Shane Laptiste is a founder and Principal at SOCA | Studio of Contemporary Architecture and cofounder of Black Architects and Interior Designers Association (BAIDA), both based in Toronto. SOCA is an architecture and urban design studio dedicated to sustainable and inclusive city building and the creation of beautiful spaces. The studio is deeply engaged in research and the broader discourse of architecture's impact on culture, the environment and the shaping of cities. 

Shane is a LEED Accredited Professional with a Building Design and Construction (BD+C) designation from the Canada Green Building Council. He has contributed to several LEED certified projects across Canada from office buildings to major sports venues.

At SOCA, he has supported training for half of the staff to become Passive House Certified Designers. He is currently leading the design of a low carbon community centre in Toronto that is targeting Passive House certification.

The time has never been better for Black professionals to consider careers in the built environment. If building better communities is something that interests you,you might try thinking more about the technical aspects of the places and spaces where your community meets.