I'm Nicole Kelly, a multidisciplinary Creative Director with 20+ years of experience leading luxury residential, commercial, hospitality, branding, and experiential design projects from concept through execution. I excel at translating complex ideas into immersive environments and elevated brand experiences through thoughtful design, strategic thinking, and hands-on collaboration with cross-functional teams. I transform creative vision into tangible results by guiding creative direction, visual storytelling, and space planning while maintaining a sharp focus on timelines, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, delivering exceptional design solutions, and shaping environments that resonate with clients and guests alike.…I'm Nicole Kelly, a multidisciplinary Creative Director with 20+ years of experience leading luxury residential, commercial, hospitality, branding, and experiential design projects from concept through execution. I excel at translating complex ideas into immersive environments and elevated brand experiences through thoughtful design, strategic thinking, and hands-on collaboration with cross-functional teams. I transform creative vision into tangible results by guiding creative direction, visual storytelling, and space planning while maintaining a sharp focus on timelines, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, delivering exceptional design solutions, and shaping environments that resonate with clients and guests alike.WWW…
I'm Nicole Kelly, a multidisciplinary Creative Director with 20+ years of experience leading luxury residential, commercial, hospitality, branding, and experiential design projects from concept through execution. I excel at translating complex ideas into immersive environments and elevated brand experiences through thoughtful design, strategic thinking, and hands-on collaboration with cross-functional teams. I transform creative vision into tangible results by guiding creative direction, visual storytelling, and space planning while maintaining a sharp focus on timelines, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, delivering exceptional design solutions, and shaping environments that resonate with clients and guests alike.…I'm Nicole Kelly, a multidisciplinary Creative Director with 20+ years of experience leading luxury residential, commercial, hospitality, branding, and experiential design projects from concept through execution. I excel at translating complex ideas into immersive environments and elevated brand experiences through thoughtful design, strategic thinking, and hands-on collaboration with cross-functional teams. I transform creative vision into tangible results by guiding creative direction, visual storytelling, and space planning while maintaining a sharp focus on timelines, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, delivering exceptional design solutions, and shaping environments that resonate with clients and guests alike.WWWW…
Available to hire
I’m Nicole Kelly, a multidisciplinary Creative Director with 20+ years of experience leading luxury residential, commercial, hospitality, branding, and experiential design projects from concept through execution. I excel at translating complex ideas into immersive environments and elevated brand experiences through thoughtful design, strategic thinking, and hands-on collaboration with cross-functional teams.
I transform creative vision into tangible results by guiding creative direction, visual storytelling, and space planning while maintaining a sharp focus on timelines, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. I’m passionate about mentoring teams, delivering exceptional design solutions, and shaping environments that resonate with clients and guests alike.
Experience Level
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Intermediate
Language
English
Fluent
Work Experience
Creative Director at Nicosso
January 1, 2013 - PresentLead creative direction and execution for luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects; oversee concept development, visual storytelling, client relationships, and cross-disciplinary team leadership from concept through installation.
Lead Interior Designer at Crush Interior Design
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2013Led interior design projects for luxury residential and commercial spaces; guided design development, client presentations, sourcing, and vendor coordination.
Interior Designer at Rococo Design
January 1, 2006 - January 1, 2008Implemented high-end interior design concepts from schematic to construction documents; collaborated with vendors and project teams to deliver experiential spaces.
Interior Design Assistant at Lewis & Sheron Textiles
May 30, 2002 - June 11, 2002Assisted clients and senior designers with textile selection, color coordination, and material sourcing for residential and commercial interior projects. Supported showroom operations, product presentations, vendor coordination, and client consultations while developing foundational expertise in textiles, pattern mixing, luxury materials, and interior design composition.
Education
Marketing at University of Minnesota Twin Cities
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1996Studied marketing, branding, consumer behavior, and business strategy with a focus on visual communication and brand development. Educational foundation supporting a multidisciplinary career in luxury design, creative direction, branding, and content creation.
