Francisco Lasta leads the inclusive design program at GFT, where he bridges occupational therapy and architecture to shape public spaces that support engagement, equity, and well-being. With a clinical background spanning pediatrics to aging adults, Francisco brings deep insight into how to create more welcoming, supportive environments that meet the needs of all of us.

As an occupational therapist (OT) with nearly two decades of years of experience in the field, his work is grounded in how people actually engage with the spaces around them while highlighting the power of design to enable meaningful participation for people with diverse abilities and identities. He has presented at SXSW, AIA Chicago, the American Occupational Therapy Association, NeoCon, and the Symposium to Re-envision the Center for Universal Design, among other speaking engagements, and has co-authored both a publication and a book chapter on inclusive design. Francisco also leads GFT’s Inclusive Design internship program, creating pathways for OT students to apply their skills in real-world design projects.