Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc.

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384 Adelaide St W, Suite 100
Toronto, ON M5V 1R7
Established in 1975, Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc. is a full-service firm that specializes in sustainable architectural services.

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Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc.
Diamond Schmitt Architects employees collaborate in the Toronto studio   (Photo credit: Jim Ryce)

Recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2023) and Greater Toronto's Top Employers (2022):

Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editors (Nov 17, 2022)

Here are some of the reasons why Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc. was selected as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers (2023) and Greater Toronto's Top Employers (2022):

  • Diamond Schmitt Architects takes a thoughtful approach when helping employees manage unexpected challenges, offering compassionate leave top-up for those called upon to care for a loved one (to 80 per cent of salary for up to 17 weeks)
  • Diamond Schmitt Architects encourages employees to adopt healthy habits through health challenges organized by the company's benefits provider (with redeemable points as rewards for completing activities) and free access to LIFT Sessions’ exercise library (with over 1,200 instructor-led on-demand online exercise videos)
  • Diamond Schmitt Architects starts its new employees with three weeks of paid vacation and provides additional paid time off in the summer (up to eight days) as well as a Christmas holiday shutdown
Employees work in a breakout collaboration area at Diamond Schmitt Architects' Toronto studio   (Photo credit: Jim Ryce)

Employer Background

Industry Architecture
Established in Canada 1975
Major Canadian hiring locations Toronto ON, Vancouver BC
Full-time employees in Canada 268
Full-time employees worldwide 274
Workforce engaged on a contract basis 6%
Average age of employees in Canada 41 years
Longest serving employee 31 years

Work Environment Rating: B+

Flexible work options flexible work hours, shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay), compressed work week, telecommuting, reduced summer hours
Commuter amenities walk to public transit, secure/sheltered bicycle parking
Onsite workplace features located in an early 20th-century industrial loft-style building (which the firm renovated to LEED Commercial Interior standards), the office features exposed brick walls and plenty of natural lighting, a 3D printer modelling room, expanded bicycle storage, sit-stand workstations, nap room, religious observance room, self-serve lunchroom
Employee lounge amenities comfortable seating, music, television, lounge (referred to as the quiet room) can be used for mindfulness activities, also features a communal library
Snacks available beer, cider, beverages and popcorn for Friday afternoon design meetings, lunch provided every Thursday for special lunch and learn sessions, a variety of festive baked goods during the holiday season
Other food options at main location 2 large soup pots in the main kitchen (available 4 days per week)

Work Atmosphere & Communications Rating: B

Employee social committee name Diamond Schmitt Social Committee (est. 1995)
Past social events Nowruz (Persian New Year), Chinese New Year celebrations, recipe sharing, Halloween social, and the virtual Winter Soiree to replace its annual Christmas holiday party
Cultural aspects business-casual dress daily, casual dress (e.g. jeans) daily, music while working, employee sports teams
Employee communications intranet site, traditional/email suggestion box, internal social media

Financial Benefits & Compensation Rating: B

Outside salary surveys participates in outside salary surveys every 12 months
Employee salary reviews individual salaries are reviewed every 12 months
Long-term savings matching RSP
Long-term planning retirement planning assistance, phased-in retirement work options, life & disability insurance
Year-end bonuses available to all employees
Referral bonuses (max) new employee referral bonuses (up to $2,000) for some positions
Additional financial benefits profit-sharing plan available to some employees, corporate discount program (e.g. retail, services, travel, etc.)

Health & Family-Friendly Benefits Rating: B+

Health plan premium as part of the health plan, the employer pays up to 75% of the premiums
Flexible coverage health plan is flexible with adjustable premiums and coverage levels
Minimum hours worked for coverage 25 hours per week
Waiting period for coverage 90 days
Family coverage option yes
Retiree coverage option up to 75 years of age
Dental coverage routine
Eyecare $250 every 2 years
Paid sick days employees receive 8 days off each year
Health plan includes traditional coverage (e.g. prescription drugs), employee assistance (EAP) plan, semi-private hospital room, physiotherapy, medical travel insurance, medical equipment and supplies, massage therapy, nutrition planning, podiatrist, osteopathy, chiropractor, alternative coverage (e.g. acupuncture, naturopathy)
Mental health practitioner benefit up to $1,500 each year
Health spending account up to $500 each year
Wellness spending account up to $250 each year
Additional health plan information mental health practitioner benefit ranges from $500 to $1,500
Additional health and wellness initiatives health and wellness committees, health challenges organized by the company's benefits provider (with redeemable points as rewards for completing activities), free access to LIFT Sessions’ exercise library (with over 1,200 instructor-led on-demand online exercise videos)
Maternity top-up (mothers) up to 100% of salary for 1 week
Parental top-up (mothers) up to 80% of salary for 12 weeks
Parental top-up (fathers) up to 80% of salary for 12 weeks
Adoption top-up up to 80% of salary for 12 weeks
Additional family-friendly benefits phased-in return to work for new parents, compassionate top-up to 80% of salary for 17 weeks

