Meet Our Team
Get to Know Our Eureka, IL Design Team for Your Upcoming Project
When you invite our designers into your home, we believe that trust is one of the biggest factors that come with every design. So, before planning out your next remodel project, read more about our staff so that you can get to know, and trust, our team! We will invest all the necessary time and care into your home as if it were our own. You can direct all your questions and concerns our way and trust us to adhere to your specifications. We want you to not only be satisfied with the results of your project, but also with the quality of service you received. We hope you’ll find that our team consists of friendly and skilled professionals who are dedicated to providing you with excellent customer service.
Chris Gentes
Born and raised in Chenoa, Illinois, Chris brings with him over 20 years of home building experience, during which he built invaluable relationships. He has never met a stranger – an asset that allows him to constantly listen, learn, and improve the service for Gravel Lane Design Studio clients. Chris is quality-minded, budget conscience, and loves to talk shop – stop in any time and bounce your ideas off him! He loves working with clients and helping them realize their vision for their home project.
Ben Kingdon
A second-generation contractor, Ben grew up in nearby El Paso, Illinois working for his dad, a local general contractor. He graduated with an associate degree in Architectural Design from Illinois Central College before earning a bachelor’s degree in Building Construction Management from Purdue University. Ben brings to the team experience in project design, project management, and an eye for detail. He enjoys a challenge that allows him to think outside the box – come in and talk details!
Natalie Engeling
Natalie is a Bloomington-Normal native who completed her degree in Interior and Architectural Design at Illinois State University and got the opportunity to study design in Florence, Italy. Whether it’s re-configuring a floor plan, creating a custom kitchen, or picking out fresh paint colors, Natalie is the person you want in charge of your project. She will help guide you through the process from start to finish, and her attentiveness to detail is unparalleled. She would love the opportunity to speak with you about your project and utilize her expertise to provide exceptional results.
Kelsie Thompson
Born and raised on a cattle farm in Beardstown IL, Kelsie now resides in the Bloomington-Normal area with her husband and three small children. She is a graduate of Illinois State University and has been doing home design for 8 years. Her favorite part of the design process is the ability to get creative with the little details. She is an expert at finding the intersection between functionality and design and will create a beautiful space on any budget. With her outgoing and bubbly personality, Kelsie will make sure you have an enjoyable design experience. Come by and let her help you design your dream home!
McKenzie Rieke
Born and raised in Eureka, McKenzie received her degree in Interior Design at Illinois State University. She currently resides in Mackinaw with her husband, Jordan, and their son, William. McKenzie is known for her kind personality and attention to detail throughout her designs. Her eagerness and creative abilities within the design process help her stand out as a designer. McKenzie will work around the clock to make sure her client’s expectations and dream designs are exceeded. She would love the opportunity to share her passion for interior design with you while creating spaces that will instantly make you feel at home!
Carly Hoskins
A lifelong Peoria-area resident, Carly took her first interior design class in high school and has had a passion for it ever since. She is an Illinois State University graduate and studied both design and business during her time there. Over the last few years, she's done remote design and styling projects with clients across the United States. She loves blending creativity and functional organization. Outside of work, you'll find Carly spending time outside with her toddler and husband at the end of their own gravel lane - surrounded by cornfields, an old barn, and a Christmas tree farm.
Callie Crews
Callie originally grew up in Fairbury, IL and now lives closest to our showroom in Eureka. She first gained an interest in interior design after spending time with her father in his cabinet workshop. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Interior Design with a minor in Business Administration from Illinois State. Callie loves engaging in the creative process and bringing in fresh design ideas. You can find evidence of this in her own home as she never shies away from a DIY. In her spare time, Callie enjoys refurbishing old furniture to give it new life and dreaming up her next home improvement project with her husband.
Lavena Tovrea
Lavena is a lifelong Pekin resident and currently shares a home with her boyfriend there. Her passion for design started in high school when she would help her mom set up decorations for weddings, graduation parties, baby showers etc. She credits her love for creating and design to her. Lavena has previous professional experience working on the decorative side of design, specializing in home furnishings. She loves helping clients make their space functional, practical, and beautiful at the same time. Outside of work she enjoys weight training at the gym and DIYing home projects with her boyfriend.
Alicia Roberts
Originally from Springfield, Alicia now lives in the Bloomington-Normal area where she attended Illinois State University, earning degrees in both Graphic Design and Art Education. Alicia is our go-to for all things photography, social media marketing, and digital content creation. When we complete a new project, Alicia is the one who goes in to photograph all the details so that we can share with others for inspiration. She is known to bring her creative spirit with her wherever she goes. When Alicia isn’t traveling with her camera, you can find her working on personal art projects or relaxing with her husband.
Looking for an Internship?
Are you or someone you know interested in the field of Interior Design? Gain experience while building your skill set in a comfortable, professional environment by contacting us today about an internship opportunity! Work alongside our team at Gravel Lane designing kitchens and bathrooms, building client relationships, and gaining industry knowledge. We offer paid opportunities that are flexible to your schedule. If interested, please email us for more information.