For two decades, SouthPark Interior Design has helped shape some of the most distinctive commercial spaces in Charlotte and beyond. What began as a shared creative spark between two friends, Martha Thomley and Lisa Pulsinelli-Brooks, has grown into a nationally recognized design firm. Together, the team Martha and Lisa have built bring a fine balance of artistic instinct and sharp industry experience for projects that are both visually striking and effortlessly functional.
“We entered the industry with a vision: to bring about the next big revolution in student housing, multi-family, and hospitality interior design,” Martha said.
Their team’s longevity and passion reflect the same values that launched the company. Martha was originally inspired by her love of art. Then, she quickly fell into the design industry, working with her parents for their family business creating high-end bedding and drapery before going to design school. Lisa is a natural creative. Through her experiences in the luxury retail design world, she found a path to commercial design. Together, Martha and Lisa wanted to create intentional spaces that were bold and inspired, not just by how they themselves lived, but by their travels and the people around them.
How did you two meet and decide to work together?
Martha and Lisa: We met at our son’s preschool and became fast friends. We quickly went from friends to business partners in the best of ways. Martha had been working with her parents in high-end residential interior design. On the other hand, Lisa’s career with Nordstrom brought skills of procurement, sales and vendor relationships to the table.
From a client perspective, how should they know when it’s time to redo their space?
Lisa: There are a host of strong reasons to refresh your property. For example, you might refresh When leasing is down, when it looks dated, when there is strong competition, when they are looking to sell the property. In general, the standard of both student and multi-family is every three to five years
Do you work with or tend to source from any local vendors?
Martha and Lisa: Absolutely! It’s our first choice to work with local vendors. We do lots of research to find local artists and other local businesses to include in our projects. Also, we have developed amazing relationships with both domestic and international vendors. SouthPark Interior Design takes great pride in our vast and unique library. It allows us to work within any budget and maximize creativity for our developers.
If you had to describe SPI’s design aesthetic, what would it be?
Lisa: Bold, dynamic and different. We lean more masculine in our design aesthetic. It is hard to describe other than the overused “moody” or eclectic. We take pride in our finishes first, the unexpected, a touch of humor and functional “resimercial” design.
What has been one of SPI’s biggest success stories?
Lisa: Gosh, there have been so many hills and valleys in our history together that it’s hard to name just one from the past 20 years. I think we would both agree that our current team of talented, dedicated, and longstanding “lifers” as we call them are our both our greatest joy and success story to date. We are more than coworkers; we are a family that celebrate life’s milestones and losses together. Initially, stepping out of high-end residential and into commercial development [was a major success] and today, it is the 90% repeat business that speaks for itself.
How would you describe your own personal style/aesthetic and what you’re drawn toward?
Lisa: Martha and I are complete opposites in many ways which makes us great partners. When designing a project together, those differentiating tastes give us perfect balance. My style is a bit like my personality; it varies from room to room with an overall aesthetic of unique finishes and casual comfort.The biggest compliment for me is how cozy and at home people feel.
Martha: My style could be described as classic with a twist. I love including surprises curated from my extensive travels and antique hunting throughout my home. Interiors-wise, I think my home aesthetic is best described as elegantly casual, with a juxtaposition of contemporary and traditional pieces.
Who is your ideal or typical clientele at SouthPark Interior Design?
Martha: We strive to work with clients who appreciate the creative process and trust our passion for design innovation and excellence. Our team really understands how construction and architectural teams work. So, we love to be involved early to collaborate with them and help the project be as seamless as possible.
SouthPark Interiors continues to evolve. However, its foundation remains the same: a friendship-driven partnership dedicated to crafting spaces that stand out and stand up to everyday use.
Learn more about the SouthPark neighborhood.
southparkinteriors.com
@southparkinteriors
