From Interiors to Impact: How My Background in Design Shapes My Work as an Art Consultant
For over 30 years, I’ve worked at the intersection of art and design. I originally trained in art and design and started my career as an FF&E designer in commercial interior design firms. (If you’re not in the industry, FF&E stands for Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment — and includes everything from colour schemes to soft furnishings and, of course, art.)
In those early years, I worked on major commercial interiors, selecting finishes, fabrics, and artwork that pulled the design together — ensuring every element told a cohesive story. I also spent time in residential design, including a role at Harrods where I created full floor plans and elevations by hand — before the days of CAD! That foundation taught me not only about space and proportion but about how deeply personal our surroundings can be.
Eventually, my career led me back to art — my first love — and to me painting again. That shift was as much personal as professional. Art had always been the heart of my creative world, and I found myself being drawn to it again and again. Over time, I built a career in art consultancy, working with clients to curate and commission artwork for private homes, luxury hotels, hospitality projects, and more.
Today, I work with homeowners, developers, hotels, and businesses to bring meaning, mood, and identity into their spaces through curated artwork — and I bring every bit of my design training into that process.
Why Interior Design Makes Me a Better Art Consultant
When you’ve spent years considering how light hits a wall, how colour affects mood, or how space flows from one room to another, you begin to see art differently. Not as a decorative afterthought — but as a vital, integral part of the environment.
That’s where my background in interior design becomes invaluable. I understand:
How scale and proportion matter in a space
How colour palettes can work with — or fight against — each other
The importance of texture, negative space, and sightlines
How to work seamlessly with architects, designers, contractors, and clients
Art is never “just the artwork” — it’s part of a wider visual and emotional language. And having worked in both residential and commercial interiors, I know how to make that language speak clearly.
It also helps that I speak the same language as the people shaping the rest of the project. Interior designers often tell me how much easier it is to work with someone who “gets it” — someone who understands lead times, technical drawings, budgets, timelines, and client expectations.
That’s why I often end up being the bridge between the creative vision and the practical details — a role I love.
Residential Art Consulting: Creating Personal Spaces
In homes, art is deeply personal. It reflects who we are, what we value, where we’ve been, and who we’re becoming.
When I work with private clients, my aim isn’t to push a certain style or artist — it’s to uncover their tastes, interests, and stories. In fact, one of the first things I notice when I meet a client is what they’re wearing. Colour is a powerful indicator of what we’re drawn to — and for me, it’s the first clue.
It’s a puzzle, and maybe that’s where my ADHD becomes a strength. I’m a noticer. I pick up on the tiny details, the emotional cues, the things that go unsaid — and I connect them. For me, it’s instinctual. I see patterns. I follow leads. I’m great at sourcing options that people didn’t even know they were looking for — until they see it and just know.
Some of my residential clients are starting their first art collection. Others already have a few pieces and want help pulling everything together. Some need help curating what they already own; others are looking for one meaningful commission — a piece to mark a life milestone or reflect a new chapter.
I always aim to offer options for all budgets and styles. Sometimes the perfect piece is a bold statement in the hallway. Other times, it’s a quirky print in the kitchen that brings a spark of joy every morning. Every piece matters.
Residential Project - Dubai
How I support residential clients:
Helping clients define their personal taste and preferences
Sourcing from both emerging and established artists
Commissioning bespoke work that fits their story and space
Providing art for a wide range of budgets, from prints to investment pieces
Offering guidance on framing, placement, and installation
And I never stop researching. I spend hours attending exhibitions, artist studio visits, and art fairs — particularly now that I’m back in the UK. London’s art scene is a constant source of inspiration, and I regularly connect with dealers, galleries, and artists from across the country and around the world.
For me, part of being a great consultant is staying curious. I want to know what’s new, what’s emerging, what’s quietly powerful — and then match those discoveries with the right client.
Commercial Art Consulting: Curating Identity Through Art
In commercial spaces — like hotels, restaurants, offices, and co-working hubs — art plays a slightly different role. It still reflects values and identity, but often on a larger, more strategic scale.
Art in a commercial space can:
Communicate brand values
Welcome and inspire guests or staff
Act as a landmark or talking point
Elevate a space from good to unforgettable
I work with developers, hospitality groups, architects, and interior design firms to curate artwork that aligns with the vision of the space. Sometimes that means creating mood boards and concept packages early in the design process. Other times, I’m brought in to help source and deliver work that matches an existing scheme — adding the final touch.
Whether it’s one powerful mural or a fully integrated art scheme across a multi-floor hotel, the goal is always the same: to make the art meaningful, intentional, and memorable.
What I offer commercial clients:
Strategy and concept development aligned with brand values
Sourcing site-specific or custom pieces
Working with local and international artists
Managing procurement, framing, delivery, and installation
Supporting communication between design, operations, and site teams
I also deeply believe in working with artists at all career stages — and that means sometimes suggesting a graduate student or emerging creative for a project, where their work fits the brief and budget perfectly. These relationships matter. They add richness and diversity to the work, and they create lasting impact on the creative community.
Polo Bar - Habtoor Palace Hotel - Dubai
The Bridge Between Vision and Execution
Whether I’m working on a private home or a luxury development, one of my key strengths is execution. Creative ideas are only powerful if they’re delivered well — on time, within budget, and in a way that feels effortless for the client.
Here’s how I support that:
Creating artist briefs and proposals
Presenting curated options in clear formats
Managing acquisition, production, and framing
Coordinating delivery and installation
Liaising with interior designers, architects, and project managers
Art consultancy is a process that sits between creativity and logistics. It’s about understanding both sides — the emotional and the practical — and weaving them together with care and clarity.
My years in commercial design taught me how to manage complex projects, anticipate challenges, and communicate clearly. My time as an artist and consultant taught me how to listen deeply, source thoughtfully, and advocate for both client and creator.
Why This Work Matters to Me
Art transforms spaces. But more than that — it transforms how people feel in those spaces.
In a hotel lobby, the right artwork can make a guest feel seen and welcomed.
In a home, it can honour a life story or express identity in a way words can’t.
In an office, it can inspire creativity, calm, or focus.
I’ve worked on large-scale commercial projects and intimate residential commissions — and in every case, the emotional connection is what matters most. That’s why I love this work. It’s not about decoration. It’s about meaning.
And it’s also about people — the artists who create the work. I care deeply about supporting artists at all stages of their careers. That means attending graduate shows and exhibitions, building relationships with mid-career painters and printmakers, and commissioning site-specific work from specialists who bring something truly unique to a project.
When I recommend an artist’s work, it’s because I believe in it — and because I’ve done the legwork to know it’s right for the client. That balance of creative intuition and deep research is what I bring to every job.
Let’s Talk
If you’re looking for guidance on how to bring artwork into your space — whether it’s a single commission or a full art program — I’d love to talk.
I offer:
One-on-one consultations
Full art curation and sourcing
Commission management
Installation support
Collaboration with interior designers and project teams
Art doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right guidance, it can be one of the most rewarding investments you make in your space — and in yourself.
📩 Get in touch to explore how we can work together.