Our team

Isabelle Sjövall is an internationally recognized specialist in the interdisciplinary field of NeuroDesign, with over 20 years of experience in advanced projects within architecture, design, and real estate development. Her research focuses on the connection between neuroscience and design to enhance health, performance, and well-being. As Director and co-founder of the International Centre for NeuroArchitecture and NeuroDesign – a collaboration between RISE and UCL – Isabelle plays a key role in strengthening bilateral relations between Sweden and the United Kingdom in research and innovation. She also serves as an Honorary Designer for the NHS.

Cleo Valentine is Senior Research and Innovation Director at the RISE Research Institutes of Sweden/UCL Centre for NeuroArchitecture and NeuroDesign. Her work focuses on how built environments influence neurophysiological stress and immune response, and she develops computational, experimental, and translational methods to design healthier spaces. She has held research affiliations with the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health (doctoral fellowship), MIT Department of Urban Studies and Planning, and University of Cambridge Design.

Camilla has worked as an architect since 2010, specializing in sustainable urban development with a particular focus on health and well-being through the sustainable city. She has hands-on experience across all phases of architectural practice, from site scouting for property developers to detailed design and planning.

Patrik is an architect with specialized education in sustainable architecture and design. As an architect, he has experience across all stages of the building process—from early phases and feasibility studies to detailed design—often with a strong focus on sustainability.

Ximena Horjales is an architect and project manager at RISE. She has extensive experience in sustainable urban planning and residential architecture. Her main focus is on climate transition and social sustainability within the design and construction process. As a generalist, she contributes the human dimension to complex projects involving the designed living environment and sustainability. 

Maria Tunberg is an experienced business developer who has led complex and interdisciplinary collaboration projects and been responsible for developing new business areas and partnerships at RISE. She holds a PhD in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), an MSc in Environmental Management for Business from Cranfield University, and a Master's degree in Natural Resource Economics from SLU.

Marit Eskel holds a PhD in sociology and has primarily focused on areas such as mental health, knowledge management, and implementation. She works as a project manager, mainly addressing issues related to prevention. Marit has a particular interest in change management and collaboration, with her core experience stemming from work with municipalities and regional authorities.

Johanna Gunnarsson is a project manager with extensive experience working in management teams, systems, and with various financial stakeholders, as well as solid expertise in international contexts. Most recently, she led the SEK 150 million project 'Omställningslyftet', where RISE supported small and medium-sized enterprises in their climate transition.