rejoined the company once the Vancouver office opened its doors. She is a registered Architect AIBC, a LEED-accredited professional, and is trained in principles and techniques of public engagement. Elena graduated with Honours Bachelor of Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture from University of Waterloo.
Elena is an experienced architect who works with a broad range of teams and organizations to help them plan, design, and execute projects that reflect their aspirations and visions, ensuring that each project reflects their existing needs as well as seizing the opportunities to amplify its potential. Elena is passionate about strategic planning, urban planning, and city-making, and truly believes that how we shape our buildings and communities will significantly influence how we live, work, learn, and play.
Emily Baxter studied architecture at McGill University in Montreal where she received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture.
Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2013, Emily has been involved in a variety of project typologies, including academic, commercial, civic, and cultural buildings, establishing herself as a key designer on a number of projects. These include the Cor Van Raay YMCA at the ATB Centre in Lethbridge, the Laurentian University Campus Modernization project in Sudbury, and the KPMG Office Tower in Vaughan (LEED Gold). Across her work, Emily utilizes clearly defined concepts to bring clients' ideas and aspirations to life and create buildings that enhance their context and user experience.
Emily is currently working on the New Vic at McGill University, a large academic project that includes new construction and the revitalization of existing heritage buildings.
Alongside her project work, Emily has been involved in numerous competitions including the London Holocaust Memorial, the London Symphony Centre for Music, the Montreal Holocaust Museum, and Toronto's Quayside development.
Emily is passionate about advancing education and collaborative design initiatives in the office and is a member of Diamond Schmitt's Internal Education Committee.
Eric Lucassen received a Bachelors of Science degree in Architecture from Ryerson University and a Masters of Architecture from the University of Manitoba. He became a member of the Ontario Association of Architects in 2013.
Eric joined Diamond Schmitt Architects in 2006 and was named Associate in 2016. As an Associate, Eric is responsible for delivering projects from pursuit / concept design through to end of construction. In addition to architectural projects, Eric's management responsibilities include chairing the project management committee and developing office standards and training seminars.
Eric's approach to architecture lies not only in design excellence, but also technical excellence. His in-depth experience and knowledge in both design and construction helps him ensure his team produces construction documents to the highest standards possible.
Erin Broda is a talented designer and communicator. She is a strong advocate for her clients, ensuring that their priorities are preserved throughout the design process - from preliminary meetings to the completion of projects. Her skill in navigating through complex design and construction decisions make her an invaluable team leader at Diamond Schmitt. Erin's enthusiasm and belief in the positive impact of good design drives her collaboration with clients and colleagues to deliver projects that improve the daily experience of the places where we live and work.
Erin is a licensed architect with the Ontario Association of Architects and is a Passive House Certified Designer. Erin brings a wide range of experience to her architectural practice. She has worked in landscape architecture as well as urban design, in public space planning for campuses, and large-scale infrastructure and municipal projects. Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2014, her design work includes the Whitchurch-Stouffville Leisure Centre & Library, University of Michigan's Weiser Hall, and the York Woods Library and Theatre in Toronto.
Job Titles:
- Project Architect for the Innovation Village at Fanshawe College
Ewa Rudzik is a graduate of the University of Waterloo. She is a licensed architect with the Ontario Association of Architects and a LEED Accredited Professional.
Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2015, Ewa has worked across a diverse range of projects. These include mixed-use developments, healthcare facilities and academic institutions like Waterworks, the Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre at Michael Garron Hospital, and the University of Toronto Schools. She has a keen interest in clients' needs and goals so that the design response is carefully considered and additive on many levels-that being programmatically, contextually and technically. Ewa manages her teams through various phases of a project, meeting deliverables on highly complex builds-from schematic design to project completion.
Ewa is currently project architect for the Innovation Village at Fanshawe College. The academic program involves the transformation of two adjacent buildings and a new five-storey addition, and includes a modernized library, Indigenous spirit assembly, creative production spaces, a centre for research and innovation, the Leap Junction entrepreneurship centre, and student meeting and collaboration spaces.
