What Makes Design Inclusive or Exclusive?

Join us for a panel discussion hosted by the J.E.D.I. Committee on the ways in which design influences inclusivity or exclusivity through our representation, the way we work, engage with our stakeholders, and the programs and policies that drive design. We will hear from Black design professionals who will provide their perspectives on the issue.

📅 When: Wednesday, March 5th, 2025

📍Where: 55 St. Clair Ave West, Multi-Purpose Room (First Floor)

⏱️Time: 6:00PM - 8:30PM (Panel discussion begins at 6:30 PM)

Moderator: 

Kaari Kitawi, OALA, Senior Urban Designer at the City of Toronto

Kaari currently works for the City of Toronto as an Urban Designer in the City Planning Department. Her work involves reviewing development applications, conducting planning studies and developing urban design guidelines. 

Panelists: 

1. Aimee Powell, RPP, MCIP, Chief Planning Officer at Powell Planning & Associates

Aimee is the Founder and Chief Planning Officer of Powell Planning & Associates and has been working in the land use planning and real estate sectors over the past 17+ years. Aimee has worked in planning to promote the anti-displacement of Black communities and is a contributing author of research for the City of Toronto in 2024 to address the same. Aimee is dedicated to growing awareness of anti-black racism within the construction industry and within the planning profession.

2. Thandi Myers, Structural Designer at Jablonsky, Ast and Partners

While Thandi's primary work focus is on general structural design in the mid-high rise residential construction industry, she has always been passionate about how spaces - both designed and lived - impact people’s abilities to connect, thrive and feel seen. Thandi is particularly excited to contribute to conversations about how design, policy, and education impact access and equity, especially within Black communities.

3. Shane Laptiste, Principal Architect at the Studio of Contemporary Architecture

Shane Laptiste is one of the founders of The Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA), a Toronto-based architecture and urban design studio dedicated to inclusive city building and the creation of beautiful spaces. Shane Laptiste’s architectural interests investigate community informed architecture that is responsive to the cultural and spatial needs of the impacted users. He has a particular interest in the ways in the spatial and environmental dynamics of Black communities and is a licensed architect in Ontario and Quebec.

Eligible for 1.5 MCE Credits in Category A1: Health, Safety, Diversity & Inclusion

Ticket Price: $15 OALA Members (Full, Intern, Student*, Affiliate), $20 Non-Members.
*Limited free OALA Student Member tickets 

Registration Note: This event is open to both OALA members and non-members. OALA members, please ensure you are logged in and registering with your user account email address to receive member pricing.

Sponsored by Arcadis

How to Purchase Non-Member Tickets

To purchase non-member tickets for our upcoming events, you will need to create an account on the OALA website. Here’s how:

1. Click the "Register" button and "Sign Up". You will be asked to provide the following details:
   • First Name
   • Last Name
   • Email Address
   • Password
   • Billing Address
2. Complete your account setup and return to the events page under "Stay Current". 
3. Click on the event you wish to register for, log in with your new account and proceed with ticket purchase.

Cancellation, Refund, and Important Information Policy

Cancellations and refunds will be granted according to the following guidelines:

• Up to one (1) week before the event: 50% refund will be issued.
• After registration deadline: No refunds will be provided.
• No Shows (those who register but do not attend or cancel): No refunds will be issued.

Refunds will be processed in the order they are received, or after the event has concluded, depending on the timing of the cancellation. Please allow five (5) to seven (7) business days for refunds to be processed.

Additional Information:

• Allergies and accommodations: If you have any allergies, dietary restrictions or have specific accessibility needs, please inform us during registration.
• Photo Consent: By attending, you grant us permission to take photographs or videos during the event. If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify us during registration