Our People
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed. It is the only thing that ever has.” — Margaret Mead
Innovation Through Collaboration
We are often faced with the task of sorting through a mass of existing needs/problems, ideas/parameters, words, pictures, perception, and existing conditions. We collaborate with the owners, operators, restaurateurs. We poll guests. We take all of this collected data and we pin it up, spin it around. We deconstruct it. We brainstorm with the specialist, the craftsman, the artisan, and the engineers to shake it up, to shake it down and recast it. We pull from our travels, nature, art, fashion, and technology… seeking inspiration. We aren’t looking for an off the shelf solution. We are looking for a transforming moment. We can’t do it alone, and we are not afraid, because we do it together.
Brooke Pearsall
CEO, Principal Designer and Founder
Brooke Pearsall, an award winning interior designer recognized for innovation, with more than 20 years of experience.
Before opening my own firm I came from GMK Interiors, where as the Director of Design for the Columbia South Carolina office I led multiple teams for various Continued Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), developed new Student Housing Concepts for USC, and completed several Corporate Interior renovations for the Design Build Division of GMK Associates. For a decade prior, I served as the managing director of design for HVS Design’s Boston, MA, Boulder, CO, and Washington, DC, offices and traveled the world over. I worked on a huge range of projects including hotels, lobbies, restaurants, bars, lounges, spas, conference centers, golf clubs and more. I designed and mentored.
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My expertise landed me projects designing “Hotels of Tomorrow” for Disney and consulting both nationally and internationally for well known hospitality clients, including Jumeriah Hotels, Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Wyndham, and Starwood as well as the boutique hospitality market. One of my favorite projects allowed me to travel across Asia exploring and evaluating 5 star properties to develop a design standard manual for the Shilla Hotel in Seoul Korea.
Prior to that, I served as senior designer for J/Brice Design International, where my team won design of the year for the Westminster Hotel from Hospitality Design Magazine. I also worked as an interior designer for Sasaki Associates, Inc. out of Boston, and Ghafari Associates, where I worked with Nick Saban designing the state of the art education and activity center for their Football department.
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I hold a bachelor of science degree in interior design from Eastern Michigan University, a FIDER-Accredited Interior Design Program. I am a NCIDQ-Certified Designer and maintain memberships in the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality (NEWH) and the International Interior Designer Association (IIDA).
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Hannah Gerstner
Hannah - Interior Designer
The future belongs to the curious, and Hannah, is our design visionary. She houses a beautiful soul, with a fierce demeanor and the courage to explore, bringing a breath of fresh air to each project she tackles. Her commitment to sustainability, biophilic principles, adds a sense of environmental stewardship, while infusing unique artistic motifs and gestures of bold colors results in unforgettable design solutions.
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"When I'm not designing, I am known to many as a plant fiend. I have an abundance of houseplants and have recently started a flower garden. I get such a strong sense of accomplishment and excitement when I get to watch them thrive and grow." -Hannah
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Caroline Barnes
Interior Designer
Caroline earned a multidisciplinary education in art history and design theory informs her eclectic approach to interior design. With a focus on commercial spaces, Caroline crafts environments that tell a story, blending historical influences with a contemporary flair. Her expertise in color theory and spatial planning results in dynamic, inviting spaces that meet the diverse needs of our clients, while her commitment to innovation pushes the boundaries of design excellence.
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"One of my favorite ways to spend my free time is at Disney World with my loved ones. Being at Disney allows me to re-kindle that child-like wonder that makes everything feels so magical, and experiencing this with my family makes it all the more special." -Caroline
Vianka Belyea
Human Resources and Strategic Advisor
Vianka Perez Belyea, Human Resource and Strategic operations expert, boasting 15 years of driving growth and implementing staffing models across diverse industries. A master administrator, Vianka excels in designing workflows that fuel expansion and revenue maximization, leveraging her financial acumen and analytical prowess to achieve strategic goals.
