Denise Richards

Highlights 

  • Residential Design
  • Hospitality Design
  • Bespoke Furniture Design
  • Bespoke Flooring Creations

dRichards Interiors, a Southern California interior design firm founded by designer Denise Richards in 1976, specializes in high-end luxury interiors—both commercial and residential. Denise is best known for her work in architectural design, which includes the selection and specification of finish materials and details, as well as space plans and the reconfiguration of specific areas to create a harmonious environment.

What would you like potential clients to know about your firm?

Our mission statement is to create beautiful environments and have happy clients. From contemporary to traditional, modern to transitional, our design team will produce the rooms of your dreams—even if those spaces are outdoors and halfway around the world. At dRichards Interiors, we are experts in finding design motifs to match individual styles. We have constantly exceeded the expectations of our clients, coast to coast and internationally. Our team is not afraid of a challenge and is never held back by the confines of a zip code.

What are the top traits that make a great business leader?

Determination, stamina and guiding the next generation of designers.

What’s the most unconventional piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

“No is the beginning of negotiations.” I have applied this philosophy with many potential clients. It gives me a chance to practice “determination.”

Who opened a door for you professionally that made a huge impact? Whose door are you opening now?

A family friend when I was very young. I have successfully mentored many young people who have become interior designers themselves.

What can we each do to support other women in business?

More than we are right now. Women have a responsibility to do all we can to excel. We must recognize the doors that are open to us and carefully choose the right ones to walk through.

Any words of advice for women just starting out in this industry?

You are beginning a challenging journey filled with rewards and hard roads. Never give up!

What belief have you completely changed your mind about?

After a while, early in my career, I believed that there were no new and exciting creations. I quickly learned that I was so wrong. There is no end to the creative mind, unless we see one.

How does authenticity play into your business model?

Staying true to myself and my art is the difference between being real or inconsequential.

What is your current passion project?

All of my projects excite me.

When people tell the story of your business years from now, what do you hope they’ll say?

“She did great work but was never truly satisfied. Her best work is still ahead of her.”

What keeps you going on difficult days?

Passion for what I do and the people with whom I work.

In what ways do you stand out in your market?

Longevity. I am always looking to be inspired, and I am never disappointed. I am an encyclopedia of knowledge and experiences in my field and in life. I want to know everything about what I do and what I have yet to learn.

What are the latest trends in your industry that you’re loving?

Inspirational architecture is more creative than ever before.

Describe your dream client.

Someone who sees and shares my vision for them and for their project. Someone who is open to the unique and the artful.

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro