July 16, 2025

Each year, The Architect’s Newspaper presents the Facades+ conference, held in cities across North America. This event brings together architects, engineers, and building professionals to explore the latest developments in building enclosure design, technology, and performance.

This year’s Toronto event, taking place on September 26, is co-chaired by members of Diamond Schmitt’s leadership team: Principal Michael Leckman, Senior Associate Dieter Janssen, and Associate Alison Modl.

The one-day program will feature a curated lineup of panel discussions, case studies, and roundtables led by top design professionals. Topics will include the fast-paced evolution of facade technology, new perspectives on building skins, and innovative, sustainable design practices. Attendees will also have the opportunity to network with industry experts and learn about strategies for increasing climate resilience and energy performance.

As co-chairs, the Diamond Schmitt team will help lead the day’s agenda and present and moderate two program sessions:

• Michael, Dieter, and Alison will present a panel discussion on the "Evolution of BIPV: Building as Micro Power Plant" which will explore the evolving use of building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) in recent Diamond Schmitt projects, the challenges impeding wider adoption, and solutions for overcoming barriers through trade collaboration and communication. 
  
  
• Dieter will moderate a roundtable discussion titled "High Performance, Low Carbon—Innovations in Prefabricated and Modular Façade Design" which will examine the AEC industry’s adoption of these envelope systems. The panel will include insights from both public and private sector experts and highlight new systems and manufacturing techniques that facilitate prefabrication, and how these align with municipal initiatives to build housing and decarbonize the built environment.

Learn more about Facades+ Toronto conference and register here.