As Deputy Head of MEP at KEO International Consultants, Natanam Kannan is at the forefront of delivering innovative, high-performance engineering solutions across the Middle East. With over twenty years at KEO and decades of experience in MEP design, Natanam has played a pivotal role in shaping landmark developments across the region.
KEO’s MEP team comprises 75 dedicated MEP professionals backed by over 250 specialists from KEO’s broader design division. This depth of expertise has been instrumental in KEO’s continued evolution, enabling the firm to stay ahead of industry demands. 2024 saw KEO expand globally, opening new offices in Jordan and Portugal while strengthening its presence in Saudi Arabia. Natanam’s team has helped drive this growth, delivering high-profile, complex MEP solutions for iconic projects such as the Aman Hegra Resort, The Tail Mersa in Saudi Arabia and DAMAC Bay 1 in Dubai.
Beyond expansion, KEO’s commitment to innovation has been pivotal to its growth. Under Natanam’s leadership, the MEP team is actively implementing AI-driven solutions and has advanced its BIM-driven clash detection process, eliminating design conflicts and streamlining project timelines, frequently resulting in zero clashes.
KEO remains a leader in the industry, securing the #1 ranking in the Middle East by Building Design WA 100 for four consecutive years and maintaining a presence in ENR’s Top 225 International Design Firms for 21 straight years. Natanam himself has been highly commended as Electrical Engineer of the Year, and his team has won countless MEP awards, including Project of the Year, for our contributions to the Red Sea Destination and Consultancy of the Year.
This year, Natanam is expanding the MEP team and strengthening talent development through the KEO Academy, BIM Academy, mentorship programs, and external certifications. With a vision that blends technical precision, innovation, and sustainability—coupled with his commitment to nurturing expertise—he is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, driving smarter, more efficient designs that leave a lasting impact on the industry and the communities they serve.
