Shawn is a licensed architect, and prior to joining ILFI, led the Boston office of emersion DESIGN, an architecture and sustainability consulting firm. Shawn has over 13 years of project experience with LEED, the Living Building Challenge, and net zero energy projects, and has consulted with Fortune 500 companies and policy makers at all levels of government on issues related to the Living Building Challenge, LEED, net zero building, green building policies, and green jobs.

As a trained facilitator, adjunct professor, and Living Building Challenge Ambassador, he has educated more than 5,000 people on issues related to sustainability, high performance building, and social justice in the built environment. As a volunteer, he has led the Living Future Collaborative and USGBC Chapter in Boston, and currently serves on the LEED Social Equity Working Group with USGBC. Shawn is also on the national board of Architects/Designers/Planners for Social Responsibility, working to promote human rights through design.

Shawn is an NCARB Certified architect, licensed in Ohio and Massachusetts, is Living Future Accredited, LEED Accredited with both BD+C and O+M specialties, and has advanced training in adult education, meeting and charrette facilitation, and regenerative development.