January 12, 2026

York University Markham Campus is featured in Interior Design magazine’s Walkthrough section in an article by Lauren Jones that highlights the project’s innovative response to a compact site, its sustainability performance, and its role in shaping an inclusive academic environment that encourages interaction and connection.

The piece describes the building as “offering students an inspirational academic home shaped by daylight, movement, and sensitivity.” Architectural innovation is noted as “evident upon encountering the exterior wrapped in bronzed aluminum panels that reflect sunlight throughout the day. Curved glazing and organically shaped skylights bring that sunshine inside.”

Jones includes commentary from Principal Don Schmitt on how site constraints informed the design approach: “Because it’s such a compact site, we worked hard to create a vertical space that still feels collegial and communal.”

The layout of the interior is emphasized as central to encouraging interaction among different disciplines. “A diverse cluster of programs is organized around a curvilinear spine that weaves seating and visual connection throughout the first five floors,” fostering collaboration and informal exchange. “At ground level, a soaring atrium is the building’s social heart, where a sculptural stair in Jura Grey limestone and interlaced commons form what Schmitt described as a ‘vertical quadrangle,’ a stacked, light-filled reinterpretation of a traditional campus quad.”

Materiality and acoustics are highlighted for balancing warmth, durability, and performance. “Quarter-cut white oak details soften the envelope of polished concrete, epoxy terrazzo, and glass. Felt ceiling panels and recycled-content carpet tile in gray and York red help with acoustics.” 

Sustainability and accessibility are presented as integral to the project’s success. “High-performance glazing and south-facing windows helped the all-electric, 400,000-square-foot building achieve LEED Gold certification. Desks are height-adjustable, tiered lecture halls have ramp access, and signage is Braille.” Jones further explains how difficult site conditions shaped the outdoor spaces. “Outside, the three-level campus green is a serendipitous solution to poor soil conditions…Diamond Schmitt transformed the grounds into terraced spaces-including an Indigenous talking circle – connected by gently sloping pathways.”

In closing, the article emphasizes the building’s capacity to evolve over time. “The tower, where departments are mixed throughout to encourage interdisciplinary interaction, balances specificity with flexibility. Levels nine and 10 remain shelled for future growth, while modular classrooms, an experiential education suite, and integrated assistive listening systems support evolving needs.”

Read the full article on Interior Design magazine here.