Job Titles:
- Architect With the Ontario Association of Architects
Fernanda approaches each project she works on through the guiding principle that a positive collaborative team effort is the corner stone of success. She focuses on being able to translate ideas into realities, while being responsive to each project's complexities, unique location, and cultural context. High performance, sustainability and thoughtful attention to detail are key concepts in her design process.
Fernanda is a licensed architect with the Ontario Association of Architects and is a Passive House Certified Designer. Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2012, she has brought her professional, detail-oriented attention to a wide variety of projects that include institutional, labs, educational and residential buildings. Her most current projects include Bristol Court Residential Tower and the SAM Centre for the Calgary Stampede Foundation. Her previous work with the firm includes the Senate of Canada Building, Public Health Ontario and Ontario Institute of Cancer Research Laboratories, the UK Holocaust Memorial Competition and the University of British Columbia BioSciences Renewal Project, amongst others.
Job Titles:
- Principal at Diamond Schmitt
Gary McCluskie is a Principal at Diamond Schmitt. In over 30 years of practice, he has championed the design of many of the firm's leading performance, arts, and civic-focused architecture. Gary's projects contribute to the global culture by combining creativity, consultation, and a commitment to design excellence and sustainability. An expert force, he activates these cultural initiatives with community engagement and the goal of ensuring an immersive experience.
Gary is currently leading the firm's New York office-and the transformation of David Geffen Hall-while also managing Canadian projects such as Ādisōke, the Ottawa Public Library - Library and Archives Canada, and Robarts Common at the University of Toronto. He is recognized for delivering architectural milestones that are versatile, functional, engaging, and beloved by clients, patrons, artists and performers alike. His past projects includes Four Seasons Centre for Performing Arts in Toronto, La Maison Symphonique in Montreal, and the New Mariinsky Theatre in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Gary Watson joined Diamond Schmitt Architects as a student in 2000 and never left. As his career advanced, he worked on a number of award-winning projects, including large-scale academic buildings, athletic facilities, theatres, hospitals, offices and residential.
Giuseppe joined Diamond Schmitt Architects in 2006 and brings over 20 years of design experience on a variety of projects including health care facilities, recreation centres, arenas, residential developments, historic and heritage designated buildings, and academic facilities.
A capable team leader and mentor, Giuseppe has a passion for sustainability, emerging construction methods, and community building. Combining these in a clarity of design is a motivating factor in his work as his desire to continuously evolve in unison with the practice of architecture.
Giuseppe has been part of the team responsible for the award-winning design for Bridgepoint Active Health in Toronto, as well as the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia. He is currently working on the Michael Garron Hospital project which will see a transformation of this early twentieth century group of buildings into a modern health care facility and a hub to a vibrant Toronto neighbourhood.
Graeme Reed joined the firm in 2002 and was integral to a number of winning design competitions as well as several design teams for high-profile projects including the University of British Columbia Life Sciences Center, the UBC Chemical and Biological Engineering building and the McGill University Bellini Life Science. Graeme also worked on the early phases of design of La Maison Symphonique in Montreal.
Beginning in 2008 Graeme spent 6 years living and working in New York City before rejoining Diamond Schmitt Architects in 2014 as Project Architect for the Senate of Canada's interim home - the restored and transformed original Beaux-Arts Ottawa Union Station. Graeme also played a role in the winning design competition in 2015 to revitalize David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center and later participated in the London Symphony Orchestra design competition.
Graeme enjoys discovering design through listening, exploring and collaborating. He enjoys the challenge of designing complex systems, coordinating design disciplines alongside large construction management and trade teams and believes in design assist. He continues to work on projects in Canada and the US and develop the firm's New York practice.
Job Titles:
- Principals Senior Associates Associates Directors Staff Member
Greg Colucci is dedicated to advancing Diamond Schmitt's mission of transforming lives through design, particularly within its healthcare portfolio. Nowhere better than healthcare can one effectuate positive outcomes for those who require them the most.