Study Abroad Program at Immersive Italy
September 11, 1995 - February 25, 1995Completed an immersive study abroad program in Pistoia, Italy focused on Italian language, architecture, textiles, food culture, and design. Studied historic Italian architecture, craftsmanship, materiality, textile traditions, and the relationship between food, hospitality, and environment while gaining a global design perspective through hands-on cultural and spatial exploration. The experience deepened my appreciation for timeless design, storytelling through environments, and how culture shapes aesthetic experience.
Associates in Interior Design at Bauder College
August 4, 2008 - May 29, 2009Studied interior design with a focus on residential and commercial space planning, color theory, textiles, drafting, furniture design, architectural detailing, and visual presentation. Developed strong foundations in conceptual design, material selection, technical planning, and creative problem-solving while creating immersive interior environments rooted in both functionality and aesthetics.
Marketing at University of Minnesota Twin Cities
January 1, 1990 - January 1, 1996Interior Design at Bauder College
January 1, 2008 - January 1, 2009Qualifications
Industry Experience
Travel & Hospitality, Real Estate & Construction, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Other, Retail, Software & Internet, Wholesale & Distribution
Celestial Juices at Weave | Experiential Hospitality, Café & Creative Workspace Design
Celestial Juices was envisioned as a next-generation hospitality concept designed to blur the lines between café culture, wellness, productivity, and creative expression. Created as part of the larger Weave ecosystem, the space combines a premium juice and café experience with immersive work environments and content creation spaces, redefining what a community-centered destination can feel like.
I led the creative direction and interior design for the concept, developing a multi-functional environment where hospitality and innovation intersect. The café experience was intentionally designed around comfort and focus, featuring private work pods that invite guests to disconnect from distraction and reconnect with creativity. Each enclosed pod creates a semi-private retreat for working, relaxing, or streaming content, complete with integrated media experiences to support productivity and pause.
Beyond the café, the concept expands into accessible, on-demand recording studios designed to function as creative spaces for entrepreneurs, podcasters, musicians, and digital creators. Inspired by the convenience of modern service models, the studios operate through a flexible, pay-per-use structure, making professional creative tools more accessible to an emerging generation of content makers.…Celestial Juices was envisioned as a next-generation hospitality concept designed to blur the lines between café culture, wellness, productivity, and creative expression. Created as part of the larger Weave ecosystem, the space combines a premium juice and café experience with immersive work environments and content creation spaces, redefining what a community-centered destination can feel like.
I led the creative direction and interior design for the concept, developing a multi-functional environment where hospitality and innovation intersect. The café experience was intentionally designed around comfort and focus, featuring private work pods that invite guests to disconnect from distraction and reconnect with creativity. Each enclosed pod creates a semi-private retreat for working, relaxing, or streaming content, complete with integrated media experiences to support productivity and pause.
Beyond the café, the concept expands into accessible, on-demand recording studios designed to function as creative spaces for entrepreneurs, podcasters, musicians, and digital creators. Inspired by the convenience of modern service models, the studios operate through a flexible, pay-per-use structure, making professional creative tools more accessible to an emerging generation of content makers.WW…
The Obsidian Penthouse
The Obsidian Penthouse was envisioned as a bold expression of modern luxury, designed to feel immersive, intimate, and unapologetically dramatic. Rooted in a rich monochromatic palette, the concept explores the interplay between shadow, texture, and warmth, creating an environment that feels both elevated and deeply atmospheric.
I led the creative direction and interior design, curating a layered visual experience through sculptural furnishings, moody lighting, rich textiles, and high-contrast material selections. Dark architectural finishes, ambient illumination, and intentional spatial balance were used to create a residence that feels simultaneously sophisticated, cinematic, and deeply livable.
Designed for elevated entertaining and quiet retreat alike, the penthouse balances grandeur with comfort, offering an immersive residential experience where luxury is communicated through texture, restraint, and mood rather than excess.
This project reflects a refined approach to contemporary residential design, blending editorial elegance with functional living to create a space that feels timeless, transportive, and unmistakably distinctive. photo designer…The Obsidian Penthouse was envisioned as a bold expression of modern luxury, designed to feel immersive, intimate, and unapologetically dramatic. Rooted in a rich monochromatic palette, the concept explores the interplay between shadow, texture, and warmth, creating an environment that feels both elevated and deeply atmospheric.