Vacation & Personal Time-Off Rating: A

Vacation allowance new employees receive 3 weeks of paid vacation after their first year on the job
Vacation jump vacation increases after 8 years of employment
Maximum vacation allowance employees move to a maximum of 5 weeks of vacation over their career
Paid summer shutdown employees receive 8 days off during the summer months
Paid holiday shutdown during the Christmas to New Year's holiday break, employees receive an additional 3 days off
Personal paid days off employees can schedule 2 personal days off each year, as needed
Unpaid leave of absence option yes

Employee Engagement & Performance Rating: B

Employee performance reviews employees receive individual performance reviews every 12 months
Managers receive performance review training yes
360° feedback option as part of the review process, performance feedback is also solicited from co-workers and other managers familiar with each employee's work
Confidential employee feedback employees can also provide confidential feedback on their manager's performance
Exit interview exit interview option is available for departing employees
Performance recognition online recognition platform, individual performance bonuses
In-house survey period in-house surveys are conducted every 6 months

Training & Skills Development Rating: B+

Career planning in-house career planning services, online employee skills inventory
In-house training initiatives apprenticeship/skilled trades programs, mentoring, in-house training, online training, paid internships, subsidies for professional accreditation
Related tuition subsidies employer covers up to 100% of tuition per year
Unique training & development programs depending on the course, tuition subsidies range between 25% to 100%, Diamond Schmitt University and DSUonline (virtual learning management system)

Community Involvement Rating: A+

Scope of charitable involvement local, national
Employee charitable involvement employees are involved in selection of charities, employees receive paid time off to volunteer
Total employee volunteer hours (on company time) over 400 hours last year
Total number of charities supported last year approximately 24 charitable and community organizations were supported last year
Some of the community organizations supported Calgary Food Bank, CAMH Foundation, Daily Bread Food Bank, Greater Vancouver Food Bank, Regent Park School of Music Foundation, The Canadian Stage Corporation, The Arthritis Society, Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, National Trust for Canada, Twenty+Change
Charitable giving matches employee donations
Community highlight Employees are encouraged to suggest initiatives and charitable causes that are important to them. The firm endeavours to support all selected charities through direct financial donations or formal fundraising events.

Recognized as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People (2022):

Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editors (Jan 17, 2022)

Here are some of the reasons why Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc. was selected as one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People (2022):

  • Diamond Schmitt Architects actively recruits post-secondary students for paid co-op work terms ranging between four and eight months -- students participate in the collaborative architectural design process with project teams, support detailing and documentation, and prepare 2D, 3D, CAD and Revit drawings
  • Diamond Schmitt Architects also offers high school students insight into architectural careers by hiring students for unpaid co-op terms
Students at Diamond Schmitt Architects brainstorm ideas  

Highlights

Industry Architecture
Major Canadian hiring locations Toronto ON, Vancouver BC
Full-time employees in Canada 283
Student opportunities summer jobs, co-op opportunities, paid internships, orientation program, in-house training, online training, in-house career planning services, online employee skills inventory, mentoring, leadership training, apprenticeship/skilled trades programs
Related tuition subsidies employer covers up to 100% of tuition per year
Unique training and development opportunities buddy program, recent grads given the opportunity to present projects at the company's weekly design meetings for feedback and recognition, lunch and learns, access to Diamond Schmitt University teaching platform, opportunities to practice and develop Revit skills, Diamond Schmitt Design Technologies Learning program
Vacation allowance new employees receive 3 weeks of paid vacation after their first year on the job

Recognized as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2022):

Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editors (Apr 19, 2022)

Here are some of the reasons why Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc. was selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers (2022):

