About
WE ARE URBANITES
An urbanite is a person who inhabits one of the major cities in the world and carries an optimistic outlook on life. At Urbanite Homes, we believe in getting the best out of a home in the city, and our aim is to fulfil the needs of fellow urbanites everywhere.
Quality design is always within reach
For us, great design and high quality materials come before profit. We are dedicated to offering beautiful, affordable homes in upcoming neighbourhoods, with a touch of european flair!
Specialising in both residential and commercial real estate development, Urbanite Homes has bought, refurbished and sold over 25 properties since 2012. To see some examples of past projects, check out our PORTFOLIO .
PEOPLE
MARIEKE OCHTMAN
CEO
Marieke’s natural curiosity and strong entrepreneurial mind led her to several studies, jobs and places around the world. Earning her international M.B.A. from Nyenrode Business Universiteit (the Netherlands) and studying finance & marketing at Kellogg, UCLA and IIM Bangalore (India) prepared her for a new business adventure.
Today she is based out of east LA doing what she loves most: redefining architectural landscape for urbanites. As the founder of the company, Marieke is at the forefront of all Urbanite Homes’ projects. Since 2012 she has reimagined more than 25 residential and commercial properties in the US and in the Netherlands. Marieke is currently redesigning several hotels in and around LA. Her creativity with spaces and high-end design style have developed an expansive path for the future of the firm. Marieke is a highly sought after design and renovation innovator.
Urban development is my vacation. People are my passion.
GERT-JAN SINT NICOLAAS
CPO
Gert-Jan has an extensive background in commercial development and sales management. He has over 15 years of experience in the field of financial services. Until recently, he was the commercial director and part owner of Qmulus financial services in Belgium and Luxembourg.
Due to Urbanite Homes' huge success in Los Angeles, Gert-Jan took on a full time position in the company when it opened it's doors in the Netherlands. In 2014 he started acquiring properties for the company in the Netherlands. Gert-Jan has been a partner in Urbanite Homes since it was founded. Together, Marieke and Gert-Jan determine the global strategy of Urbanite Homes.With his excellent management and negotiation skills, Gert-Jan paves the way for solid expansion.
RENE WIEBENSOHN
Realtor
Rene's passion is connecting with and helping others achieve their dreams. Real estate is the perfect vehicle for her to make a difference in people's lives. She understands that a house is more than four walls and a roof. It's where you celebrate life's wins, recuperate from its blows and plan for the next big adventure. Rene is a proficient and experienced negotiator with a knack for solving problems.
Rene has joined forces with the prestigious John Aaroe Group to create a powerful and progressive partnership. She comes highly recommended with glowing reviews from both buyers and sellers.
KATHLEEN SLOAN
Creativist
Kathleen Sloan is a professional violinist living in the Los Angeles area. Having performed in concert halls across the world, her travels have exposed her to a multitude of cultural aesthetics. While music has consistently been her vocation since graduating from the University of Southern California, Kathleen has always hoped to apply her love of design to a second career in architectural design.
By combining discipline and creativity, Kathleen has carried her passion for both art and organization into her work with Urbanite Homes.