I led the creative direction and interior design, curating a layered visual experience through sculptural furnishings, moody lighting, rich textiles, and high-contrast material selections. Dark architectural finishes, ambient illumination, and intentional spatial balance were used to create a residence that feels simultaneously sophisticated, cinematic, and deeply livable.
Designed for elevated entertaining and quiet retreat alike, the penthouse balances grandeur with comfort, offering an immersive residential experience where luxury is communicated through texture, restraint, and mood rather than excess.
This project reflects a refined approach to contemporary residential design, blending editorial elegance with functional living to create a space that feels timeless, transportive, and unmistakably distinctive. photo designerWW…
Beauty Retail Kiosk | Retail Design, Product Development & Global Procurement
Led the end-to-end design and development of a custom beauty retail kiosk, transforming a concept into a fully realized consumer-facing retail environment. The project focused on creating a visually impactful, space-efficient kiosk that balanced brand presentation, customer engagement, and operational functionality within a compact footprint.
I designed the kiosk experience from concept through execution, developing the visual direction, layout, and functional design to maximize product visibility, customer interaction, and retail flow. Beyond the creative scope, I managed the sourcing and procurement process, identifying and securing an overseas manufacturing partner to produce the custom structure.
I oversaw vendor coordination, production communication, and international logistics to successfully import the kiosk into the United States, ensuring alignment between design intent, manufacturing quality, and final delivery.
The project reflects a multidisciplinary approach that combined retail design, global sourcing, and project execution to bring a branded physical experience from concept to market.…Led the end-to-end design and development of a custom beauty retail kiosk, transforming a concept into a fully realized consumer-facing retail environment. The project focused on creating a visually impactful, space-efficient kiosk that balanced brand presentation, customer engagement, and operational functionality within a compact footprint.
I designed the kiosk experience from concept through execution, developing the visual direction, layout, and functional design to maximize product visibility, customer interaction, and retail flow. Beyond the creative scope, I managed the sourcing and procurement process, identifying and securing an overseas manufacturing partner to produce the custom structure.
I oversaw vendor coordination, production communication, and international logistics to successfully import the kiosk into the United States, ensuring alignment between design intent, manufacturing quality, and final delivery.
The project reflects a multidisciplinary approach that combined retail design, global sourcing, and project execution to bring a branded physical experience from concept to market.WW…
Baltimore Crab & Seafood | Hospitality Design
Baltimore Crab & Seafood was designed as a high-energy dining destination where elevated seafood culture meets bold, contemporary design. The vision centered on reimagining the traditional seafood restaurant experience through a more immersive and visually engaging lens, creating an atmosphere that feels vibrant, social, and unmistakably memorable.
I led the creative direction and interior design, shaping the guest experience through intentional space planning, statement lighting, layered textures, custom focal moments, and curated material selections. The design balances warmth and sophistication with a lively atmosphere, creating a space that feels equally suited for casual dining, celebrations, and shared experiences centered around food and connection.
Every design choice was approached with both ambiance and functionality in mind, supporting the rhythm of a fast-paced hospitality environment while delivering a visually compelling destination that enhances the overall dining experience. The result is a restaurant environment that feels immersive, energetic, and distinctly modern.…Baltimore Crab & Seafood was designed as a high-energy dining destination where elevated seafood culture meets bold, contemporary design. The vision centered on reimagining the traditional seafood restaurant experience through a more immersive and visually engaging lens, creating an atmosphere that feels vibrant, social, and unmistakably memorable.
I led the creative direction and interior design, shaping the guest experience through intentional space planning, statement lighting, layered textures, custom focal moments, and curated material selections. The design balances warmth and sophistication with a lively atmosphere, creating a space that feels equally suited for casual dining, celebrations, and shared experiences centered around food and connection.
Every design choice was approached with both ambiance and functionality in mind, supporting the rhythm of a fast-paced hospitality environment while delivering a visually compelling destination that enhances the overall dining experience. The result is a restaurant environment that feels immersive, energetic, and distinctly modern.WW…
Baltimore Crab & Seafood | Hospitality Design
Baltimore Crab & Seafood was designed as a high-energy dining destination where elevated seafood culture meets bold, contemporary design. The vision centered on reimagining the traditional seafood restaurant experience through a more immersive and visually engaging lens, creating an atmosphere that feels vibrant, social, and unmistakably memorable.
