Participant Spotlight: How Diamond Schmitt Architects Is Designing for a Sustainable Future

UN Global Compact Network Canada's Participant Spotlight series highlights businesses across Canada that are turning sustainability commitments into real action. 

Network Canada Participants are embedding the Ten Principles into their operations, advancing the SDGs, and helping shape a more sustainable and equitable future for business in Canada and beyond.

Diamond Schmitt is a leading architecture firm with a portfolio spanning performing arts, healthcare, science and technology, academic, and civic projects across Canada and internationally. A Network Canada Participant since 2024, Diamond Schmitt is demonstrating how SMEs can be powerful drivers of sustainable communities. We spoke with Lisa A. Prime, MCIP RPP, LEED AP, Director of Sustainability, about how the firm is putting the SDGs to work.

1. How does Diamond Schmitt Architects use the SDGs in their day-to-day work?

"At Diamond Schmitt Architects, we use the Sustainable Development Goals as a framework for advancing the architectural objectives embedded in our sustainability strategy, which has an overall focus on energy, embodied carbon, health, social sustainability, and resilience.

2. What has being a UN Global Compact Network Canada Participant meant for Diamond Schmitt Architects?

"Being part of the UN Global Compact Network Canada has helped us shape our strategy and our voice, reinforcing our contribution to global progress through projects that strengthen cities and communities. Through access to global best practices tailored to Canadian realities, we gain insights into evolving standards, reporting requirements, and regulatory expectations, allowing us to stay ahead of risk while advancing long-term value. Opportunities to engage in working groups, peer learning platforms, and senior leadership roundtables also enable us to connect with peers and to help shape the sustainability agenda in Canada, and engage on issues affecting our international projects." 

3. Which of the 17 SDGs are the pressing priorities for architects and planners?

"SDG 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities, challenges us as a sector to create cities and human settlements that are inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Advancing SDG 11 requires strong interrelated actions from across all functions of our community, including architects, designers, developers, industry partners, and other stakeholders."

4. What are the biggest challenges facing the planning and development community in advancing the SDGs?

"We don't plan communities and cities for the future by thinking in silos. Issues of water, ecology, climate, infrastructure, and economic development are interconnected, and a few of the areas where everyone needs to have a seat at the table."

5. What does it look like when sustainability becomes more than just a strategy, and what can others learn from it?

"The planning and development communities, both public and private, have an opportunity to lead by example. By engaging with the UN Global Compact Network Canada, we can demonstrate how sustainability is delivered in action and align with internationally recognized standards."

Diamond Schmitt Architects is one of more than 200 Canadian businesses advancing sustainable and ethical business practices through UN Global Compact Network Canada. Ready to make an impact and add your organization's voice to the movement? Become a UN Global Compact Network Canada participant today.

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