Nicolette Ric
Hello, my name is Nicolette Rice, and I’m from Sacramento, California. My passion for design started at an early age because my dad was a contractor and my mom was a jewelry designer, so I naturally fell somewhere in the middle of their worlds, which is what ultimately led me to interior architecture. I’ve been in the interior design industry for a little over ten years. My career began when I was 18, working as a receptionist at a tile and stone showroom. Since then, I’ve worked in various areas including tile and stone, cabinetry, and furniture, which gave me a strong foundation in materials, space planning, and how people actually experience a space. After earning my Associate Degree in Interior Design and becoming a LEED Green Associate, I transitioned into commercial design and now work at a furniture dealership while finishing my BFA in Interior Architecture at Ohio University. My dream is to one day work for Gensler, focusing on hospitality design.
My thesis project is a transitional housing community called Flourish located in San Francisco. It is designed to support women as they rebuild their lives after trauma, abuse, or homelessness. I’m passionate about this project because I believe good design can be healing. A well designed space can make people feel safe, supported, and empowered. Flourish includes women centered retail spaces, flexible community spaces, and a calming wellness room, all created to give women the space to heal and grow at their own pace. My goal is to show how intentional and thoughtful design can truly change lives.
My Senior Thesis
