After working as a designer for renowned architect Howard Backen, Nicole Hollis launched her design firm, fittingly named Nicole Hollis Interior Design, in 2002. Nicole's award-winning work, which includes hotels and resorts, offices, restaurants, retail boutiques and residences, are highly regarded among her peers and widely recognized by the press. In 2009, Hollis was named "Rising Design Star" by Metropolitan Home magazine.

What's the best design advice you have ever received and from whom?

My Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology: If you want to break the rules, first understand them.

What's the one style/design rule you never break?

When in doubt, black goes with everything.

Always break?

Playing to the audience.

Who are your design icons?

Andree Putman, Eva Hesse, Mariano Fortuny, Tadao Ando, Jean Nouvel, Karl Lagerfeld, Mark Rothko, Alexander McQueen, Constantin Brāncusi, Tom Ford, Jean-Michele Frank, Richard Prince.

What's your favorite place to search for design inspiration?

The Punta della Dogana, Venice, Italy.

What's your "current" favorite light?

Dear Ingo Chandelier from Moooi.

I splurge on . . .

AmEx points.

I skimp when buying . . .

Into religion.

What's your next "must have" purchase?

Christian Dior's skull ring.

What's your most cherished item?

My pillow.

What's your favorite vacation spot?

Somewhere inspiring where I've not yet been.

What's your favorite neighborhood restaurant?

Front Porch . . . I gotta have the fried chicken.