Deep Dive in Design: Friendship, Collaboration, and Building a Brand with Todd Nickey & Amy Kehoe

Released on December 12, 2024 | Hosted by Hudson Moore

1. Origins of Todd and Amy's Partnership

The journey of Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe, the dynamic duo behind the interior design studio and boutique Nikki Kehoe, began in the year 2000. Hudson Moore initiates the conversation by exploring their professional backgrounds:

Hudson Moore [00:15]: "When the two of you first met in the year 2000, Todd, you were a retail designer working with stores like Ralph Lauren and Donna Kari. And Amy, I think it's correct that you were in hospitality design with the Starwood Group, is that right?"

Amy clarifies her initial role:

Amy Kehoe [00:51]: "I was, but when we met, I was actually working for Laura Carrar. That's when our history began."

Their friendship organically evolved over time:

Todd Kehoe [01:32]: "I don't know, like a very innocent, simple sweetness of just, you know, meeting someone and feeling attracted to them, personality-wise. And I think, yeah, it was just almost like a platonic love at first sight."

The couple leveraged their aligned professional paths to merge their talents, leading to the establishment of their collaboration in Los Angeles.

2. Launching and Growing Nikki Kehoe

In 2004, Todd and Amy launched Nikki Kehoe, their design firm, followed by the opening of their retail shop in 2008—a bold move during a financial downturn.

Hudson Moore [04:26]: "If you can survive opening a retail store during a financial crisis, you too can do anything."

Their expansion continued with the addition of e-commerce and a New York location, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.

3. Business Philosophy and Values

A cornerstone of their success is the alignment of their personal and professional values. Todd emphasizes the importance of mentorship and flexibility:

Todd Kehoe [04:26]: "You don't know what it takes to run a business until you're running a business... the ability to be nimble and flexible has felt very, really a part of that success."

Amy reinforces the significance of shared values:

Amy Kehoe [05:43]: "Your values have to deeply overlap... every step is a risk and making sure you align on how to do that."

Their mutual moral compass ensures cohesive decision-making and a strong foundational partnership.

4. Collaborative Process

The synergy between Todd and Amy is described as “magic.” Initially, they managed all aspects of the business together, fostering a deep collaborative spirit.

Todd Kehoe [07:16]: "Magic."

As the business grew, they divided responsibilities—Todd focusing on the retail side and Amy on design—but continued to collaborate seamlessly on product development and major decisions.

Amy Kehoe [08:24]: "We do share an office... there's an osmosis to it that we both stay informed about what's going on in both parts of the business."

Their partnership thrives on open communication and a shared vision, allowing them to adapt and evolve together.

5. Buying and Curating Products

Todd and Amy undertake extensive buying and curating trips to source unique and artisan-made products. These excursions are pivotal in shaping their offerings.

Todd Kehoe [10:22]: "We drove from four or five days and just stopped in all of these little towns and villages along the way and literally developed product, like on the fly with these people."

Amy adds that these trips not only enrich their collections but also inspire customizations for their design projects:

Amy Kehoe [11:57]: "It really permeates through the whole business and vice versa."

Their commitment to craftsmanship and originality is evident in their curated selections.

6. Design Approach and Process

Todd and Amy view their design process as a journey, embracing flexibility and creativity over a rigid, linear approach.

Amy Kehoe [14:44]: "Leaving the door open, not knowing, being okay with not knowing, because there is a foundation and a filter that you have established that is the narrative."

They thrive on surprises and iterative developments, allowing projects to evolve organically over several months.

Todd Kehoe [16:31]: "It's really an artistic process and we really try hard to not make it such a linear path."

This methodology ensures that each project is thoughtfully curated and authentically reflective of their creative vision.

7. Team Building and Company Culture

Building a large, passionate team has been integral to Nikki Kehoe’s growth. Both Todd and Amy prioritize hiring individuals who embody kindness, generosity, and a shared passion for design.

Amy Kehoe [19:53]: "Every team member at Nikki Kehoe is characteristic of just warmth, helpfulness, and a huge passion for the industry."

Todd emphasizes the importance of cultural fit alongside professional skills:

Todd Kehoe [20:58]: "It's not just, oh, you're good at your job or whatever. Like, you check these boxes. It's a cultural fit."

Their commitment to fostering a positive and collaborative work environment has resulted in a cohesive and motivated team.

8. Personal Interests and Inspirations

Outside of their professional endeavors, Todd and Amy find balance and inspiration through personal interests. Amy enjoys time in nature and local flea markets, while Todd indulges in culinary experiments and gardening.

Amy Kehoe [23:15]: "It's a lot of time in nature, really, is the downtime."

Todd Kehoe [23:40]: "There's always shopping... being with our animals and outside is sort of the downtime reboot."

These personal passions seamlessly integrate into their professional work, enriching their creative output.

9. Future Projects and Expansion

Looking ahead, Nikki Kehoe is poised for continued growth with the opening of their New York store. They also have exciting projects in the pipeline, including:

• New York Store Launch: Expanding their physical presence to a major design hub.
• Product Development: Ongoing creation of unique, artisan-crafted products.
• Historic Property Projects: Upcoming lobby refresh at the iconic Shutters Hotel on the beach in Los Angeles.

Amy Kehoe [24:46]: "We're wrapping up on the opening of the shop in New York, which is huge... we have some really, really exciting historic properties in Los Angeles."

Their strategic expansion and diverse project portfolio position Nikki Kehoe for sustained success and innovation in the design industry.

10. Conclusion

Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe exemplify the power of friendship and collaboration in building a successful design brand. Their unwavering commitment to shared values, flexible business strategies, and a passionate team has driven Nikki Kehoe's impressive growth and enduring presence in the interior design landscape.

As Hudson Moore aptly sums up the episode:

Hudson Moore [25:25]: "I'm so excited for the New York store and can't wait to come check it out."

Notable Quotes:

• Todd Kehoe [01:32]: "It was almost like a platonic love at first sight."
• Amy Kehoe [05:43]: "Your values have to deeply overlap."
• Todd Kehoe [07:16]: "Magic."
• Amy Kehoe [14:44]: "Leaving the door open, not knowing, being okay with not knowing."
• Todd Kehoe [20:58]: "It's a cultural fit."
• Amy Kehoe [23:15]: "It's a lot of time in nature, really, is the downtime."
• Amy Kehoe [24:46]: "We're wrapping up on the opening of the shop in New York, which is huge."

This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the conversation with Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe, highlighting their journey, collaborative spirit, and visionary approach to building a beloved design brand.