Nicola is a design leader powerhouse who is defined by her rare combination of passion, skill, and determination. As a commercial interior designer and strong creative strategist with over 25 years of experience, Nicola revels in the process of transforming buildings and spaces. Adept at leading projects for both property developers and end users, Nicola adds immense value to every building she works on. Her strategic thinking, coupled with her fresh ideas and problem-solving capabilities enables Nicola to reach measured design outcomes that inspire and delight.
With an education rooted in fine art, Nicola initially pursued a career as a freelance designer and artist until she discovered her true calling – interior design. Her unparalleled eye for unearthing the unique beauty of the everyday, coupled with a deep understanding of art, architecture and design, leads to multi-layered, life-enriching work. Over her career, Nicola has delivered an impressive repertoire of large-scale, award-winning commercial projects for top-tier clients such as McKinsey & Co, Brookfield Properties, Related Argent and Coca-Cola. Through her natural flair for understanding and empathising with her clients’ business needs, Nicola is able to add value beyond their expectations.
“As a designer I thrive on change because, at the heart of our profession, there are complex issues that require a future-thinking mindset, enthusiasm and fearlessness.”
This solid foundation of design expertise and team leadership led Nicola to join Basha-Franklin as Creative Director in 2019. Driven by an enthusiastic hunger to make a meaningful contribution, Nicola plays a pivotal role in steering the practice’s evolution. Since joining, Basha-Franklin has seen significant growth and skill diversification, strengthening the team’s service offering and capability.
Nicola fosters a collaborative experience with her clients, which is built on straight-talking and trust. This openness and honesty are valued by her clients and team alike. Gravitating to a team environment, Nicola brings an infectious energy that is charged with passion and curiosity.
While learning from the generations that have gone before, Nicola actively contributes to the industry’s bigger conversations. Her dedication to promoting and protecting the value of creativity means that Nicola appreciates using her experience to elevate interior design’s contribution to the wider industry. “Interior design adds immense value to our communities and cities. I’m committed to doing my part to elevate this recognition and creating a model that will inspire the next generation of design leaders.”