I led the creative direction and interior design, shaping the guest experience through intentional space planning, statement lighting, layered textures, custom focal moments, and curated material selections. The design balances warmth and sophistication with a lively atmosphere, creating a space that feels equally suited for casual dining, celebrations, and shared experiences centered around food and connection.
Every design choice was approached with both ambiance and functionality in mind, supporting the rhythm of a fast-paced hospitality environment while delivering a visually compelling destination that enhances the overall dining experience. The result is a restaurant environment that feels immersive, energetic, and distinctly modern.…Baltimore Crab & Seafood was designed as a high-energy dining destination where elevated seafood culture meets bold, contemporary design. The vision centered on reimagining the traditional seafood restaurant experience through a more immersive and visually engaging lens, creating an atmosphere that feels vibrant, social, and unmistakably memorable.
I led the creative direction and interior design, shaping the guest experience through intentional space planning, statement lighting, layered textures, custom focal moments, and curated material selections. The design balances warmth and sophistication with a lively atmosphere, creating a space that feels equally suited for casual dining, celebrations, and shared experiences centered around food and connection.
Every design choice was approached with both ambiance and functionality in mind, supporting the rhythm of a fast-paced hospitality environment while delivering a visually compelling destination that enhances the overall dining experience. The result is a restaurant environment that feels immersive, energetic, and distinctly modern.WW…
Bella Bistro | Hospitality Design | Atlanta, GA
Bella Bistro was designed as an elevated breakfast and lunch destination where thoughtful design transforms the everyday dining experience into something memorable. The vision centered on creating an atmosphere that feels warm, sophisticated, and inviting, balancing comfort with refined visual storytelling to encourage guests to linger over coffee, conversation, and beautifully curated meals.
I led the creative direction and interior design, shaping the space through intentional space planning, layered textures, lighting, furnishings, and carefully selected finishes to create a cohesive and elevated guest experience. Every design choice was made to support both functionality and ambiance, ensuring the environment felt polished, welcoming, and effortlessly aspirational.
Designed to complement the rhythm of daytime dining, Bella Bistro delivers a visually compelling setting that enhances the guest journey while supporting the flow and operational needs of a modern hospitality space.…Bella Bistro was designed as an elevated breakfast and lunch destination where thoughtful design transforms the everyday dining experience into something memorable. The vision centered on creating an atmosphere that feels warm, sophisticated, and inviting, balancing comfort with refined visual storytelling to encourage guests to linger over coffee, conversation, and beautifully curated meals.
I led the creative direction and interior design, shaping the space through intentional space planning, layered textures, lighting, furnishings, and carefully selected finishes to create a cohesive and elevated guest experience. Every design choice was made to support both functionality and ambiance, ensuring the environment felt polished, welcoming, and effortlessly aspirational.
Designed to complement the rhythm of daytime dining, Bella Bistro delivers a visually compelling setting that enhances the guest journey while supporting the flow and operational needs of a modern hospitality space.WW…
Garden Parc Restaurant and Events
Hospitality Design | Restaurant, Events & Brand Experience
Garden Parc is an elevated hospitality destination and events venue located in the heart of Atlanta, designed to create a memorable, atmosphere-driven dining experience centered around brunch, entertainment, and social gathering. The concept blends hospitality, ambiance, and experiential design to create a visually compelling environment that supports both intimate dining and large-scale celebrations.
I led the interior design and creative direction of the space, focusing on guest experience, spatial flow, visual storytelling, and atmosphere. The project was designed to support a multi-use hospitality model, balancing everyday dining, live entertainment, private events, and celebratory experiences within one cohesive environment.
