Jennifer Bonelli

As Axis Hospitality’s Director of Design, Jennifer Bonelli brings deep expertise in commercial and hospitality interior design. She holds a Master of Fine Arts from the New York School of Interior Design and a Bachelor’s in Economics from Bucknell University.

Jennifer's career started on Wall Street, influencing her design approach. She transitioned to New World Design Builders, working on CATCH L.A. and Gansevoort Hotel Group Properties. At Jeffrey Beers International, she led projects for Disney, Marriott, and Hard Rock.

In Charleston, she designed The Cooper, Wild Dunes Resort, and high-end residential projects. At Axis Hospitality, Jennifer has completed designs for Hotel Iris in Boston and The Garden Hotel & Resort in Ft. Lauderdale, and is currently working on projects in Miami, Phoenix, and a luxury yacht club.

Andrew Sigfrids, AIA

Andrew Sigfrids, AIA, is an experienced Architectural Designer, LEED Associate and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Minnesota.

He started his career in construction working on a range of commercial buildings, and that experience has driven his mission to deliver consistently high quality drawings that ensure the design vision is fully upheld.  Andrew has held roles with Adolfson & Peterson Construction, DBlant International, and HLW and is the founder of ASIG BIM.  He has had the opportunity to work with large clients such as Starbucks, ABInBev, Blu Dot, and Top Golf.  Andrew is a specialist in a range of BIM products such as Revit, Inventor and SolidWorks and ensures superb execution of all construction documentation at Axis Design.

Jessica Yu

Jessica Yu, a highly skilled Interior Designer, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Parsons the New School for Design. With an impressive career across top firms like HOK, DOMIO, rag & bone, Jeffrey Beers International, and O’Neil Langan Architects PC, Jessica has honed her expertise in design development and brand innovation, particularly within luxury commercial interiors, retail, and hospitality.

Her refined design acumen is evident in her leadership of complex projects, where she expertly integrates aesthetic vision with strategic execution. Previously, as Senior Interior Design Professional at HOK, she led groundbreaking design initiatives, all while fostering strong relationships with clients and stakeholders. Jessica's dedication to innovation and sustainability in design, alongside her meticulous attention to detail, make her an influential force in the industry. Her work has been recognized in the Volume II Interior Design Best of Hospitality Book for the WestHouse Hotel in New York City—a testament to her exceptional talent and contribution to the field.

 

Der Sean Chou, NCIDQ

Der Sean Chou is a distinguished NCIDQ-certified Interior Designer, holding a Master of Science in Interior Design from Pratt Institute. As an educator, he imparts his knowledge and passion for design at both Pratt Institute and the School of Visual Arts, and has previously taught at Parsons School of Design, shaping the next generation of creative minds.

With a rich tapestry of experience spanning residential, multi-family, and hospitality design, Der Sean has excelled in senior design roles at renowned firms like Jeffrey Beers International and Stonehill Taylor. His unique background in film and IT not only fuels his creativity but also enhances his proficiency in cutting-edge digital design tools, allowing him to push the boundaries of innovation in his work.

Der Sean has collaborated with esteemed brands such as One&Only, Waldorf Astoria, Equinox, Atlantis, and Omni, masterfully navigating stringent brand standards to deliver exceptional project execution. His bespoke approach to design ensures that each project is tailored to reflect the distinctive character and vision of the client, resulting in environments that are not only functional but also deeply resonant and captivating.

Alexandra Panaretos, NCIDQ

Alexandra Panaretos is an experienced interior designer with nearly seven years in hospitality and commercial design. She holds dual bachelor's degrees—one in Art History from Furman University and another in Fine Arts in Interior Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).

Throughout her career, Alexandra has worked on a variety of branded hotel projects for clients such as IHG, Hilton, and Marriott, focusing on ensuring project compliance with brand standards and enhancing the guest experience. Her expertise in the design documentation process is complemented by her strong attention to detail, allowing her to deliver high-quality work on time and within budget.

After relocating from Atlanta to Charleston, Alexandra joined Goff D’Antonio Architects, where she gained experience on boutique hotels, multifamily developments, and retail projects, including the notable George and Society Street in downtown Charleston. She also contributed to luxury residential projects on Kiawah Island, Seabrook, and Isle of Palms while working with Red Element Design Studio. Alexandra’s project management skills and commitment to excellence have established her as a reliable professional in the interior design industry.

Hannah Sears

Hannah Sears graduated from the College of Charleston with a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Real Estate Finance and furthered her studies at the Charleston School of Design, currently pursuing her education at Parsons School of Design. Born and raised in Florida, she has been immersed in the world of design and construction from an early age, watching her father, a general contractor, build custom homes and commercial properties. This foundation has shaped her specialty in curating bespoke, boutique interiors tailored to the discerning tastes of her clientele.

Her portfolio features the custom design of exclusive properties throughout the Southeast, including notable locations such as Boone, NC, Winter Park, FL, Palmetto Bluff, and the historic districts of downtown Charleston. Each project reflects Hannah’s keen attention to detail and her commitment to creating personalized, luxury environments that embody the individuality of each space and client. Whether transforming private estates or boutique residences, she delivers a level of refinement and elegance synonymous with the most exclusive properties.

With Axis Hospitality, Hannah has contributed to projects like Hotel Iris, where she selected finishing touches and designed a high-end floating yacht club, further enhancing her distinguished portfolio of luxury projects.