The Studio of Contemporary Architecture (SOCA) is an architecture and urban design studio dedicated to inclusive city building and the creation of beautiful spaces. Founded on the belief that architecture both shapes and is shaped by the contemporary condition, the studio is deeply engaged in research and the broader discourse of architecture's impact on culture, the environment and the shaping of cities. SOCA was recently listed in Wallpaper* Magazine’s 2021 directory of emerging architectural talent. The studio was also selected as one of twenty emerging practices in Canada by Twenty + Change and Canadian Architect

Regardless of the scale, SOCA is passionate about the positive impacts of quality design. The studio pays close attention to detail and rigorously strives for craftsmanship throughout all phases of design and construction. Understanding that architecture requires intimate collaboration, we always begin by asking questions, discussing ideas, and engaging our clients and all members of the project team to achieve design excellence.

The studio is led by Shane Laptiste and Tura Cousins Wilson, who have experience in residential, institutional, and civic architecture. Both Shane and Tura are founding members of BAIDA.

Laptiste Architecture Inc. dba Studio of Contemporary Architecture is a CAMSC Certified Supplier.

We acknowledge that our work is located on the traditional territories of many Indigenous nations. Our office is located in the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Wendat, and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation.

 
 
 

Current Team Members: Ron Adriano, Shalice Coutu, Alexander Lamarche, Shane Laptiste, Maya Orzechowska, Renée Powell-Hines, Tura Cousins Wilson

Past Team Members: Jane Hung, Jikyung Jeon, Morgan Staples, Yahweh Wong

 

Shane Laptiste

OAA, AAA, MRAIC, LEED-AP BD+C

Shane is an architect with nearly 15 years of architectural consulting experience. Since receiving his Master’s degree in architecture from McGill University, he has experience working on a wide variety of projects, from tenant fit outs to facilities with construction values over $100 million. These projects have ranged from residential to commercial — with particularly strong experience in municipal projects. In addition to his professional experience designing and managing projects, Shane has worked with non-profit organizations in the planning of community centres and affordable housing. He is very motivated in providing cost effective architectural solutions which create environmentally and socially sustainable communities. Shane is also an instructor at the RAIC Centre for Architecture at Athabasca University.

Tura Cousins Wilson

OAA, MRAIC

Tura holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from Ryerson University and a Master’s degree in architecture from Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands. He has been practicing architecture in Toronto 10 years and is a licensed architect in both Ontario and the Netherlands. Tura’s professional experience spans a variety of scales including multi-unit residential, large-scale mixed-use developments, libraries, community spaces, and urban design. Tura is equally passionate about the impact of small-scale architecture and exploring the craft and intimacy of private residential design. Outside SOCA, Tura has undertaken community based projects and been invited to speak at lectures and panel discussions regarding Toronto’s housing affordability. Tura is also a board of directors at East End Arts.