We are a creative collective formed to craft new realities. Our team is a diverse group of makers, designers, architects and artists. By connecting deeply with our clients and creations, we make your passion our own.
Let’s build together!
GEM et AL is a multi-disciplinary design studio. We strive to master the new, discover the next and make something meaningful along the way. Our diverse collective of creatives seek collaborators who are passionately inventing new futures.
We seek partnership with ambitious design studios, creative agencies and developers. Our collective is uniquely malleable. We curate unique teams to compose experiences, build environments, design custom furniture, develop multi-media art installations or infuse your efforts with our creative gems.
Grace Escano-Maniatis founded GEM et AL to create new possibilities and beautiful places. During years of collaboration and partnerships, she built a global network of creators, vendors and resources. GEM et AL is a vehicle for realizing the potential of Grace’s incredible network.
Grace Escano-Maniatis designs environments, objects and experiences hewn from a plentiful blend of disciplines and inspirations. She pushes design boundaries while nurturing the human condition. From simple pleasures to the grandest sensorial luxuries, Grace’s creations range from comfortably minimal homes for discerning celebrities to magnificent penthouses for the world’s most demanding clientele.
Will Meyer and Gray Davis were excellent mentors, introducing Grace to ever larger projects from press-worthy private residences to Award Winning resort, restaurant and hospitality properties. As Design Director at Meyer Davis Studio, she developed new brands and repositioned established ones then brought their projects to launch. Grace created innovative brand environments by seamlessly collaborating with developers, brand managers, design consultants, construction management, sales and marketing to realize goals and exceed expectations. During 15 years of design, direction and management in the architecture world, Grace has honed her craft through considerable project experience. From blue-sky whiteboarding to blue-ribbon openings, Grace turns soft new ideas into solid concrete. She has worked with talented creatives and visionary developers from around the world.
Grace’s notable projects include; One Barangaroo opening soon and 1 Hotel Miami which has received numerous awards. Other work includes East House, Oscar de la Renta Headquarters & Showroom, and This One. She has been awarded…
Bridget Barnett designs and develops acclaimed projects focusing on Hospitality, Residential, Retail and Commercial sectors during her 11 year international career for industry-leading and award-winning studios.
Her design aesthetic aims to inspire clients with creative, fresh ideas to ensure that their projects exceed expectations.
Across her portfolio 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 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 across 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.