  • Diamond Schmitt Architects encourages employees to leave the car at home when coming to work -- a recent survey showed that 40 per cent of employees use transit, 22 per cent cycle to work (the firm offers shower facilities and secure indoor bicycle storage to accommodate over 60 bikes), 13 per cent walk, and only five per cent drive to the office
  • Diamond Schmitt Architects is a leading advocate for the use of living walls and timber in major construction projects, highlighting the advantages of natural materials and the beneficial effects on individual health and well-being on indoor environments
  • Diamond Schmitt Architects helps champion the movement towards greener building with over 40 completed LEED projects and additional LEED registered projects on the go, including two projects designed to meet the "2030 Challenge" to be completely carbon neutral -- or even better than neutral
Diamond Schmitt Architects employees collaborate in the Toronto office  

Highlights

Industry Architecture
Major Canadian hiring locations Toronto ON, Vancouver BC
Full-time employees in Canada 283
Employee green team Sustainability Committee
Senior executive who oversees initiatives Principal Executive Committee, Sustainability Committee
Green highlights numerous projects have achieved certifications and recognition, from LEED Platinum and Gold certification to Commercial Interiors designation (over 40 projects registered and an additional 18 underway), and numerous projects designed to meet other environmental building accreditations, including 6 Net-Zero (1 project completed with 5 underway), advocates for the increased use of wood timber in construction projects (recognizing wood as a renewable building material and positive attributes that contribute to healthier indoor environments), offers employees Passive House training (also has several projects targeting Passive House certification) and WELL AP certifications, hosts biweekly lunch and learn sessions and webinars focused on sustainability, created an "ecoMetrics" initiative (a live database of building energy simulation models from completed projects to better understand energy reduction methods)
Noteworthy initiatives committed to the industry's 2030 Challenge that includes a commitment to design all projects as carbon neutral by 2030, founding signatories to the Canadian Architectural Professionals Declare Planetary Health Emergency and Commit to Urgent and Sustained Action initiative (2019)
Building footprint includes leased space has achieved LEED Commercial Interiors standard, showers (with low-flow fixtures), energy efficient appliances and LED lighting system, upgrading to new energy efficient servers (from 9 down to 2), 100% biodegradable interior materials (and natural and raw materials where possible), installed view dynamic glass on office exterior that helps to regulate amount and speed of shading
Extended recycling glass, soft plastics, metal, polystyrene, batteries, light bulbs, e-waste, furniture, (organics planned for near future), paper use reduction strategy (incorporates the increased use of a digital project management program for document sharing and 3D visualizations), sample library (includes surplus tile, fabric, wood and metal sample that are donated to a local school board for art project materials)
Commuter amenities shower facilities and indoor bicycle storage to accommodate over 60 bikes, walk to public transit, secure/sheltered bicycle parking
Community partnerships Habitat for Humanity (employee volunteers help to build a house), sponsors the annual Green Building Festival (local industry conference on sustainable design)

Recognized as one of Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers (2022):

Mediacorp Canada Inc. staff editors (Apr 4, 2022)

Here are some of the reasons why Diamond Schmitt Architects Inc. was selected as one of Canada's Top Small & Medium Employers (2022):

  • Diamond Schmitt Architects encourages employees to become recruiters for the firm with generous new employee referral bonuses, up to $2,000, depending on the position
  • Diamond Schmitt Architects offers learning and development opportunities for individuals at various stages of their careers, from paid internships for recent grads, to in-house Diamond Schmitt University programming to foster ongoing education
Diamond Schmitt Architects employees meet in a lounge space at the Toronto head office   (Photo credit: Jim Ryce)

Highlights

Industry Architecture
Established in Canada 1975
Major Canadian hiring locations Toronto ON, Vancouver BC
Full-time employees in Canada 283
Full-time employee growth in the past year 6.0 %
Average age of employees in Canada 39 years
Longest serving employee 30 years
Long-term savings matching RSP
Health plan premium as part of the health plan, the employer pays up to 75% of the premiums
Flexible work options flexible work hours, shortened work week (fewer hours with less pay), compressed work week, telecommuting, reduced summer hours
Vacation allowance new employees receive 3 weeks of paid vacation after their first year on the job
In-house training initiatives apprenticeship/skilled trades programs, in-house training, online training, leadership training, mentoring, paid internships
Related tuition subsidies employer covers up to 100% of tuition per year
Performance recognition individual performance bonuses, long-service awards

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