As an Interior Designer for the past 18 years, the last 7 of them in the partnership Bradfield & Tobin Global, Roric Tobin has designed for some of the most prominent clients all over the world. Tailoring custom interiors to the most discerning and demanding tastes, Tobin brings a level of style and sophistication. He is now focusing on the Next-Gen JetSet who want their interiors to not only reflect the level they have achieved but their own personal experiences – thoroughly tailored to the way they live
Drawing on his many years of creating ultra-luxury, entirely bespoke homes for some of the most prominent individuals and families around the world, Tobin launched his eponymous Roric Tobin Designs furniture line at ICFF in 2019 to wide acclaim. Distilling details into single, showcase pieces for the home.
Tobin and his husband Justin Concannon also develop exquisite homes on the North Fork of Long Island.
Q
Best compliment you’ve ever received?
A.
When a client, years after installation, is sitting in a room and calls just to say they still love it and how happy it makes them.
Q
What are you most excited about at this time in your life?
A.
Designing and building out on the North Fork of Long Island. For 8 years it has become a refuge for my husband and me. We absolutely love the area but there was a distinct lack of beautiful homes, outside of an occasional historic one. We’re working on changing that.
Q
What’s the best thing about shopping in person?
A.
Unexpected finds. There are times when a picture doesn’t do a piece justice and I would have totally passed it over online or in a catalogue. And there are also things you find when you’re looking for something else. When looking for chairs online, you get only chairs – and you miss that amazing credenza you spotted while looking at chairs in a shop. Realistically, online sourcing is here to stay and we need to embrace it. But when you have the opportunity to do it in person, it can be a wonderful experience.
Q
Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Describe your 10 year plan
A.
Everywhere. Once we have a vaccine and can put this horrid virus behind us, working globally is truly what I’m passionate about. Taking influences and inspiration from everywhere. Of course there has been a looking inward at our own homes and seeing them differently. But I am sure that the pent-up wanderlust will get the world moving again. We were already learning to work nimbly and with less real estate. I see a company of small satellites rather than a large flagship. And now that we’ve all finally learned to FaceTime and Zoom, a team can contact me instantly with a question.
Q
What modern design trend makes you cringe?
A.
The hanging basket light fixture. The lone light bulb doesn’t give off enough light to be of any use. And a basket hanging over your table looks absurd. Unless you’re designing a Greek restaurant and trying to evoke Santorini, there are literally thousands of fixtures that would be better.
Q
Favorite city to recharge?
A.
Without question, Paris. But not for a relaxing vacation. 98% of the time, I’m there for work. Being constantly surrounded by beauty between meetings, on my morning run, etc. recharges my creative spirit.
Q
What’s one thing that is always in your refrigerator?
A.
Champagne. It’s important to celebrate accomplishments and happy moments – and sometimes those pop up unexpectedly.
Q
Are you a dog or cat person?
A.
Have you not met Gretchen?
Q
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A.
A diplomat traveling the globe. I learned, however, that it would be a lot more bureaucracy and not a constant stream of Pamela Harriman parties.
Q
What is one Instagram account you can’t live without?
A.
At the moment, it’s @accidentallywesanderson Beyond being absolutely spot-on Wes Anderson, it is joyful and beautiful – and we all need that right now.
Q
Biggest pet peeve?
A.
Bad tippers. I admire being frugal with things for yourself, but when it comes at the expense of someone else, it’s unforgivable.