Residing in charming Chapel Hill, NC, Vianka balances her professional excellence with her roles as a devoted wife to Aaron and a proud mother of two. Their adventures are enriched by the presence of Roxy, her beloved chocolate lab.
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Beyond her professional endeavors, Vianka is a culinary enthusiast, delighting in the flavors of diverse cuisines, and a passionate traveler, with dream destinations including India, Iceland, Cuba, and Mexico City.
Alejandro
Bookkeeping
Meet Alejandro, our company’s bookkeeping clerk. who is responsible for updating a company’s financial accounts and records. As a financial professional his duties include checking accounting records for accuracy, tracking invoices and payments and maintaining a system for organizing company documents. Alejandro’s prudent accuracy plays a vital role in providing good stewardship for our clients and Elementum Interiors as a whole.
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Hadley McCusker
Procurement Agent and Stylist
Hadley brings expertise to our team as a Procurement Agent, She has a keen eye for quality and a commitment to sourcing sustainable materials, Her attention to detail and astute negotiation skills ensure the execution of projects with excellence. Through strategic partnerships and market analysis, she consistently secures the finest materials at competitive prices, allowing us to exceed client expectations while optimizing project budgets.
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She has last eyes on every project. Hadley’s passion for style pays a pivotal role in adding final accessories and accessory placement enhancing our firm's reputation for delivering exceptional designs across various sectors, including hospitality, healthcare, multiplying, and commercial spaces that reflect the authentic character and personality of each client.
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Hadley completed two years in the Interior Design program at High Point University where she discovered her passion for business. She is currently finishing her degree in business and fashion merchandising at the University of South Carolina.
Haley Vecchio
Interior Design Intern
Passionate about interior design, Haley brings a deep love for creating spaces that seamlessly blend functionality with creativity. Her approach goes beyond aesthetics, incorporating sustainability practices to craft environments that are not only visually appealing but also environmentally conscious. With a keen eye for detail, She strives to design spaces that transcend mere functionality, aiming to evoke comfort and tranquility, by merging enthusiasm for interior design with commitment to sustainable practices. She aspires to contribute to the creation of spaces that inspire, comfort, and leave a positive impact on the individuals who inhabit them.
Bella Leffler
Interior Design Intern
Bella is our rising star, bringing fresh creativity and a keen eye for aesthetics to our team. Currently honing her skills under seasoned designers, she contributes innovative ideas and assists in various aspects of project development. With a passion for design and a dedication to learning, Bella is a valuable asset to our firm, infusing our projects with her unique perspective and enthusiasm. As a student at Winthrop University, Bella manages her time wisely between being a full-time student, holding down three internships, serving as the vice president of the Interior Design Organization, internal social chair of Delta Zeta, and cultural event monitor. Alongside her is her trusted French Bulldog, Nugget. You can find Nugget roaming around the Elementum Office looking for snacks.
Mike Benner
Accountant
Michael brings over 25 years of successful Enterprise Process Development and Improvement experience to the Elementum Interiors team. He is currently tasked with deploying this skill-set towards expanding Procurement services to our clients, as well as assisting in the creation and/or refinement of internal office processes. Michael has expressed his great excitement working for a growing company that encourages personal professional development as a crucial element of its business model. In his private time, he enjoys reading history, watching Western-themed movies, and dining on exotic cuisine.
Alan Pearsall
In-House Artist, Art Consultant and Marketing Director
With years of experience as a successful muralist, artist, illustrator, and creative art director, Al has been a trailblazer in the world of art since opening his studio in 1999. His commitment to Public Art has been a constant throughout his career, and he never stops pushing the boundaries of technology and exploring new methods to enhance his art.
This background in fine arts and marketing, allows Al to craft compelling narratives that resonate with our audience. From innovative social media campaigns to captivating artwork. He's called upon to create any unique and original artwork on many of our Hospitality Design Projects. Al's artistic flair elevates our brand identity, ensuring that our message stands out in the competitive landscape of interior design.
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