School of Art and Design
Associate Professor
Interior Design

Phone: 828-227-2178
Email: JNICHOLS@wcu.edu
Office Address: Belk 334

Education:

• Ph.D., Sustainability Education
• M.S.D., Interior Design-Facilities Planning
• M.A., Interdisciplinary Studies in Gerontology

Professional Experiences and Affiliations:

Ms. Nichols has taught interior design at several institutions, including The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Arizona State University, and The Art Institute. Professor Nichols also teaches Special Topics in WCU's Gerontology Certificate Program.

With 25 years of professional experience, Ms. Nichols has designed the full spectrum of commercial interiors, specializing in healthcare, hospitality and corporate design. Projects include: Frank Lloyd Wright’s Nakoma Country Club; the Canadian Institute for Space; Sheraton and Ramada Inns; Reebok; York University; Westinghouse; and St. Joseph’s Hospital.

Ms. Nichols served as director of design for five years in Toronto, Canada, has owned her own design consulting firm, and has worked for such prestigious firms as Taliesin Architects.

A member of the International Interior Design Association, Interior Design Educators Council, International Association of Environment-People Studies, Society for Human Ecology, and the American Association of University Women, Ms. Nichols has also been an active participant in Free Arts for Abused Kids and Edible Architecture fundraisers.

Currently, Ms. Nichols is conducting research in sustainable architecture, green hotel design, and environments for aging, wellness, and leisure.