Nicole Roe is the founder of R. Nickson Interiors and brings over a decade of design experience, backed by a construction degree from Georgia Tech. Her background spans luxury development, business development and marketing for construction firms, giving her a well-rounded perspective on design, renovations and building. Originally from California, she moved to Atlanta for college, then settled in Central Florida with her husband Geoff, a fourth-generation citrus grower. Together they renovated a lakeside cottage, now a successful Airbnb, before relocating to a larger home to raise their four boys. Nicole launched Nicole Roe Design with a present-day focus, which has since grown into a thriving studio and brand. R. Nickson is a nod to her name and a reflection of the studio’s confident, bold and distinctly personal aesthetic. See Nicole’s design aesthetic in today’s Designer Friday.
The bold black-and-white checkered floors ground the space with timeless drama, while playful ceiling wallpaper and layered artwork add warmth, personality and a welcoming first impression.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Nicole Roe: I’ve always been highly affected by my surroundings, even as a child. Lighting, sound, textures and the overall vibe of a space had a big impact on how I functioned. Like many designers, I was constantly painting my room and rearranging furniture, and I even had my dad build custom pieces for my space. During college, I often lived alone just to have control over my environment and decorate in a way that helped me thrive. While studying Building Construction, I worked for a luxury developer in Atlanta, and that’s when everything clicked — I realized interior design could be a career, and I’ve never looked back.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
NR: As an ADHD entrepreneur, I see my creativity as one of my biggest strengths. It allows me to dive into ideas and explore them fully, but I’ve learned that inspiration ebbs and flows, and I need to lean into that rhythm. There are days when I can’t focus on design, and instead of forcing it, I take that time to work on other parts of the business, network, or simply step back. That’s okay, and it’s essential for staying balanced. Recognizing that creativity can’t be constant has been key to staying inspired in the long run.
This vaulted bath embraces contrast, where the richness of wood and charcoal tile meets crisp silhouettes and soft, ambient light.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
NR: As a working mom of four boys, my kids have always been around my business — spending time at the office, touring projects and even seeing me design homes for some of their friends’ families. One day, I went to have lunch with my oldest son at school, and a group of his female classmates came up to me, saying they wanted to be interior designers when they grew up. That moment hit me hard. I realized how powerful it is for young girls to see a woman running a successful interior design firm. I wish I had known a mom like that when I was young — it would’ve opened up the dream of this career path to me much sooner. That day made me feel truly accomplished.
AJ: What is your favorite aspect of your job?
NR: Coming from a background in construction, one of my favorite parts of the job is collaborating with contractors and trades. I love the process of troubleshooting and coming up with creative solutions alongside teams that I trust and value for their expertise — and who also trust my vision. It’s incredibly rewarding to walk onto a job site where skilled men and women are working hard to build something that will impact a family for years to come. That shared commitment to excellence and problem-solving makes every project exciting.
This jewel-box closet proves that storage can be a statement, with bold teal cabinetry, a sculptural gold fixture,and luxe details that make getting dressed feel like a daily indulgence.
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
NR: Patience and a calm demeanor. In interior design, true emergencies are rare. Being able to step back, assess the situation and think critically about the issue at hand is essential for finding the best solution. Projects will inevitably have setbacks, but getting worked up often leads to poor outcomes. Some of our most successful results have come from moments of potential turmoil, but by staying level-headed and working collaboratively with the team, we’ve been able to turn challenges into opportunities for great design.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
NR: I’d be a chef in a boutique restaurant with a really chill vibe, well-curated art, and a delicious plant-based menu with elevated mocktails. Cooking allows for creativity and experimentation, much like design, and I love the idea of creating an experience where people feel both nourished and inspired by their surroundings.
AJ: What’s a new hobby/skill that you have learned recently?
NR: My family and I have recently gotten really into indoor rock climbing. It’s an incredible way to push our limits both physically and mentally, forcing us all outside our comfort zones while creating wonderful memories together. I love teaching our kids that being strong and brave is important, but so is understanding that it’s okay to fail sometimes. It’s a valuable lesson for all of us!
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