This belief in the restorative power of good design to heal and transform lives is manifest throughout an extensive portfolio of healthcare projects, including Bridgepoint Active Health Care, which received the Governor General's Medal in Architecture. Greg led the design and clinical planning team for the 400,000sf expansion of Medicine Hat Regional Hospital as well as led the firm's design of the Peel Memorial Health Centre in Brampton. He is currently developing a master plan on two campuses for the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ontario.
Haley Zhou values the careful balance between rich narratives, thoughtful execution, and a collaborative workflow. Coming from a family of teachers, he has always been interested in exploring the positive impact a learning space can have on its occupants and community.
Since first joining Diamond Schmitt in 2010 as a student from the University of Waterloo, Haley has contributed to a variety of project types with a focus on academic projects, including Lazaridis Hall at Wilfrid Laurier University and the Innovation Centre at Red River College. The latter included leading an open call for Indigenous artwork that become integrated design elements for feature spaces within the building. Currently, he is working on the New Vic at McGill University.
As a member of Diamond Schmitt's internal continuing education program, Haley contributes to the planning and execution of themed lectures series, workshops and initiatives looking to elevate both design and technical expertise within the office.He is also involved in student recruitment and mentorship with the Black Architects and Interior Designers Association (BAIDA) and the University of Waterloo. Haley is a Passive House Certified Designer.
Harvey Wu has more than 20 years of experience as a project manager and architect working predominately on institutional and cultural facilities in Canada and the US. He enjoys close engagement with clients and a holistic approach to problem-solving in the pursuit of design excellence.
During his time at Diamond Schmitt, he has played key roles in a variety of academic, institutional, and commercial projects. These include the Alexandra Park Passive House Pilot in Toronto, Pickering College, Chris Gibson Community Centre in Brampton, and the North Park Community Centre in Oakville. He is currently project architect for the 22,000 sf Fire Station and Child Care Centre addition and renovation for Metro Hall in downtown Toronto. In his role as lead, he manages all client-side communication, consultant coordination, and continues his experience as an early adopter of BIM in coordinating the project's documentation on the cloud.
Harvey holds a master's degree in architecture from the University of Toronto and is a CAGBC LEED Accredited Professional.
Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 1998 as comptroller, Helen Kabriel has been instrumental in guiding the firm through a period of significant and complex growth. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, she also received a post-graduate degree in Commerce from the University of Windsor. With professional experience in banking, office procedures and project management, she has focused exclusively on architectural accounting since 1985. Helen's knowledge and expertise has provided the firm with a strong business base which helped lay the foundation for being recognized as one of Canada's 50 Best Managed Companies since 2004.
A founding member of the Society for Design Administration Canada, she received the highest achievement award available from the organization in 2001 and again in 2008. Helen has been on the executive committee of Canstruction, a charity for the design and construction industry, since its inception in 1988. She is now in an advisory capacity for this charitable competition where teams from the design industry create large structures out of thousands of cans of food, the proceeds of which go to the local food bank.
Helmut Klassen has over twenty years of professional experience in architecture. Before joining Diamond Schmitt in 2016, he developed expertise in the typology of museums, galleries, and archives working with Lundholm Associates, the nationally recognized museum planning firm. He sees each project as a unique model of the evolving public role of museums and galleries achieved through meaningful design coupled with knowledge of fundamental design criteria for care and preservation of collections.
His experience includes work on functional programming, feasibility planning, and architectural design for collection-based museums, galleries, archives, and libraries across Canada. His project work at Diamond Schmitt includes the Ingenium Collections and Conservation Centre in Ottawa, a new collection facility for Reynolds-Alberta Museum, a strategic action plan for a new art gallery, museum, and performance complex for Vernon, British Columbia, the Ottawa Public Library - Library Archives Canada Joint Facility, the relocation of the City of Vancouver Archives in the iconic Central Library, and currently, the SAM Centre for the Calgary Stampede.
Job Titles:
- Principals Senior Associates Associates Directors Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Western Student Recreation Centre - London, Ontario, Canada
Job Titles:
- Principals Senior Associates Associates Directors Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Business Development
Job Titles:
- Principals Senior Associates Associates Directors Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Principals Senior Associates Associates Directors Staff Member
Job Titles:
- Principals Senior Associates Associates Directors Staff Member