KATE TOWILL
Founding Partner, Creative Director
Kate founded Basic Projects with her husband, Ben, in 2015. Kate’s background is in the film industry, where she spent six years as a set designer for commercials, music videos, and feature films for clients including MTV, HBO and Wes Anderson. Kate serves as the Creative Director of Basic Projects, where she works alongside a dedicated team to create inviting and inspiring commercial and hospitality spaces that leave lasting impressions on guests and clients. Kate envisions and executes the creative direction of each Basic Project’s award-winning brands, from restaurants to boutique hotels, residential properties, and wellness spaces throughout the US and the UK. Kate’s happy place is sailing in the Charleston harbor, exploring antique markets, or walking in the mountains with her family.
BEN TOWILL
Founding Partner, CEO
Ben is an English-born restaurateur and career adventurer. Ben’s food career began in the kitchens of Raymond Blanc’s famous two Michelin star Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons in Oxford and Rick Stein’s restaurants in Cornwall, UK. In 2008, Ben co-founded Silkstone Hospitality Group and created four renowned New York City eateries: The Fat Radish, Ruschmeyers, The Leadbelly, and The East Pole. In 2014, Ben relocated to Charleston, South Carolina, with his wife, Kate, and launched their hospitality brand Basic Projects together. In and around Charleston, Basic Projects has opened three restaurants and a boutique inn: Basic Kitchen, Sullivan’s Fish Camp, and Post House Inn. Ben’s adventure career spans a lifetime. In 2014, Ben wrote a food-focused travel column for The New York Times documenting his cross-country bike ride, called “A Ride In The Country.” Most recently, he completed the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, a 3,000-mile nautical race across the Atlantic Ocean, which raised over $150K for Greenheart, a local food nonprofit. Ben’s passions for healthy, inspired living and sustainable food systems drive the mission of Basic Projects as the company continues to create an ever-expanding collection of unique spaces, experiences, and products that inspire people to live better.
EVA SUAREZ
Chief Operating Officer
Eva is Head of Operations for Basic Projects and is integral in developing, opening, and operating the company’s commercial and hospitality spaces. Eva studied business and food resource economics at the University of Florida. Her involvement with the local food movement began on a small biodynamic farm, where she helped host farm-to-table dinners and community-oriented events. With a love for sustainable design and hospitality, Eva found her way to Basic Projects. She joined the team first as Project Manager and resident go-getter, committed to helping them realize their big ideas. Eva oversaw the opening of the company’s flagship restaurant, Basic Kitchen, and today, she oversees the financial and day-to-day operations of each Basic Projects brand. Eva is also passionate about giving back to her community. She conceptualizes and executes large-scale community events that drive revenue, further the mission and reach of Basic Projects’ brands, and bring people together in the spirit of camaraderie, healthy living, and adventurous fun.
ANGUS MAIDEN
Director of Operations
Angus brings worldly experience, style, and management to the hospitality brands at Basic Projects. A native of Sydney, Australia, Angus began his career working for The Boathouse Group, where he perfected a high-end, high-touch management style that yields incredible experiences that guests cherish. Before moving to Charleston, Angus managed The Surf Lodge in Montauk, New York. Working for the Long Island staple, Angus found new and exciting ways to create memorable dining and entertainment experiences that kept guests returning year after year. As Director of Hospitality for Basic Projects, Angus leads a team of 200+ across all three restaurants. His management style and commitment to creating experiences that people love inspire employees, resulting in consistent, elevated, and unforgettable interactions with guests.
CRYSTAL SCHENK
Head Architect
Crystal is a visionary architect and hands-on project manager who ensures the successful execution of all Basic Projects’ build-outs, from concept through construction, down to the last detail. Crystal has left her mark on various impressive architectural projects, including designing a retail flagship store for Jonathan Adler and developing restaurant concepts for BLT Restaurant Group. Crystal works alongside Kate to oversee all phases of Basic Projects’ design projects and the physical execution of Basic Projects’ vision. Crystal plays an essential role in ensuring that guests feel comfortable, uplifted, relaxed, and nourished when they enter a Basic Projects property.
ZACHARY THOMPSON
Social & Communications Manager
Zach is a cinematographer, seasoned photographer, and videographer known for his skillful storytelling through the lens. Zach brings years of experience in lifestyle photography, content creation, and event production to the team at Basic Projects. His keen eye for detail captures fleeting moments and transforms them into visual narratives that resonate with audiences across mediums. Through Zach’s lens, guests will glimpse Basic Projects’ unique spaces, experiences, and products that ignite curiosity, motivate action, and fuel new adventures.
KELSEY ROEDER
Human Resources & Administrations Manager
Kelsey’s experience in HR & Administration ranges from Accounting and Advisory firms in NY to hospitality and design firms in Charleston, helping businesses run efficiently and effectively toward their goals by handling the necessary day-to-day administrative functions. A Manhattan College Business School graduate, Kelsey joined Basic Projects in 2021 and has supported the company through various stages of growth. Kelsey has a passion for design and hospitality. She brings this passion to her work every day and serves as the steady bedrock as Basic Projects continues to scale.