Architecture News

When Nicole Fuller, now a prominent interior designer, first encountered Usher at the Greenwich Hotel almost two decades ago, she was working as a model. Their initial meeting blossomed into a professional alliance three years later when Fuller established her design studio, and Usher enlisted her to refresh his Atlanta bachelor pad. This initial project marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership that has seen them collaborate on five different properties, culminating in Usher's current Georgian-style Atlanta home, which graced the cover of Architectural Digest in September 2026.

Fuller emphasized that every design choice within the home was deeply intentional and meaningful. "Nothing in that house was designed merely for aesthetics or to match a color scheme," Fuller explained. "Each material, stone, and texture was deliberately chosen through our joint discussions and carries its own unique narrative." To bring these intricate details to life, Fuller leveraged her extensive network in the art and design communities, commissioning several local artists over approximately four years to realize their shared vision. Among the most touching tributes in the house is a cross-shaped window display in the study, featuring dried flowers from Usher's grandmother Tina's funeral. Fuller collaborated with local contractor Mike Hammersmith to convert the home's original brick wall into an illuminated memorial. The cross was then framed with suede upholstery panels, creating a striking visual effect when light shines through at night. Additionally, Atlanta-based decorative painter Morgan Boszilkov was commissioned to create four distinct murals. These include a three-foot Transformer in his son Sire's room, Chinoiserie-inspired botanical designs in the wine vestibule, an enlarged replication of Usher's chin tattoo in the pool area, and a whimsical ceiling mural in his daughter Sovereign's room, based on her own drawings of ice cream cones, rainbows, and butterflies.

The artistic integration continues with a custom piece for the barbershop by acclaimed contemporary artist Lauren Halsey, known for her immersive works celebrating Black culture. This unique artwork features a series of intricately styled heads, including Usher's, showcasing various haircuts, reflecting Halsey's artistic style and Usher's appreciation for her work. Furthermore, a playful wall installation and a chair in the children's playroom were created in collaboration with Usher’s wife, Jennifer Goicoechea Raymond. These pieces ingeniously incorporate over 250 stuffed animals from Sovereign and Sire's childhood collection, stitched and hot-glued together, drawing inspiration from the Campana Brothers' iconic designs. Fuller noted the significance of preserving these cherished items: "It was a wonderful way to celebrate their childhood favorites and keep them vibrant while they are still young." Beyond her work with Usher, Fuller's firm, with offices in major global cities, is currently involved in designing a private members' club in New York, refurbishing an old Victorian home for musician Questlove, and curating a property in Ojai for choreographer Fatima Robinson. Fuller’s design philosophy revolves around her clients, stating, "My clients are always my muse. I love to craft stories with them and delve into their essence, their very heartbeat, bringing their lives and families into the spaces we create."

This thoughtful integration of personal history, family mementos, and collaborative artistry transforms a house into a deeply personal sanctuary, reflecting the owner's journey and passions. It beautifully illustrates how spaces can be imbued with emotion and narrative, fostering an environment that not only inspires creativity but also strengthens familial bonds and honors cherished memories.

On a pleasant late June evening, members of the AD PRO Directory converged for a vibrant summer gathering in Los Angeles. The event unfolded at Thús Huma, the innovative residential gallery of Directory designer Huma Sulaiman in West Hollywood, serving as a testament to connection, artistic vision, and remarkable artistry. This celebration was made possible through a collaboration with construction firm SilverLining Inc. Architectural Digest's West Coast Editor, Mayer Rus, lauded the gallery, situated within a modern residence near Melrose Avenue, for its distinct connoisseurship, standing apart from conventional design trends.

The gallery's inviting living areas became a hub of activity as AD PRO Directory members—a diverse group including interior designers, architects, landscape designers, and builders—concluded their day's professional engagements. Notable attendees such as Andre Herrero of Charlap Hyman Herrero, Hema Persad from Sagrada Studio, Jazmyne Crunk of Zeb and Crunk, James Corr from Corr Contemporary Homes, and Lucinda Loya of Lucinda Loya Interiors, participated in discussions, expanded their professional circles, and deepened industry ties. Amidst delectable appetizers and lively conversations, attendees explored the gallery's collection of furniture, textiles, and lighting, many of which paid homage to South Asian craftsmanship reinterpreted with a Western sensibility.

Later in the evening, Rus guided guests to the gallery's outdoor area for an engaging poolside discussion featuring Sulaiman, SilverLining CEO Josh Weiner, and several of the showcased artists. Seated on the distinctive Kubo outdoor furniture, the speakers emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and the preservation of traditional craft techniques. Sulaiman acknowledged Rus as an early and steadfast supporter of Thús Huma, crediting his belief in her vision long before the gallery's doors officially opened. Sharing the fully realized space and reflecting on the journey with fellow AD PRO Directory members created a profoundly meaningful experience.

This event underscores the power of community and collaboration in the design world, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and traditional artistry is celebrated. By bringing together diverse talents and perspectives, the AD PRO Directory encourages mutual growth and inspires new creative endeavors, demonstrating that shared passion and support can transform a vision into a tangible, celebrated reality.