OUR TEAM

Steve’s career in fit-out and construction began in Scotland over 32 years ago. A familiar story: he arrived for a short-term project in 1998 and then decided to stay in Dubai long term. With over 22 years of project experience in the UAE, delivering projects both locally and in the wider GCC region, he has vast knowledge and an understanding of what it takes to successfully deliver projects of high quality; on time but most importantly safely.

As a Project Manager for Summertown, Steve is responsible for managing all project site matters from initial site preparations and health and safety, through to completion and client handover for projects in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. A proactive team builder, Steve is very client focused and works to ensure a fully collaborative approach along the project journey. His strong construction knowledge and attention to detail enable him to manage all aspects of the site to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

In his spare time Steve loves to spend his time travelling, sailing, and is still playing football.

Nicola has a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and began her career in Scotland as a Designer before moving into the project management field. She has over 15 year’s experience in the construction industry, and a proven track record of successfully managing multiple projects from design through to delivery that are high quality, on schedule to specification and within budget.

Nicola relocated to the UAE in 2013 and has successfully managed multiple projects for many international and local clients.

As Projects Director for Summertown, Nicola is responsible for managing all aspects of project delivery, with a heavy focus on client management. She will also ensure site delivery is on time and to budget across all projects in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Nicola is a mum of four children, a keen runner and enjoys Yoga.

Sarah holds an Interior Design degree from Australia and has over 17 years of experience in the fit out and design industry both in Australia and the UAE. Upon completion of her degree, she established ‘Allix Design’, her own interior design business headquartered on the Gold Coast, Australia.  As Director and interior designer, Sarah managed her business for more than 11 years completing several hospitality, F&B, retail, commercial and residential projects. In 2014, she relocated to Dubai to embark on different opportunities in the design and build industry and experience the vibrancy of Dubai as a business development professional.

Joining Summertown as a Business Development Manager in 2019, Sarah has strong interior fit-out and project management experience, is detail-oriented, dependable, and creative with an uncompromising work ethic. Sarah’s extensive interior design knowledge assists her in understand client’s needs and is passionate about achieving exceptional lasting results for every project. Accompanied with her enthusiasm and positive attitude Sarah builds long term relationships with clients and oversees the sales cycle from prospecting right through to contract award and project execution.

Sarah enjoys travelling, socializing, reading books and experiencing what the world has to offer. She also loves spending time with her 2 dogs.

Deniz holds an Economics degree from Galatasaray University in Istanbul. She has over 14 years of experience in finance management acquired whilst working in several multinational companies including; Mondelez International, Michelin, SHV Energy and Hyundai Elevator.

She is an energetic, highly motivated finance professional, with a proven track record in leading finance functions and achieving company objectives. In addition to speaking Turkish her native language, she is also fluent in English and French.

Deniz joined Summertown in 2018 just after relocating to Dubai from Istanbul with her family. She is responsible for maintaining the financial health of the organization and overseeing operations of the finance department. She is a strong believer in good communications, team work and collaboration.

Deniz enjoys swimming, likes to travel with her family, discovering new cultures and experiencing new cuisines. She also loves animals and nature.

Michael has extensive experience in MEP installation and project management having initially worked on several large airport projects in the UK, his native country.  In 2011, Michael moved to the Middle East as an Electrical Project Engineer firstly working on the Doha airport buildings and medical center. He then progressed to MEP Commissioning Manager, leading a team of engineers from the start of commissioning to project handover for the new Muscat airport, Al Bustan Complex Abu Dhabi and Al Jahawa Tower in Saudi Arabia. Michael then advanced to specialising in MEP fit out management working on healthcare projects, including Cleveland Clinic and ADGM towers in Abu Dhabi, before moving to Summertown in 2016. Since joining the company Michael has transformed Summertown’s MEP processes and leads a team of four engineers on all fit out projects.

In his spare time Michael enjoys playing rugby for the Dubai Sharks, and exploring new places.

Marcos arrived in the UAE in 1990 shortly after completing his University studies in Leiden and Paris, obtaining his BBA in International Business.  He speaks Dutch, English, French, and basic Arabic and looks for constant growth not only for himself but also for his team.

