Founding Principal

Christopher Clifton has been a dedicated professional in the design and construction industry since 2007, with a focus on structural engineering, space planning, and structural forensics. Born in Houston, Texas, and with deep roots in Bolivia through his family, Christopher's background provides a broad perspective that enhances his work.

At Okkem Design, he particularly values projects that present unique challenges—such as developing solutions for restricted lots, integrating distinctive architectural features, or maximizing functionality in compact spaces. These complex issues often require innovative thinking, a part of the job Christopher finds particularly rewarding.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Christopher is a committed husband and father of two. His interests include fitness, dancing, chess, and spending time with friends. Additionally, he is a licensed pilot and a competitive jiu-jitsu black belt, reflecting his discipline and passion for continuous personal growth.

Christopher's approach is characterized by a steadfast commitment to solving complex engineering challenges and a balanced, enriching personal life.

Designer / Project Manager

Gabrielle is a Project Manager and Architectural Designer at Okkem Design, where she leverages her extensive background in architecture and project management to drive residential design projects to successful completion. With a degree in Architecture from McGill University and a minor in Management, Gabrielle expertly combines her creative design skills with strong project management principles. Originally from Montreal, Canada, her move to Texas has further fueled her passion for architectural design and project collaboration.

At Okkem Design, Gabrielle specializes in residential projects, where she excels in guiding clients through every phase of their project, from initial concept to final realization. She thrives on the collaborative nature of design, valuing the dynamic interactions within the team and with stakeholders, which she believes are crucial for bringing any vision to life. Beyond her professional endeavors, Gabrielle enjoys exploring Austin's cultural scene, from its scenic outdoor trails to its diverse culinary offerings. Her blend of creativity, managerial skill, and enthusiasm for life enriches every project, ensuring innovative solutions and outstanding results.

Structural Engineer

Isaac is a seasoned Structural Engineer at Okkem Design, bringing eight years of industry experience to his role. His expertise is deeply rooted in wood and steel design, with a portfolio that ranges from home remodels to large educational facilities. Isaac holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.

Originally from the Midwest and raised in the scenic Black Hills of South Dakota, Isaac's educational journey began at home, where he was homeschooled from kindergarten through twelfth grade. This unique background has shaped his approach to engineering, emphasizing adaptability and innovative problem-solving.

At Okkem, Isaac thrives on challenging projects, particularly those that involve complex remodels. He is passionate about assisting clients with limited budgets, finding it exceptionally rewarding to help repair or complete projects that have encountered obstacles, such as the Dalea project where he stepped in after the original builder abandoned the client.

Outside the office, Isaac’s interests are as diverse as his professional projects. He is an avid enthusiast of Tabletop RPGs, enjoys playing Magic the Gathering, and takes pleasure in Country Swing Dancing. These activities not only reflect his engaging personality but also his ability to think strategically and creatively, both in and out of work.

Designer / Project Manager

Sarah is a Project Manager and Designer at Okkem, specializing in managing complex design and engineering projects and acting as a liaison between clients and our production team. They hold a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Engineering in Architectural Engineering from Penn State. With a solid background in welding, forging, and fabrication, Sarah has been instrumental in addressing the unique challenges that come with large renovation projects, making the most of constrained spaces.

In their 3.5 years in the industry, Sarah has developed a strong interest in steel fabrication and building construction, continually enhancing their skills through further education and practical experience. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, they find great reward in exceeding client expectations in an industry known for its complexity.

Outside of their professional role, Sarah pursues their passion for metalworking with ongoing courses at Austin Community College. They also enjoy climbing, yoga, and biking, often exploring the great outdoors to balance their demanding career.

Designer / Outreach Coordinator

Sindy is a dedicated designer and outreach coordinator at Okkem, where she brings a decade of specialized experience in architectural and engineering drafting. Her role is central to meticulously translating designs into precise technical drawings, ensuring accuracy and project efficiency from inception to completion. Her career began as a Mechanical Technical Drafter with a well-known architectural firm, focusing initially on luxury custom residential projects with panelized systems. In this capacity, she played a pivotal role in developing standards for fabrication and installation, which sharpened her skills and deepened her industry knowledge.

One of Sindy's favorite projects at Okkem involved multiple iterations to an ADU design due to budgetary and regulatory hurdles. Despite undergoing significant redesigns, she successfully preserved the project's core elements, adapting to site constraints with innovative solutions like designing a pier and beam foundations around trees. This project exemplifies the rewarding nature of her work—tackling complex challenges to find effective solutions that resonate with the project's essence.

Originally from Barranquilla, Colombia, Sindy moved to New York City in 2001, immersing herself in its vibrant cultural scene before settling in Austin, Texas, in 2006. Her diverse cultural background and experiences in various environments have profoundly influenced her approach to design, allowing her to incorporate a broad spectrum of perspectives and creative solutions tailored to the cultural landscape of Austin.

Structural Engineer

Susan is a seasoned Structural Engineer at Okkem Design, where she meticulously designs structural components including columns, beams, joists, shear walls, and foundations. She also expertly calculates loads encompassing gravity, wind, and seismic impacts, and crafts detailed design specifications. Since entering the structural engineering field in 1996 and earning her Professional Engineer license in 2001, Susan has established herself as a key expert in the industry.

Among her projects at Okkem, Susan is most engaged and fulfilled when working with competent and innovative architects, appreciating collaborations that challenge and utilize her extensive expertise. Her favorite projects are those that allow her to solve complex engineering problems and see tangible results from her efforts, showcasing her commitment to functional and robust design.

Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Susan moved to Phoenix, Arizona during her childhood and later to Albuquerque, New Mexico. She relocated to Austin for college and has made it her home, except for a brief stint in Dallas. Her deep roots in various communities, coupled with her extensive professional experience, make her a valuable asset to the Okkem team and the broader engineering community in Austin.