Otak, Inc., an award-winning engineering, urban design, architecture and planning firm, recently hired new staff members Ellen Webster, Ahmed Kayanda and Nancy Acton. They will be working out of the firm’s Kirkland office.

Ellen Webster joined Otak as a civil engineering designer. She brings experience in roadway and site design for a variety of municipal projects. Prior to joining Otak, Webster served as treasurer and build leader for the Habitat for Humanity Club and was a Honduras project member for Engineers Without Borders. She earned her bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from the University of Portland. She is currently working on projects for the cities of Redmond and Woodinville.

Ahmed Kayanda joined Otak as a CAD technician. Prior to joining Otak, Kayanda was a CAD intern at a private engineering firm. He also has experience working with conservation architects for UNESCO to renovate and restore historical buildings in Zanzibar. Kayanda earned his associate degree in civil engineering graphics from Lake Washington Institute of Technology. He also earned his associate degree in civil engineering from Karume Technical College in Zanzibar.

Nancy Acton joined Otak as a receptionist and project assistant. She brings more than 20 years of experience in administrative assistance and office management. Acton earned her associates in arts and sciences degree from Bellevue College and her executive assistant certificate from the Business and Medical Training Center in Seattle.

Ahmed Kayanda

Nancy Acton