We are a collective of creators, makers, designers, architects, artists, and friends.
We are specialists within the design industry and curate our team based on the vision of each project.
We make your passion ours.
Come and join us.
GEM et AL is a multi-disciplinary design studio, focusing on small to medium scale projects internationally. We strive to collaborate with like-minded individuals seeking to discover something new and create meaningful work. GEM et AL is a diverse collective of creatives seeking distinctive opportunities in interior design.
We also partner with other Design Studios, Creative Agencies and Developers to seek projects that require collaboration with a dynamic team. The unique structure of our collective allows us to cater to the needs of every client and project. GEM will curate a distinct team with the expertise required - from designing custom furniture or lighting pieces, to composing experiences and installations, or bolstering large scaled endeavors.
GEM et AL seeks to inspire - devising purposeful spaces and experiential settings. We believe great design is a multifaceted process that works across varied scales and disciplines. We view every project as an opportunity for innovation. By working alongside our clients to create their vision, we aim to tell their unique story through the physical environment. Through thoughtful planning, meticulous detailing and seamless collaboration, our projects set out to make a lasting mark.
GEM NOTABLE PROJECTS & AWARDS
2004-2005 OSCAR DE LA RENTA | AMERICANA IN MASHASSET, NY, MEYER DAVIS STUDIO, SD-CD
2005 MODULAR EXHIBITION DESIGN | NETTO COLLECTION x DWELL STUDIO, MEYER DAVIS STUDIO, SD-CA
2008-2011 EAST HOUSE | CHILMARK, MA, ROSE & GUGGENHEIMER, PETER ROSE & PARTNERS, CD-CA
2009-2011 ISLAND HOUSE | CHAPPAQUIDICK MA, ROSE & PARTNERS SD-CA
2012 AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, AIA NEW ENGLAND DESIGN AWARDS, EAST HOUSE, CHILMARK, MA
2014 AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, AIA, BOSTON SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS HOUSING DESIGN AWARD, EAST HOUSE, CHILMARK, MA
2014 AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, AIA, BOSTON SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTS HONOR AWARD FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE
2012 OSCAR DE LA RENTA | HEADQUARTERS & SHOWROOM, NEW YORK, NY MEYER DAVIS STUDIO CD-CA
2012-2015 ONE HOTEL | MIAMI, FLORIDA, MEYER DAVIS STUDIO, SD-CA
2015 HOSPITALITY DESIGN AWARD FOR LUXURY GUESTROOMS OR SUITES, 1 HOTEL, 1 HOTEL, MIAMI, FLORIDA
2015 INTERIOR DESIGN BOY AWARD, GREEN HOTEL, 1 HOTEL, MIAMI, FLORIDA
2015 GOLD KEY AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN HOSPITALITY DESIGN, BEST LUXURY LOBBY, 1 HOTEL, MIAMI, FLORIDA
2016 RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT, RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECT DESIGN AWARDS, CUSTOM HOME, EAST HOUSE, CHILMARK, MA
2016 HOTEL INTERIORS HOSPITALITY DESIGN AWARDS, LUXURY UPSCALE PUBLIC SPACES, 1 HOTEL, MIAMI, FLORIDA
2016 INTERNATIONAL HOTEL & PROPERTY AWARDS, BEACH HOTEL GLOBAL, THE AMERICAS, 1 HOTEL, MIAMI, FLORIDA
2016 -2018 DREAM HOTEL BRAND | DOHA, QATAR & DREAM DOWNTOWN | NEW YORK, NY, SD & PROTOTYPE
2015-2018 CROWN RESORTS | RESORT & ONE BARANGAROO, SYDNEY AUSTRALIA, SD-CD, PROTOTYPES FOR HOTEL & SUITES & SALES CENTER | QUEENSBRIDGE TOWER, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA, APARTMENTS, SD
GRACE ESCANO-MANIATIS
GEM et AL’s founder, Grace Escano-Maniatis has been fortunate to provide leadership and design direction internationally for well-known brands within hospitality, commercial and residential development.
Her career spans over 15 years and is highlighted with senior positions at leading design studios, most notably as a Design Director, working alongside Will Meyer and Gray Davis of Meyer Davis Studio. While with Meyer Davis, her projects were primarily focused on concept development, designing environments for new brands in their infancy or repositioning established brands within the hospitality industry. Bringing these projects to launch involved robust partnerships with Developers, Brand Managers, Design Consultants, Construction Management, and Marketing to realize their goals. These creative opportunities have enabled Grace to hone her craft and broaden her network globally.
BRIDGET BARNETT
With an international career spanning over 11 years for industry-leading and award-winning studios, Bridget has been involved in the design and development of acclaimed projects focusing on Hospitality, Residential, Retail and Commercial sectors.
Her design aesthetic aims to inspire clients with creative, fresh ideas to ensure that their projects exceed expectations.
Across her porfolio of completed work, be it high-end lifestyle or small scale retail, Bridget tailors the design aesthetic to meet the needs of her clients to surprise and delight them throughout the journey.
Her consultative approach, combines design expertise with strong communication and an established industry network, that ensures the unique vision and concept for each project is translated into a design that is functional first, while also beautiful, bespoke and meaningful.
ALEXANDRA MADDI
Maddi developed a strong interest in Art history and Design while pursuing her B.A. Inspired to continue her educational experience and broaden her understanding of the design world, she moved to Prague, in the Czech Republic, where she was immersed in European Art and Architecture.
Upon returning to the US, she began a career at one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the world, where she created and provided leadership for a burgeoning Design and Development Operations team. Throughout her tenure, she provided much needed guidance in shepherding the global design layout process for 20+ projects weekly, implemented onboarding programs across eight global headquarters, and much more. She strove to drive the success of the Global Design & Development team as a highly functional, multidisciplinary unit, acting as liaison for Senior Leadership, working accross public relations, visualization, and operations in addition to design and development.
As a seasoned Operations Specialist and Creative, she has been involved in the design, development and opening of projects spanning Hospitality, Residential, and Retail. When working with clients and colleagues, she employs an individualized approach, shifting her paradigm to fit the specific needs and vision of the project.