Marcos is the force behind the creation of Summertown, his passion and vision to create a company that not only provides a highly polished service to the client but also has strong core values, ethics and a sense of unity within itself.

He believed in Green values long before the word became “fashionable” and brought team effort to be the strength of the company.

Marcos’ calm exterior hides a deep inner strength and a strong focus.  He has a thorough understanding of the local culture and business ethics and when it comes to his employees, provides support and a nurturing environment resulting in loyalty and respect amongst Summertown’s staff.

Marcos is passionate about his pastimes.  He likes to get up early in the morning to run, cycle or swim to train for, and participate in triathlons.  Short breaks are often taken camping with his children in the UAE's or neighboring countries beautiful terrain, and when time allows, reading an inspiring book.

Heidi graduated from the Royal Art School of Antwerp and worked in Belgium as a furniture designer before deciding to move to the United Arab Emirates to pursue a career in the interiors sector. Her insight into projects is down to understanding both the client's needs, and the project through the eyes of a design professional to ensure Summertown deliver quality fit out projects.

A key member of Summertown's Corporate Team, Heidi's role is to play an active part in Summertown's commercial strategy and to support the General Managers of Summertown's entities with their commercial operations and decision making.

In her spare time, Heidi likes to head out early morning for rowing at the Marina which provides the kick-start for the long working days.

Rajitha Ranasinghe, a diploma holder in Quantity Surveying, moved to UAE after completing five years in civil construction in Sri Lanka. Rajitha joined Summertown as a junior Estimator for carpentry & joinery, and has worked through the ranks of senior estimator and is now the contracts manager.

Rajitha with his estimation team is responsible to create detailed client friendly bill of quantities with competitive prices, with the support of the design and sales teams. The Estimation team plays a critical role in ensuring costs are controlled, projects are estimated correctly and commitment to deadlines are accurate.

Rajitha is proud of his value engineering capabilities which match client’s budgets and which provide suggestions to the Client, design and sales.

His major projects include Summertown Showroom, ABN Amro, Dubai Media City – Business Centre, Oil Marketing Trading International, Parsons Brinckerhoff, and the Netherlands Consulate.

Rajitha likes to use his leisure time to travel, learn about wildlife and reading.

Driven by his passion for designing and making custom joinery and carpentry, Hugo came to Abu Dhabi to personally deliver and install custom made carpentry and joinery for private villas and palaces building his reputation for quality amongst his prominent customer base.

As the Quality Manager at Summertown Interiors, Hugo manages the supplier and sub-contractor network for Summertown ensuring that our projects are delivered to the highest quality as expected by our clients.  

As one of our sustainability champions, Hugo is also a key member of the Sustainable committee, and is responsible for reporting on Summertown's energy consumption and LEED EBOM certification.

Sally joined Summertown in 2017, and is originally from Australia. She has over 10 years Marketing experience from working in FMCG and Multi-National Companies including; The Coca-Cola Company, Cadbury Confectionery and Campbell’s Soup Arnott’s, across Asia, UK and Australia. She relocated to Dubai from Hong Kong with her family in 2016.

She is a Marketing Manager that can develop and execute end-to-end integrated marketing campaigns at regional and global levels, and lead local market execution teams. Whilst maintaining brand equity and translating consumer insights into deliverable strategic initiatives.

Sally’s role with Summertown is to drive the marketing activities for the company and to help Summertown maintain its market leading position, and to promote our core values in encouraging organisations to embrace energy saving and environmentally friendly initiatives.

Sally enjoys swimming, outdoor sports, shopping, and spending time with her young family. One of her other interest is travelling to new places.

Jack commenced his career in a small independent Real Estate company in the South of England, where he helped the company grow from one office to three. Within 2 years he was appointed Branch Manager of their flag ship office and consistently increased the company’s turnover year on year. In 2014 Jack left his home country for new pastures and challenges relocating to Dubai. During his first few years in Dubai Jack utilised his strong property management skills and developed his knowledge of the Dubai real estate market and office furniture.

In 2017 Jack joined Summertown as a Business Development Manager. His strong relationship building skills enables Jack to passionately represent the interests of his clients throughout the entire project. Combined with his commercial business focus means he can confidently deliver projects on time and within budget. Jack is an approachable person and is always happy for people to reach out to him if he can help.

