Team
Artech has integrated all the elements needed to build a top notch console team. From pioneers that helped to build the whole gaming category through to an A-Team of artists and coders, we have in-house animators, sound engineers, video directors and developers working with the best tools and processes.
Rick Banks – Co-founder, Director Product Development
In 1980 after a stint as a sessional lecturer in Computer and Electronic Music at Carleton University, Rick worked briefly as a computer programmer before starting Artech Studios. Since that time Rick has played many roles at Artech in all aspects of entertainment software management and development. Rick has been happily not-married for thirty years, has three no-longer kids, too many relatives, and treats his dog with disdain.
Paul Butler – Co-founder, Director Business Development
After a career in the music business, Paul earned degrees in Computer Science (Algonquin College) and Philosophy (Carleton University) where he and co-founder Rick Banks first met while studying electronic and computer music in the late 1970s. Paul and Rick have designed over 150 Artech titles and the long list of awards includes many Sony and SPA (Software Publisher of America) awards for million selling products and “Game of the Year” awards. When not at Artech, Paul plays with guitars, hockey sticks and telescopes.
Antonio Santamaria - Head of Engineering
Antonio has worked in the games industry for over 15 years, developing and managing more than 20 projects for consoles and PC. He has a background in Software Engineering, and sits on the advisory board at
Algonquin College's School of Media and Design, where he is also a professor. Antonio likes to make games, wine and sausage, and may one day combine all three.
Paul Desmarais - Design Coordinator
Paul has worked as game designer, animator, artist and level editor at Artech for over 12 years. Paul is a graduate of the animation program at Algonquin College, and prior to Artech worked on three feature films as well as several television series. Paul is bilingual French/English and likes to wear funny hats.
Anu Lindeman, PMP - Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator at Artech for over 10 years, Anu holds a Masters Certificate in Project Management from the Sprott School of Business at Carleton University, and is a graduate of the Multimedia program at Algonquin College. Born and raised in Finland, Anu is a straight-talker who possesses a subtle accent, which she uses to get her way.