Jack Diamond has been a commanding figure among Canadian architects for over half a century, recognized not just as a giant in his profession but also as a committed and contributing progressive citizen. He has created landmark buildings both at home and abroad, relentlessly guided by principle and his commitment to make a better world. His autobiography traces this consequential life including stories of some of his most acclaimed projects and achievements. I have long admired Jack, but reading his life story has given me a deeper appreciation of just what an interesting journey he has travelled in making his difference in the world.
J Robert S Prichard, OC, OOnt, President Emeritus, President Emeritus, University of Toronto
Jack Diamond has written a deeply beautiful memoir — wise, measured, grateful — a moving assertion of what it means to live a life of principles, passion, civic responsibility and intense engagement with the world. A powerful sense of responsibility runs through this book — what building means to a city, to a community, to history, to ecology, to the affirmation of social justice; as well as the insistence that our public buildings respect, and make possible, profoundly intimate experience, in the excellence of our great concert halls and theatres. This is a remarkable memoir of intensely affecting and abiding relationships — between “context and content”, the political and personal, history and family history: it understands, with great acuity, that how we live shapes the world.
Anne Michaels, author of Fugitive Pieces
A deeply beautiful memoir — wise, measured, grateful — a moving assertion of what it means to live a life of passion, civic responsibility, and intense engagement with the world.
Anne Michaels, author of Fugitive Pieces
Jack Diamond and his firm have created landmark buildings both at home and abroad, relentlessly guided by principle and his commitment to make a better world.… I have long admired him, but reading his life story has given me a deeper appreciation of just what an interesting journey he has travelled in making his difference in the world.
J Robert S Prichard, OC, OOnt, President Emeritus, President Emeritus, University of Toronto
Diamond has written a memoir with the same qualities as his buildings and sketches: beautifully crafted, nothing in excess but rich in hidden insights and perspectives. A great read, wonderful stories, beautifully told.
Bob Rae, former premier of Ontario and Canadian Ambassador to the U.N.
Diamond's belief in architecture as the mother art is capable of reconciling often opposing forces to create places of meaning for which people have always yearned.
David Crombie, former mayor of Toronto