Jack Diamond, one of the founders of architecture firm Diamond Schmitt, passed away Oct. 30, a week shy of his 90th birthday.

Born in South Africa, educated in architecture at the University of Capetown and Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University, Diamond established his first architectural practice in South Africa.

After teaching at the University of Pennsylvania and working with the legendary Louis Kahn he inaugurated the Master of Architecture program at the University of Toronto in 1964.

Diamond’s contribution to urban reform was profound.  He led the implementation of infill housing in Toronto to strengthen existing neighbourhoods at risk. He demonstrated the economic and societal benefits of transforming heritage for new uses. He illustrated low-rise alternatives to high-rise development at comparable land use densities.  He articulated the negative impacts of low density suburban sprawl on public transit, servicing costs, social cohesion and the environment.

Over his career, he worked on numerous projects including the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts in Toronto, The Foreign Ministry and the City Hall, both in Jerusalem, Israel, the Mariinsky II Opera and Ballet Hall in St. Petersburg, Russia and the Life Sciences Centre and Medical School at the University of British Columbia.

He was a teacher, collaborator and mentor who shaped an exhilarating studio culture. A significant number of architects mentored by the office have also formed important practices in Toronto, across Canada and abroad.

He was a Gold Medalist of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, a Member of the Order of Ontario and an Officer of the Order of Canada.

One of his last works of architecture was the 2016 design for the United Kingdom Holocaust Memorial in Victoria Tower Gardens adjacent to Whitehall and the British Parliament in London.

A celebration of Jack Diamond’s life will be held on November 19 at 4:30pm at the Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts.