Sarah Mercer brings a unique cultural perspective to her architectural practice, informed by her foundational experiences in New Zealand, where design emphasises connection to the land and indigenous knowledge.  Her design philosophy embraces the connection between people and place—from the thoughtful siting of a building down to the tactility of its finishes and furnishings.

Since joining Diamond Schmitt in 2017, Sarah has helped to shape notable projects such as David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center in New York, Marpole Community Centre in Vancouver, the Peter George Centre at McMaster University in Hamilton, and York Woods Library in Toronto.

She is currently the Design Lead for the St. Paul's Clinical Support and Research Centre (CSRC) in Vancouver, and has also guided the firm’s Indigenous engagement process, ensuring the knowledge of the Host Nations is respectfully reflected in the design.

Her portfolio spans civic, commercial, cultural, educational, hospitality, institutional, residential, and mixed-use projects across Canada, the United States, and the Pacific. She holds a Bachelor of Architectural Studies and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Auckland and obtained her architectural registration with the New Zealand Registered Architects Board.

Sarah is an advocate for cultural design outcomes that honour diverse perspectives in the built environment and is an active member of Diamond Schmitt's Indigenous Inclusion Working Group.