People
The heart of Okana lies in our diverse team of strategists, researchers, and technologists. We also have an extensive network of global partners.
Our team
Ruth Saint
Associate
Ruth specialises in sustainable design and construction with a focus on life cycle energy and carbon quantification. Ruth leads projects involving whole life environmental impact assessments, including holistic environmental foot printing of Scotland’s waste streams. She has influenced updates to key European Standards for sustainability in construction and presents on the importance of considering embodied impacts in construction.
Attila Tóth
Partner
Attila is the deputy CEO at CEH. He not only leads the marketing and sales team but is also actively involved in leading and managing the company alongside his father, who founded the company. Atilla is also focussed on developing international partnerships and driving the international expansion of the business.
Leyla Saadi
Partner
With expertise in architecture, urban design, and big data analysis, Leyla has led large scale masterplanning projects globally, focusing on the Middle East. Passionate about placemaking, public art and urban storytelling, she strives to create sustainable, livable communities by integrating urban technology and data analytics into informed design decisions.
Ruben Reddy
Partner
Ruben is the past President of South African Institute of Architects and an internationally recognised architect with over 35 years of experience. He has addressed numerous conferences on sports buildings design and delivery across the globe, and was chair of the World Stadium Conference in Istanbul in 2015.
Amandeep Kaur
Digital Consultant
Amandeep has a background in interior design and recently completed a Master’s degree in Building Information Modelling (BIM) for Integrated Construction. She is extremely focused on her professional development and specialises in BIM technologies and software. Outside of work, Amandeep enjoys spending time outdoors, yoga and hunting down new places to eat out.
Cathy Russell
Partner
Cathy is passionate about shaping healthy, sustainable places which contribute positively to communities, the built and natural environment. She leads Ryder’s placemaking service including research, masterplanning, engagement, planning and heritage across neighbourhood, town, city and strategic scales. Cathy is a Building with Nature Approved Assessor and Healthy Streets Foundation Practitioner, and has presented at the International Healthy City Design conferences.
Charlotte Hollins
Associate
Charlotte leads business operations within Okana, with expertise in people management and complex operations, following over a decade in the event industry and venue management. Charlotte is motivated by empowering others and passionate about contributing to a positive working environment. Charlotte loves cooking and live music, hoping to front a funk and soul band in the future.
Sam Peacock
Technologist
After completing PlanBEE apprenticeship programme between Ryder and Gateshead College, Sam joined Okana as a technologist. During his apprenticeship, he worked on major projects, such as West Suffolk Hospital and BMW factory in South Carolina. Sam has hands on experience in on site engineering, BIM modelling, design development and client and design team collaboration. Sam is interested in sustainable construction practices and modern design methods. Outside of work, Sam enjoys travelling and football.
James Rayner
Partner
James is city master planner with UPN working across urban scales from city strategies to resilient neighbourhood solutions. Using his global experience and with a special interest in future transit and green development, James’s aim is to bring thoughtful urban insight to clients and communities. He shares a passion for places and the environment with family, friends and colleagues.
Nick Jaszynski
Partner
Nick is a landscape architect with over 25 years of experience in design and the delivery of projects across urban master planning, education, energy and healthcare. He is passionate about creating public spaces that are inclusive and accessible to all users that promote biodiversity net gain and climate resilience. During his spare time, he enjoys hiking around Northumberland and cycling.
Sarah Marshall
Senior Digital Consultant
Sarah has a proven track record in the global digital construction industry, specialising in the management and delivery of Asset Information Models. She is passionate about helping clients unlock the real benefits of quality data, ensuring usable information flows seamlessly from design through construction and into operation. With extensive experience in BIM consultancy, advanced technical expertise, and efficient digital project management, she consistently delivers high-quality, complex BIM projects. In her free time, she enjoys hiking with her dog, mountain biking, and has recently ventured into the world of ultramarathon running.
Anthony Merlin
Partner
Anthony is the co founder and managing director of i2C. Anthony recognises the importance of a positive and dynamic workplace in the delivery of great client services and purposeful outcomes – a passion which resulted in an award winning company culture. He regularly contributes to social causes focusing on sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.
Fostering relationships
By placing ourselves in the shoes of our clients and communities, we cultivate a deep understanding of their needs and challenges, fostering relationships built on empathy, trust and respect.
Careers
Versatility and unique skills are essential to shaping tomorrow. Explore our vacancies.
Join us