Peggy Theodore

Peggy is passionate about design, and in particular, its ability to affect positive social change and a positive impact on the environments in which we live. She brings clarity, equity, and a fierce dedication to doing things in the right way. All the committee work she has been involved with, and often leads, is focused on developing better ways of working together.

Peggy is a Principal at Diamond Schmitt with over 25 years of experience in designing for academic, research, and museum communities across North America. She is one of the firm’s leading research and laboratory experts and has designed highly technical research and laboratory spaces in a variety of complex program types, including at the University of British Columbia, Queen’s University, Drexel University, and Public Health Ontario. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Environmental Science from the University of Waterloo.

OAA, AIBC, FRAIC, NSAA, LEED AP

I am a first generation Canadian. My parents are both immigrants from Greece, a teacher, and a millworker. My parents instilled the importance of hard work hand in hand with higher education and the importance of curiosity and learning. Higher education was not optional. It was a must. This remains the path for many first-generation Canadians. 

When I was in high school, I was not sure what I wanted to do as a career. I thought I wanted to study the classics, but my art teacher suggested I consider architecture. I would get to experience art history, classical history and be exposed to the art of building.

Before applying to architecture school, I needed to understand the role of the architect. What was the role of an architect, and would this career path allow me to make an impact? Growing up, my neighbour was a young architect and I spoke to him before applying. He inspired me by sharing that architecture opens your mind to different ways of thinking about the world, gaining visual acuity, critical thinking skills and the ability to make a positive impact to the built environment.

I was educated at the University of Waterloo and through the co-op program I had the opportunity to work in many offices including Diamond Schmitt. When I graduated in the recession of the 1990’s, I started by working in smaller offices. I knew I wanted a change, and a friend recommended applying to Diamond Schmitt. When I called the office, the receptionist at the time passed the phone call to Jack and Don’s assistant, Sona, who remembered me as a co-op student when she was the receptionist and put me through to Don. Your networks are a lot more far reaching than you think.

I have been fortunate to have had many mentors in my professional path from student architect, growing as a senior architect in the office, getting licensed, and still maintaining this network with those who have influenced my path today. The concept of mentorship is something that you can have throughout your career as you are constantly learning. Personally, working with younger architects and students, really inspires you to tackle or think about problems with different energy, in new and fresh ways. I am excited to be able to expand my involvement in mentorship with this award.