People

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.

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.

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.

Mark specialises in driving value for some of the world’s largest and most prominent organisations through the use of digital technologies and upskilling teams. Mark is a people first, technology obsessed geek and pushes himself to be on the edge of the latest innovations personally and professionally to help us all build a better world.

Alessandra is a principal consultant at Metro Dynamics. She is driven by a strong passion for urban regeneration and development, working with public sector clients, master planners, developers, and funding bodies to make compelling cases for investment and create viable, deliverable, and impactful projects set up for success from the start.

Geoff plays a crucial role in driving business growth and operational performance. His extensive background in the design industry helped establish a worldwide reputation in the creation of distinctive leisure and lifestyle destinations. Geoff is passionate about promoting innovative, cross cultural collaboration in design.

With over a decade of experience in health and safety, Alex specialises in construction auditing and Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 documentation. He is passionate about empowering people, the built environment and promoting the best practices across the globe. Outside of work, Alex enjoys travelling, hiking and watching movies.

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.

Lawrence joined Okana in 2025 as a Senior Safety Consultant, bringing over 20 years of experience across sectors including residential, healthcare, and leisure in both Australia and the UK. He studied Architecture at the University of Tasmania and the Architectural Association in London.
With a passion for education, Lawrence has travelled extensively and shared his expertise by teaching school children about ancient cities and the world of architecture.

Wahib is an accomplished researcher specialising in digital construction, currently advancing his PhD in the adoption of digital twins for managing construction sites. His active consultancy work involves collaborating with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and software providers to enhance construction risk management. An advocate for lean principles and systems thinking, Wahib is dedicated to improving data management efficiency across construction operations.

Now part of Okana, Jonny previously led the Ryder Alliance for over 10 years and managed the global partner network.  He has an extensive international portfolio of work and is key in driving Okana’s growth. Jonny has experience of working in Australia, Saudi Arabia and South East Asia.

Francesc utilises his architectural expertise and innovative mindset to enable strategic progress. His creative approach ensures that clients receive designs that are not only unique, but also exciting, practical, and culturally significant. His commitment to innovation fosters a field of unique and transformative design ideas.