March 10, 2025

Principal David Dow has been named a Fellow of the RAIC by The College of Fellows of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada (RAIC). Fellowships are bestowed upon individuals through a nomination process in recognition of members for their contribution to research, scholarship, public service, and professional standing to the good of architecture in Canada. David has been recognized for his distinguished contribution through excellence in architectural design, design management and innovation, and his exceptional professional achievements.

David has been an invaluable contributor to the architectural community, dedicating his career to the advancement of the profession through his leadership in design, education, mentorship, public speaking, and community engagement. A principal at Diamond Schmitt since 2003, he has touched hundreds of projects, completed well over 50 buildings and won over 30 awards. 

In advancing the architecture of STEM infrastructure in North American universities, including the Bahen Centre at the University of Toronto, the Computer Science Building at the University of Michigan, and the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary, David has also advanced the art of teaching itself. The model of flexible learning his team implemented at UCalgary’s Engineering School has since become the standard for all new teaching spaces at the university. This is a standard that David further advanced when designing the university’s Mathison Hall at the Haskayne School of Business, making UCalgary the Canadian exemplar for innovation and research into learning. 

David has also elevated commercial, institutional, and residential design in Canada, creating positive change in developing neighbourhoods. He was the project architect for Corus Quay, which launched the development of Toronto’s East Bayfront. His work on The Globe and Mail Centre brought thoughtful modern design to Toronto’s St. Lawrence neighbourhood, and his leadership on TELUS Ocean will do the same for Victoria’s historic inner harbour. His collaborative approach, advocacy and design skills in condo and mixed-used buildings have bettered neighbourhoods by weaving shared social spaces into privately funded development models. He has led the profession in new directions as an advocate for architecture in Integrated Project Delivery, speaking all over North America about this collaborative method of building.

David’s energy and focus are always concentrated on the task of bettering design through engagement while moving forward to completion. In his years of practice, he has humanized the profession both outwardly by doing work that is centered on the human experience and inwardly by fostering collegiality and friendship amongst architects. 

David will be officially inducted to the RAIC College on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at a convocation ceremony during the RAIC Conference in Montreal, QC.  

See the full list of 2025 Fellows of the RAIC here.