York University's Markham Campus has been named one of three winners in the LEARN category of the 2025 ARIDO Awards, a prestigious honour that celebrates excellence in interior design across Ontario.
Hosted by the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO), the awards recognize groundbreaking projects and designers who demonstrate innovation, creativity and inclusive design. The LEARN category celebrates the most vibrant, contemporary and inspiring educational spaces designed by registered interior designers.
The Markham Campus was selected for its design that supports an accessible, connected and impactful academic environment.
"This recognition from ARIDO affirms our commitment to creating a learning environment that is inclusive, innovative and deeply connected to the community," says Dan Palermo, Markham Campus deputy provost. "The Markham Campus was designed to reflect York's values and vision, and we're proud to see that celebrated by Ontario's interior design community."
The award recognizes: design firm Diamond Schmitt Architects; interior designer Iva Radikova, ARIDO; design team Greg Parsons and Robin Zhao, ARIDO; and photographer Tom Arban.
Built by Stuart Olson Inc., the 40,000 square foot building prioritizes collaboration, innovation, accessibility and inclusivity - core values that reflect both contemporary design principles and York's institutional commitment to equity and excellence.
The Markham Campus facility, which officially opened its doors September 2024, reimagines the academic experience through a vertical design that places student services at street level and floods the building with natural light. Its architecture creates open, engaging spaces that reflect the diversity of programs and research within.
Ten floors of adaptable learning environments are centred around a multi-level atrium, a vibrant hub that connects people and ideas. A ribbon-like staircase winds through the space, guiding movement and enhancing the sensory experience for all who enter.
Each floor is shaped into a distinct academic "vertical neighbourhood," with variations in materials, textures and colours that give every area a unique identity while maintaining a cohesive campus feel.
"The Markham Campus was designed to do more than support learning - it was built to inspire connection among students, faculty and visitors, and to enhance the social fabric of the University," says Palermo.
The ARIDO Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in the interior design community, recognizing projects that integrate equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion from concept to completion.
This award follows Markham's recent designation as a LEED Gold certified facility, placing the campus among Canada's leading eco-forward institutions.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
