March 18, 2026

Principal Michael Leckman 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. Michael has been recognized for his distinguished contribution through excellence in architectural design, design management and innovation, and his exceptional professional achievements.

As a principal at Diamond Schmitt for the past 22 years, Michael has demonstrated distinguished leadership in advancing the quality, sustainability, and civic purpose of architecture in Canada—consistently leveraging architecture as a means to enhance the health and vitality of communities. 

He has shaped a body of work defined by design excellence, environmental innovation, and civic engagement across a diverse range of architectural typologies. His projects—including the York University Student Centre, recipient of a Governor General’s Award of Merit in Architecture; the Bahen Centre at the University of Toronto; the Algonquin Centre for Construction Excellence; the Centre for Green Cities at Evergreen Brick Works; and Manitou a bi Bii daziigae at RRC Polytech, the first Canadian building to feature a custom photovoltaic rainscreen—exemplify architecture’s capacity to inspire and transform communities. 

Michael’s current leadership on the Art Gallery of Ontario’s Dani Reiss Modern and Contemporary Gallery, as well as the revitalization of the New Brunswick Museum, continues to advance a forward-looking vision for cultural and institutional architecture. Recent projects also include a series of facilities for paramedic services across Ontario, such as the Toronto Paramedic Services Multi-Function Station 02, the Docksteader Paramedic Reporting Station, and the Halton Region Paramedic Services Headquarters.

Beyond his professional achievements, his influence extends through mentorship, teaching, and nineteen years of service on Toronto’s Design Review Panel. He leads the studio recruitment committee at Diamond Schmitt and mentors a new generation of designers with a monthly seminar on design detailing. 

His career reflects an enduring commitment to design integrity, technical excellence, and the public realm—qualities that have profoundly shaped Canada’s architectural landscape.

Michael will be officially inducted to the RAIC College on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at a convocation ceremony during the 2026 RAIC Conference in Vancouver, BC.  

See the full list of 2026 Fellows of the RAIC here.