The design approach emphasized elevated finishes, immersive ambiance, and intentional guest engagement to create a destination that feels both aspirational and welcoming. Garden Parc reflects my approach to hospitality design through experiential storytelling, thoughtful spatial planning, and creating environments that encourage connection, celebration, and memorable guest experiences.…Hospitality Design | Restaurant, Events & Brand Experience
Garden Parc is an elevated hospitality destination and events venue located in the heart of Atlanta, designed to create a memorable, atmosphere-driven dining experience centered around brunch, entertainment, and social gathering. The concept blends hospitality, ambiance, and experiential design to create a visually compelling environment that supports both intimate dining and large-scale celebrations.
I led the interior design and creative direction of the space, focusing on guest experience, spatial flow, visual storytelling, and atmosphere. The project was designed to support a multi-use hospitality model, balancing everyday dining, live entertainment, private events, and celebratory experiences within one cohesive environment.
The design approach emphasized elevated finishes, immersive ambiance, and intentional guest engagement to create a destination that feels both aspirational and welcoming. Garden Parc reflects my approach to hospitality design through experiential storytelling, thoughtful spatial planning, and creating environments that encourage connection, celebration, and memorable guest experiences.WW…
Steamed
Hospitality Brand & Outdoor Lounge Concept | Creative Direction, Design & Brand Experience
Steamed was a hospitality transformation project that reimagined a former gas station site into a vibrant outdoor lounge and dining destination in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, directly across from CNN Center. I led the creative vision from concept through execution, transforming an unconventional space into a branded hospitality experience designed to attract both local and tourist foot traffic.
My scope included environmental design, spatial planning, menu design, signage, visual branding, and custom to-go packaging to create a cohesive guest experience across every customer touchpoint. The challenge was to transform a utilitarian environment into an inviting, memorable destination while establishing a strong and recognizable visual identity in a highly visible urban location.
The final design blended atmosphere, functionality, and brand storytelling to create a unique hospitality experience that elevated the perception of the space and strengthened customer engagement through thoughtful design and cohesive branding.…Hospitality Brand & Outdoor Lounge Concept | Creative Direction, Design & Brand Experience
Steamed was a hospitality transformation project that reimagined a former gas station site into a vibrant outdoor lounge and dining destination in the heart of Downtown Atlanta, directly across from CNN Center. I led the creative vision from concept through execution, transforming an unconventional space into a branded hospitality experience designed to attract both local and tourist foot traffic.
My scope included environmental design, spatial planning, menu design, signage, visual branding, and custom to-go packaging to create a cohesive guest experience across every customer touchpoint. The challenge was to transform a utilitarian environment into an inviting, memorable destination while establishing a strong and recognizable visual identity in a highly visible urban location.
The final design blended atmosphere, functionality, and brand storytelling to create a unique hospitality experience that elevated the perception of the space and strengthened customer engagement through thoughtful design and cohesive branding.WW…
Stacey Sheron Art Exhibition Launch | Creative Direction, Exhibition Design & Brand Strategy
Led the creative development and launch strategy for artist Stacey Sheron’s exhibition, transforming an emerging concept into a fully realized and marketable art experience. The project focused on building momentum for the exhibition through strategic storytelling, visual branding, spatial planning, and audience engagement.
I developed a comprehensive pitch deck to communicate the exhibition vision, secure opportunities, and establish a compelling narrative around the artist’s work. In addition, I coordinated and facilitated an artist highlight interview to strengthen visibility and deepen audience connection to the artist’s story and creative process.
Beyond brand positioning, I designed the exhibition layout, carefully planning artwork placement, spatial flow, and lighting strategy to enhance the viewing experience and create intentional moments of visual impact throughout the space. To support audience growth and awareness, I also led the exhibition’s social media campaign, developing content and visual storytelling strategies to amplify engagement and build anticipation around the launch.
The result was a cohesive, multi-layered creative strategy that combined exhibition design, marketing, and storytelling to elevate the artist’s presence and move the show from concept to execution.…Led the creative development and launch strategy for artist Stacey Sheron’s exhibition, transforming an emerging concept into a fully realized and marketable art experience. The project focused on building momentum for the exhibition through strategic storytelling, visual branding, spatial planning, and audience engagement.
I developed a comprehensive pitch deck to communicate the exhibition vision, secure opportunities, and establish a compelling narrative around the artist’s work. In addition, I coordinated and facilitated an artist highlight interview to strengthen visibility and deepen audience connection to the artist’s story and creative process.