In his spare time Jack is an enthusiastic basketball player and loves to travel and experience new places and cultures.

Chidanand arrived in the UAE back in 1995 and joined the Summertown team in 1997, so is considered a real veteran amongst the staff. Originally joining as Accountant / Administrator, Chidanand’s hardworking ethics and dedication soon showed and he was promoted to Procurement Manager. Chidanand is also the management representative for ISO, taking the lead on all matters relating to Summertown’s ISO 9001:2008 Certification. Chidanand is a keen sports enthusiast and loves to watch cricket and football. In his spare time, he likes to keep fit by walking 5km every evening, and enjoys travelling to experience new cultures.

Janaka graduated with BSc Hons degree in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management from Sheffield Hallam University, UK, and holds a National Diploma in Technology (NDT) - Civil Engineering, from the University of Moratuwa in his native Sri Lanka.

He also holds a membership from Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (MAIQS).

Janaka has over 11 years of experience (Sri Lanka, Qatar and UAE) in Interior Fit-out Construction, Building Construction and Road Construction, performing as a team leader by directing and team player by engaging with self motivation and innovative ideas.

His early career in Sri Lanka provided solid experience within the field of project management, after which he moved to the Middle East region to take a new challenge in the construction industry during the boom. Janaka first moved to Qatar to work in the engineering division for a major construction firm and then moved to the UAE, in a senior estimation position working for a leading fit out contractor. Janaka's attention to details and accuracy with his work, and excellent personal skills made him the perfect choice to lead the estimation team at Summertown since 2014.

During his free time, Janaka likes to play cricket and when time allows, watch a good movie or TV drama. He is married with one son and one daughter.

Sunil plays a key role within the proejcts team handling all MEP works for Summertown's Abu Dhabi based projects. A trained Electrical Engineer and Diploma holder of Electrical Engineering from the Board of Technical Education, Kerala, India who has been in the UAE since 1998. Being involved from pre-contract stage until final approval strong organisational skills, follow up and strong technical know-how ensures excellence is achieved in every project.

Sunil does not consider himself a fitness fanatic, but likes his regular brisk walks in the mornings and evenings. Sunil's technical know how was behind projects such as Sumitomo Mitsui Bank and Summertown's showroom.

Lilibeth joined Summertown in July 2011 and has been in the UAE for 5 years.  After graduating from Saint Paul University in her native Philippines with a BSc degree in Accountancy, Lilibeth started her career working for INGASCO Inc, a leading industrial gas manufacturing company  as a general accounting supervisor.

Her previous roles have trained Lilibeth well, where she has held responsibility for providing accounts assistance ensuring the effective running of the finance function.  At Summertown, Lilibeth provides support to the senior management and commercial teams through the generation of financial reports, as well as providing assistance to her fellow colleagues in the finance team to ensure smooth running of the department.

In her spare time, Lilibeth is a real book worm and enjoys reading anything from self help management books to crime thrillers.

Babu is a key member of the Summertown team and firmly believes in the saying “Necessity is the mother of invention”. His dedicated, innovative approach to his work sees Babu play a pivotal role within the team. His career with Summertown began in 2006 and he has spent time across various departments such as accounts, administration, procurement & ISO. He has played a key supporting role in several projects including Abu Dhabi Women's College, ADSIC and Parsons Brinckerhoff.

Hailing from India, and following his graduation with a Bachelors degree in Commerce from Bangalore University, Babu has been living in the UAE since 1998.

To escape the rush of city life, he lives on the outskirts of Abu Dhabi with his wife and 2 sons and enjoys travelling around the UAE to spend time with family and friends.

Melinda has been living and working in the UAE for 3 years, and following a 2 year stint working as administrator for a Dubai based joinery company, she joined Summertown.

She has always enjoyed working in the manufacturing industry, and spent 24 years as supervisor for a tin can manufacturer in the Phillipines before moving to the UAE. Working as an Administrator she is incredibly organized and runs the Summertown office with clockwork precision, keeping her colleagues and the Management Team in check!

In her spare time, Melinda likes to read, listen to music and sleep whenever she can so she can recharge her batteries after her busy week. She has three children - all now grown up and enjoying university life back at home in the Phillipines.