Designer Spotlight: Patrice Nichole Studio Brings an Architect’s Eye to Interior Design

Patrice Rios McCollum’s designs tell a story. Every room expresses the story of the homeowners and, well, some of Patrice’s own story. Her new interior design firm, Patrice Nichole Studio, opens in Austin, TX this month. The studio is the culmination of the stories that have shaped Patrice’s life and career.

“As a designer, my goal has always been to create spaces that reflect the unique personality and lifestyle of each client,” Patrice explains. “I believe that design is deeply personal—it’s about telling a story, creating an experience, capturing the essence of who we are. And that’s what I strive to achieve with every project.”

The story of how Patrice became an award-winning designer goes all the way back to her childhood. Her parents knew she loved to stop at model homes, she was fascinated by them.

“I would come home and get lost in drawing the floorplans of the model homes I saw. As far back as I can remember, spaces spoke to me,” Patrice shares. “When I asked my dad what drawing houses was called, he said that’s what an architect does.”

Her budding architectural interest was solidified when, at 10 years old, she had a school project to create a representation of a scene in a book she read.

“I decided to build a full model of a hospital, complete with a helicopter landing pad. That was my first all-nighter!” she explains.

Throughout her childhood, her family moved frequently– Los Angeles, Detroit, Toronto, Mexico City, New York, and Shanghai. Unknowingly, Patrice was gathering more stories from the different influences she experienced. Her love of architecture never waned.

When it came time to go to college, Patrice followed her architecture dream to the University of Detroit Mercy’s five-year Masters of Architecture program. Patrice was soon fully immersed in the intensive program learning the theory and principles of architecture. But a funny thing happened.

“I realized all of my projects focused on aesthetics. I was drawn to how the architecture could be enhanced by the interiors more than I was to calculating structural columns,” Patrice laughs.

So, without planning it, Patrice became an interior designer with a Masters in Architecture. She knows that her thorough education in the discipline of architecture shows in her work.

“The architecture is what makes each space unique. Because I start there, my designs really reflect the character of a space,” she says.

Patrice moved to Austin to start her design career. In 2012, Patrice jumped at the chance to be a lead designer on a season of HGTV’s Property Brothers based in Austin. Soon after she co-founded Troo Designs, and worked for a decade building its highly reputable name.

Born from a desire to create spaces that transcend the ordinary and elevate every room with custom cabinetry and millwork, Patrice and Troo Designs gained a reputation as the go-to for both aesthetics and function. Her work is featured in residential, hospitality, and multifamily projects.

Patrice also found that her architecture degree helped her communicate with builders and architects on her jobs. She knows that interiors sometimes get a bad rap for ideas that are hard to execute.

“I know how to speak the language and understand the challenges of their part of the job. As an interior designer with an education in architecture, I am welcomed as a part of the team who helps solve problems, instead of causing them,” Patrice explains.

Fast forward to today, as her career blossomed and her reputation grew, Patrice felt the call to evolve. Patrice Nichole Studios was born—a design studio dedicated to crafting interiors that reflect the blend of function, vision, and her dazzling creativity.

“With Patrice Nichole Studios, I wanted to take things to the next level—to expand my focus, to explore new possibilities, to challenge myself in new ways,” Patrice says with a smile.

She brings her experience in residential, mixed-use, and hospitality design to Patrice Nichole Studio. Her architecture background and experience give her a unique skillset for projects large or small.

Patrice notes that she will continue her commitment to collaboration in her new venture. By forging partnerships with industry-leading brands, artisans, and craftsmen, she brings a depth of expertise and craftsmanship to every project.

Patrice points out that working with experienced craftspeople makes her work even better. “They look at the plans with an architect’s eye too and really help make sure that the cabinets fit into the environment. From understanding the wood species to visualizing how floors speak to exposed beams and how the sheen on the cabinets relates to those elements, their input is invaluable. Plus, it is just cool to work with people who get how cabinetry integrates with architecture.”

She continues, “Collaboration is key to creating truly exceptional spaces. My process starts with listening to my client’s needs and ‘wishlist.’  Then I partner with talented artisans and craftsmen who share my passion for quality and craftsmanship. I love to bring my architect’s eye as an added value to my clients.  Together, we create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional and timeless.”

On the horizon for Patrice Nichole Studios in 2024, is the grand opening of the design showroom in Austin’s Clarksville neighborhood. As she looks to the future, Patrice is excited by the chapters of her story that are still ahead.

“With Patrice Nichole, my story is just beginning,” Patrice enthuses. “I’m excited to continue pushing the boundaries of design, exploring new ideas, and creating spaces that captivate the imagination and inspire the soul. The best is yet to come, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.”

For more information, visit PatriceNichole.com or check out her designs on Instagram.