Duncan Higgins earned his design degrees at the Mackintosh School of Architecture in his native Scotland before emigrating to Canada. Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2002, he has developed considerable experience in the design of academic and research buildings and sports architecture.

For The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at SickKids Hospital, he was project architect through all stages of design, from concept to construction to post-occupancy evaluation. He combined his love of sport and architecture as project manager for the multi-purpose Varsity Centre and Pavilion at the University of Toronto and the Ronald Joyce Stadium at McMaster University.

He guided the renewal of Holy Blossom Temple in Toronto, home to the oldest Jewish congregation in Ontario. The project creates a dramatic communal space that connects the existing historic Sanctuary and school buildings with a light-filled atrium and improved community facilities.

Duncan led the team in delivering the Ingenium Centre in Ottawa, a state-of-the-art facility designed to protect and showcase Canada’s science and technology collection. He also led the renovation and transformation of the University of Windsor Faculty of Law, revitalizing the robust 1970s Brutalist building.