Inspiring Conversations with Nicole Torrosian of Nicole Michael Designs

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Torrosian.

Hi Nicole, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
While in design school I managed a tile store. There I met a developer named Pat who built custom estate homes. We immediately hit it off and he asked me to design two bathrooms for a spec home he was working–old. He liked my designs and asked me if I wanted to finish the house for him. My first design project ended up being a 6,500 SF home. After that project, he gave me another one and then another. Shortly after, he offered me a full–time position as his “in house” designer. I followed him around like a puppy dog, asking questions and listening to his conversations with all the trades. I absorbed every word he said like a sponge. He allowed me to try, succeed, fail and learn. He told me he hired me because he knew I was a diamond in the rough and he could train me to do things his way. I was still in school at the time and was incredibly fortunate to be able to get the practical experience during the day and the formal training at night. I owe everything I know to Pat. I couldn‘t have had a better teacher. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In 2009 my business was affected by the recession. I was down to one client and had to let my assistantgo. To make ends meet, I took a part–time job at a tile store. Slowly the economy picked back up and I was able to go back to designing full–time. It felt like I was starting over from ground zero.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?

 I am a Los Angeles and Orange County interior designer specializing in high–end estate creations, from conception to completion. For over two decades, I have earned the reputation as one of the West Coast‘s leading design–meets–construction experts. My firm, Nicole Michael Designs, is sought after by prominent builders, real estate developers, architects and discerning clients. Over the years, Luxury Portfolio International, Mansion Global, and Sunset Magazine have celebrated us as the “go–to” designers for luxury, turnkey construction projects.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
 I love flowers and beautiful gardens, and in my free time I like creating floral arrangements.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nicolemichaeldesigns.com
• Instagram: @nicole.michael.designs

Image Credits:
Becca Bastista