Satu joined Publica in 2016 and leads the practice’s work in research, planning and design for the urban night, ensuring that evening, night-time, and after-dark research, strategies and designs are integrated into projects from the outset.

In 2021, Satu led the GLA-commissioned Night Time Strategy Guidance work; a suite of guidance and resources for local authorities in London seeking to develop night-time strategies. The ambitious guidance includes step-by-step guides and a broad range of inspiring, illustrated case studies informed by international research and engagement with London’s Night Time Borough Champions Network. She also contributed as an expert advisor to the Night Time Commission’s Think Night report, as well as the Centre for London’s research and recommendations on lighting in London. She regularly conducts night walks to engage stakeholders, help foster partnership working, and advocate a collaborative and evidence-based approach to planning and designing for a diversity of public life at night. 

Satu trained as an architectural lighting designer and before joining Publica spent almost a decade at the lighting design practice, Speirs + Major, including five years leading the team specialising in public realm lighting. Outside her work at Publica, she collaborates with designers, artists and creatives, designing light for architecture, art, exhibitions and site-specific, immersive, community-devised theatre.