People

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.

Helen began her career at McKinsey, following which she built, grew and led organisations at scale across the globe before co founding Growth Incorporated. Her career spans charity, government and enterprise, which she utilises to help develop effective strategies for cross sector engagement, collaboration and innovation.

Naresh has led digital transformation to improve project coordination, streamline workflows, and drive data informed decision making across complex infrastructure projects worldwide. Naresh is committed to enhancing the value of digital adoption in the construction industry, with a strong focus on advanced technologies like augmented reality, data analytics, 3D, 4D Building Information Modelling (BIM) and quantification. Outside of work, Naresh enjoys photography, particularly architectural photography.

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.

i2C’s purpose director Claire is passionate about approaching the built environment as an opportunity to create buildings, spaces and places that act as educational, inspiring acupuncture points for a new way of living, being and working. Claire is a mum of two, fluent in Italian and English, and loves yoga, walking and travelling.

Jeremy is passionate about place and destination creation at all scales. As the director, city architect and placeshaper at UrbanPlaceNetwork, Jeremy brings his years of international experience and knowledge as an architect, urbanist and masterplanner, and his passion to seek out appropriate innovation for and with both clients and communities, to ensure the creation of long term sustainable solutions.

Murillo is an experienced digital consultant, having authored training programmes such as Building Information Management (BIM) for health and safety, understanding Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) and understanding Industry Foundation Classes (IFC). Murillo is also a lead assessor for ISO 19650-1 and 2 and has supported organisations to establish and fulfil information management requirements. Murillo’s aim is to link academia and industry, sharing his knowledge with others. 

Melanie specialises in digital information management and leads Okana’s strategic advisory service. Driven by the need for cultural change throughout the built environment, she works closely with clients to unlock operational efficiencies within their organisation and achieve transformative outcomes across their estate. Melanie is an award winning thought leader and regional lead for Women in Building Information Modelling (BIM).

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.

Patrick has played a leading role in the growth and development of Metro Dynamics. He has led major regeneration programmes in Birmingham, Liverpool and Manchester over a 25 year career, developing major projects from conception through to delivery. He regularly advises the UK Government on the implementation of place based regeneration and investment programmes.

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.