People

Govardhini Balakrishnan is a PhD student at the University of Strathclyde. She specialises in the development of Automated Compliance Checking (ACC) frameworks to streamline regulatory compliance in the construction industry. She has contributed to the design of large scale medical campuses and several residential and renovation projects. Govardhini brings research insights into real world applications, advancing the safety and efficiency of architectural practices. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring historical and cultural architecture and travelling.

Vaia is an architect engineer specialising in energy efficient and environmental building design. She focuses on computational assessments of building energy performance, carbon footprint, indoor environment quality and outdoor microclimate. Vaia is passionate about information driven design which is key to delivering sustainable architecture. Vaia develops efficient workflows which streamline and enhance information exchange and close collaboration with designers.

Jon is a resort specialist master planner and golf course architect with over 20 years of experience across five continents. Jon is passionate about the user experience of all his design work, creating fun and engaging leisure driven places. When he is not travelling the world for work, Jon enjoys watching his home team, Bath Rugby and playing golf with his twin boys.

As i2C residential sector lead, Gavin focuses on Build to Rent and social housing, and his international experience has aided him in identifying Passive House as key to our future housing design. Gavin is a keen cyclist and proud father of two young boys and spends most of his free time supporting their active social lives.

Alec brings a wealth of knowledge to his role and provides strategic guidance to help drive business growth and innovation. With vast experience in delivering exceptional projects, Alec excels at adjusting strategies and turning challenges into opportunities. In his spare time, he is a passionate art toy collector, curating over 1000 pieces since 1998.

Keelan is an associate of ASPECT Structural Engineers, with more than a decade of experience across the UK and North America, covering everything from modular construction to heritage buildings, with a particular passion for mass timber. Keelan is also an avid music lover, football player, cyclist, and amateur woodworker.

Bernhard is a founding principal of ASPECT Structural Engineers, offering experience as both a respected structural engineering leader and a licensed carpenter. Specialising in mass timber engineering, Bernard is at the forefront of delivering innovative timber and hybrid projects across Europe and North America. Outside of work, Bernhard is known for his love of skiing, running, and chocolate.

Amy supports in Okana’s marketing and communications strategy and outputs. With experience in built environment marketing, she is passionate about shaping innovative and engaging stories across the industry. Amy is qualified with the Chartered Institute of Marketing. Outside of work, Amy enjoys all things fitness and travel. 

Tony has been integral in driving Okana’s ambition to transform place shaping globally. He brings the innovation and pace of the private sector, having worked in government and across business. Tony’s focus is growth and productivity and how organisations can best partner to make change happen. 

Brigita has a varied skillset in administration, events coordination, executive support, and facilities management. She strives to assist in the development of Okana. Her biggest inspiration is people and the influence they bring to the projects. In her leisure time, Brigita reads books about self development and explores the world.

Mohamed possesses a robust understanding of both design and construction methodologies. His extensive background has provided him with a pragmatic outlook, greatly enhancing his proficiency in information management processes. Mohamed has honed his skills while working in the UK, where he has been instrumental in overseeing and auditing information management practices to ensure strict adherence to industry standards.

Sean has over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, spending the past eight years as a building control surveyor for local authority. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and Chartered Association of Building Engineers (CABE). Sean enjoys camping with his partner and two young children in his spare time.