By Design: Roger Higgins, R. Higgins Interiors

Roger Higgins may have grown up in a “tiny, one-horse town” in East Tennessee, but his career as an interior designer has taken him all over the country and beyond. Growing up, Roger’s family owned a funeral home. After attending Tennessee Wesleyan University, he decided to forgo the family business and forge his own path. He studied historic preservation at O’More College of Design, where he met Ann Shipp, who soon became his partner in business and in life. The pair started R. Higgins Interiors in 1994, and Roger hasn’t looked back. His elegant style, unique vision and imaginative approach to each project has allowed him to create remarkable spaces that range from urban condos to palatial country estates. Drawing inspiration from the distinct personality of each property and its owners, Roger is known for creating interiors that are refined and surprising. Whether it’s a family home in Belle Meade, a mountain retreat at Blackberry Farm or a bachelor pad in downtown Nashville, Roger brings the same commitment to design and quality. He’s currently working on projects in Park City, Utah, and Cabo San Lucas, in addition to a variety of Nashville-based properties, but he found time to chat with us about his creative process, biggest influence and more.

CREATIVE PROCESS

We begin by creating conceptual sketches and drawings. I like to look at the floor plan, make modifications where needed and then do full room perspective sketches to more easily explain to a client how the space will look and feel when the project is complete.

INSPIRATION

I find inspiration everywhere — books, nature, travel.

JOB PERKS

I have been to so many wonderful locations, seen incredible architecture and have become friends with the people who live in the houses we design. I have enjoyed working on projects with wonderful clients who have an appreciation for the work we put into their homes and who have an appreciation for different styles and aesthetics. I’ve also greatly enjoyed working with the teams of architects and tradesmen and tradeswomen who transform these projects into beautiful homes.

JOB CHALLENGES

Over the past year, the hardest part of our job has been to successfully manage realistic expectations. Timelines and supply chains have been affected, and getting items — even things as small as a doorknob or the foam inside your sofa cushions — has become a challenge due to logistical issues with suppliers.

BIGGEST INFLUENCE

Growing up, my family was an enormous influence on my design sensibility, aesthetic and skill set — even helping me learn how to navigate relationships with clients and peers. As far as designers go, the list of creatives who have influenced my career is long and varied.

SHOP LOCAL

There are so many talented tradespeople and resources in Nashville. I lean heavily on Bennett Galleries for all of our framing needs. I enjoy working with Indigo Granite & Tile; they are always up for a new challenge in the way we present natural stone in our projects. We are currently working with the kitchen design teams at Christopher Peacock and Design Galleria in the Nashville Design Collective. I also love Nashville’s antique shops as the mix of old and new is a crucial part of what I do.

DESIGN ADVICE

Always develop a plan and price it out before you start. Planning and doing your research is crucial if you want to stay within budget and finish your project in a timely manner.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

When I was at O’More, I selected paint colors, fabrics and finishes for a kitchen remodel in Franklin, and I am happy to say that she is still my client today.

DREAM CLIENT

One that has trust. When someone trusts you and allows you to do fully what you are capable of doing and what you love to do, that feels like the dream client. A large budget or a small budget does not matter. It’s the trust established on the front end of every project. I have a client who referred me to her daughter and said, “Tell Roger what you want and then just get out of the way.” I have now worked for the mother and both daughters for many years.

CAREER PATH

I wasn’t completely sure about this career path until after I had a four-year degree, began to pursue a graduate degree and had decided not to go into the family business. I always knew I wanted to be a designer, but I just wasn’t sure I could make a living doing it. A friend of my family brought me to O’More and persuaded me to give it a shot. And here we are.

FUTURE PLANS

I like to let things play out the way they should. I have goals and hopes for my business and the types of projects I’d like to work on, but I have found that if you have a plan that is too specific, you can end up limiting your potential growth. We are very grateful right now for all of the work we have on our plate and look forward to the next project, always.