October 2, 2020

The Ontario Association of Architects (OAA) has announced the winner of its 2020 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Design Excellence in Architecture and Diamond Schmitt, with our partners KWC Architects, are honoured to receive this distinguished recognition for the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa.

The award was presented by the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell at this year’s virtual OAA Celebration of Excellence.

“Today, the Senate of Canada building has become a cherished part of this country's democratic heritage, an ever contested and changing story to be sure. Much like the field of architecture itself, but one that strives to put people first.

Diamond and Schmitt Architects and KWC Architects clearly had a vision, while the rest of us could have only dreamt of what was to be. I think it's fair to say that their triumphant contribution is exactly what was in mind when this award was created.

And so, as Her Majesty the Queen's representative in Ontario, and on behalf of a grateful province and nation, I offer the whole team my heartfelt congratulations.”

- The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Design Excellence in Architecture is presented annually to recognize completed projects constructed in Ontario within the preceding five years. The award winner is selected from among the finalists of the Ontario Association of Architects Design Excellence Awards, and is considered by an expert jury to have shown excellence in creativity, context, sustainability, good business, and legacy.

Watch the full Celebration of Excellence here.