Beyond brand positioning, I designed the exhibition layout, carefully planning artwork placement, spatial flow, and lighting strategy to enhance the viewing experience and create intentional moments of visual impact throughout the space. To support audience growth and awareness, I also led the exhibition’s social media campaign, developing content and visual storytelling strategies to amplify engagement and build anticipation around the launch.
The result was a cohesive, multi-layered creative strategy that combined exhibition design, marketing, and storytelling to elevate the artist’s presence and move the show from concept to execution.WW…
Bishop Billy Cabbil | Author Brand Development, Website Design & Marketing Strategy
Led the creative development and brand support for Bishop Billy Cabbil, helping strengthen and expand his digital presence as an author, speaker, and faith leader. The project focused on refining brand communication, elevating audience engagement, and creating cohesive platforms to support visibility and outreach.
I edited and refined book content to strengthen clarity, flow, and overall reader experience while preserving the author’s authentic voice and message. I also created the design for the front and back covers as well as wrote the blurb. In addition, I designed and developed the website experience, translating the brand into a polished, accessible digital platform that effectively communicates his mission, work, and resources to a broader audience.
As part of the ongoing growth strategy, I currently lead marketing and social media efforts, developing content direction, visual storytelling, and engagement strategies designed to expand reach, strengthen audience connection, and increase brand awareness across digital platforms.
The project continues to evolve as a comprehensive brand-building initiative that integrates editorial development, digital design, and strategic marketing to support long-term growth and impact.…Led the creative development and brand support for Bishop Billy Cabbil, helping strengthen and expand his digital presence as an author, speaker, and faith leader. The project focused on refining brand communication, elevating audience engagement, and creating cohesive platforms to support visibility and outreach.
I edited and refined book content to strengthen clarity, flow, and overall reader experience while preserving the author’s authentic voice and message. I also created the design for the front and back covers as well as wrote the blurb. In addition, I designed and developed the website experience, translating the brand into a polished, accessible digital platform that effectively communicates his mission, work, and resources to a broader audience.
As part of the ongoing growth strategy, I currently lead marketing and social media efforts, developing content direction, visual storytelling, and engagement strategies designed to expand reach, strengthen audience connection, and increase brand awareness across digital platforms.
The project continues to evolve as a comprehensive brand-building initiative that integrates editorial development, digital design, and strategic marketing to support long-term growth and impact.WW…
Nyxara Restaurant & Lounge
Nyxara Restaurant & Lounge is a luxury hospitality concept designed to evoke mystery, intimacy, and elevated sensory experience through immersive storytelling and dramatic environmental design. Inspired by rich textures, candlelit ambiance, celestial elements, and moody sophistication, the space blends fine dining, nightlife, and experiential luxury into a seamless guest journey.
The design features sculptural lighting, custom ceiling installations, layered textures, rich jewel tones, and atmospheric lighting to create a cinematic environment that feels both seductive and transportive. From the intimate chef’s dining experience to the immersive lounge and richly layered restrooms, every touchpoint was intentionally curated to heighten emotion, encourage connection, and create a memorable guest experience.
Nyxara was envisioned as more than a restaurant. It is a destination designed to transform dining into an atmosphere-driven experience where hospitality, storytelling, and visual identity merge into one unforgettable environment.…Nyxara Restaurant & Lounge is a luxury hospitality concept designed to evoke mystery, intimacy, and elevated sensory experience through immersive storytelling and dramatic environmental design. Inspired by rich textures, candlelit ambiance, celestial elements, and moody sophistication, the space blends fine dining, nightlife, and experiential luxury into a seamless guest journey.
The design features sculptural lighting, custom ceiling installations, layered textures, rich jewel tones, and atmospheric lighting to create a cinematic environment that feels both seductive and transportive. From the intimate chef’s dining experience to the immersive lounge and richly layered restrooms, every touchpoint was intentionally curated to heighten emotion, encourage connection, and create a memorable guest experience.
Nyxara was envisioned as more than a restaurant. It is a destination designed to transform dining into an atmosphere-driven experience where hospitality, storytelling, and visual identity merge into one unforgettable environment.WW…
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