NICOLEHOLLIS conceives timeless interiors that elevate the human spirit. An award-winning collective of interior designers, interior architects, and furniture designers is led by creative director and principal Nicole Hollis in partnership with her husband, CEO Lewis Heathcote.

NICOLEHOLLIS offers a holistic approach to the art of living through residential, hospitality, and product design. The studio’s portfolio of clients includes global leaders and notable innovators who appreciate the ability to create a home that supports and enhances their family’s chosen lifestyle.

A belief in the meritocracy of good ideas underpins NICOLEHOLLIS’ desire to channel the spirit of collaboration, both within the firm and when working with clients, architects, and artisans. Curating pared-down spaces with great attention to their context and purpose reflects the studio’s design philosophy.

NICOLEHOLLIS has been featured in Architectural Digest, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, GQ, Elle Décor, Wallpaper*, Surface, 1stDibs Introspective, and many other publications. The firm has received numerous prestigious awards including being named to Architectural Digest’s “AD100” in 2021, 2022 and 2023, recognizing the firm as one of the top 100 architectural or design studios in the world. NICOLEHOLLIS has received several Boutique Hospitality Gold Key Awards, five Hospitality Magazine awards and has been named repeatedly as one of Interior Design Magazine’s “Hospitality Giants”.

1. How did you begin designing interiors ?

As a teenager I was drawn to the beautifully designed homes in Palm Beach and Jupiter Island.  I became focused on a career in interior design, moved to New York, studied at The Fashion Institute of Technology whilst working for an architecture firm designing high-end retail and residences.

2. Has there been a defining moment in your career ?

After working for architects designing interiors it wasn’t until I started my own firm that I felt both the culmination of my experience and the beginning of a deeper exploration of my design aesthetic.

3. What is your favorite type of client/project ?

My favorite type of project is ground-up construction so the architecture, landscape architecture, and interiors are aligned, and the line is blurred making for a seamless design.

4. What do you think is the deciding factor in a successful interior design project ?

The deciding factor for a successful interior design project is collaboration. Working with an engaged client that challenges me to push the boundaries of collaboration with the architects, builder, artists and craftspeople.

5. What is the most challenging aspect of your work ?

Most challenging aspect of my work has recently been the increase of costs in the construction, shipping, and freight industry. These costs can often cause the design to suffer in order to meet unrealistic budgets.

6. How would you describe your creative process and its influences ? How do you get inspired ?

My inspiration comes from the natural world so that all senses can then be engaged to create a feeling. These feelings start to inform how we might choose to live, how we want to experience living in our home, how we sleep, how we wake up, and how we share our space with our family.  It’s important to start with that and not simply go to precedent images of others or our own previous work, as that is work that was specific to someone else.

7. What advice would you give beginner designers ?

My advice for designers beginning in the industry is to never stop listening, never stop learning and never stop asking questions.

8. What would be the ideal place to design for you ?

My ideal project would be located on a beautiful site, with a view of the ocean and rich local materiality.

9. Could you describe a typical day of your work ?

My typical day at work varies from day to day. I could be on a job site, in the studio with my team, on a sourcing trip or on a plane visiting a new project site.  Finding the balance and the quiet time to focus is challenging as I love my work and the people I work with.

10. How do you choose the specific materials you work with ?

Sourcing new materials is always an exciting challenge. Visiting quarries in Italy to source stone, fabricators in Paris for bronze and ceramics or New York to meeting with craftspeople in northern California to source wood slabs.

11. What artists/creatives have influenced you ?

Michael Anastassiades, Faye Toogood, Max Lamb

12. If you had to summarize your creations in one word or sentence, what would it be ?

NICOLEHOLLIS designs timeless interiors to elevate the human spirit.

13. Do you have any books/programs/podcasts to recommend to our readers?

I am listening to Rick Rubin’s “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” and find his words resonate – especially in trusting your “gut.” The Twyla Tharp book “The Creative Habit” is also a source of guidance for making your creative process a habit.

Photos: Douglas Friedman