issue no. 15

Why Art?

MD:

In your view, what makes art a meaningful part of a space, not just something decorative, but something that shifts how people feel and behave?

NB:

One of my favorite stages of any project is the installation. That’s when everything becomes real—you see the space transformed, and the reactions are immediate.

I love being there with clients as the final pieces go up, especially when they’ve been part of the selection process. There’s a moment of pause where they truly see the artwork—something shifts. It starts a conversation, often unexpectedly. They analyze, connect, and reflect. It’s a quiet transformation—where the room begins to speak in the client’s own visual language.

One particularly memorable installation took place in a hospital corridor, where I guided my installation team while the staff moved through their day. As the artwork was placed, I observed doctors and nurses pause to take it in—some offered comments, others simply smiled. One nurse stopped in front of a calming landscape and said it made her feel like she could breathe more easily. Moments like that are a powerful reminder of how artwork can subtly support the emotional rhythm of a space. In the waiting areas, patients later shared that the artwork made the environment feel more comforting and considered. The effect is immediate, shaping how people respond, navigate, and interact with the space.

In a separate corporate project for a private equity firm, the selection process involved close collaboration with both the office manager and the company president. After the installation, they shared how much the team appreciated the new collection—not just aesthetically, but as a conversation starter. Employees compared it to their previous art, remarking on how much more dynamic and thought-provoking the new pieces were. The new curation mixed styles and artists but was united through color and overall design direction. That intentionality made the space feel curated in a way that employees noticed, and most importantly, connected with.

MD:

How has your own perspective on art changed over time, and what role can an art consultant play in shaping that journey for others?

NB:

Over the years, my relationship with art has shifted from personal appreciation to intentional curation. I’ve learned to approach each piece not just through my lens, but through the eyes of my clients—their employees, patients, or visitors. After years of managing art programs in corporate and healthcare settings, I’ve developed a deep respect for how intentional visual choices can shape how people engage with a space.

Beyond helping you choose the right pieces, an art consultant brings clarity and structure to what can often feel like an overwhelming process. You don’t have to lead the project yourself or struggle to align stakeholders—curation, sourcing, coordination, and installation are all managed with intention. A good consultant ensures that every visual decision supports the larger goals of the space, while also making sure timelines, logistics, and meetings run smoothly. It becomes a collaborative, but guided process—one that feels creative, efficient, and cohesive from start to finish.

MD:

What role can artwork play in modern corporate environments?

NB:

Artwork in the workplace is far more than just something pretty on the wall-it actually plays a measurable role in how people feel, think, and perform.

Studies have shown that when offices include thoughtfully chosen artwork (or even plants), employees feel more engaged, more relaxed, and more motivated. In fact, one study from the University of Exeter found that enriched workspaces—those with art and design elements—can boost productivity by over 30%.

And when people are given the opportunity to have a say in the art that surrounds them, the benefits are even stronger. It's not just about aesthetics, it's about creating an environment where people feel a sense of identity, inspiration, and belonging.

“Artwork doesn’t just complete a space, but helps define how it’s experienced. If we can agree that interior design shapes workplace culture and employee well-being, then we can agree that art is an essential part of that equation. It’s not just the finishing touch—it’s the dot on the i.”

MD:

What would you consider the primary goal of art to serve as it relates to corporate spaces?

NB:

To me, artwork is a subtle yet powerful tool. It signals that a company cares about its people, it sets the tone for the culture, and it can even spark new ideas by offering a visual break from routine. We’re all more creative when we’re in spaces that feel human, warm, and thoughtfully designed.

In the end, art is more than decoration- it’s an investment in your employees, your culture, and your company as a whole. And yes, in some cases, it can be a financial investment too—but that’s a topic for another time.

MD:

What important takeaway would you like to leave us with (until part 2)?

NB:

In my experience, art is often treated as an afterthought. Many companies only realize they need to address it once they’re already sitting in their new office, staring at empty walls. It’s often only then that they sense something is missing—a lack of cohesion or identity in the space. At that point, we’re working backwards to fill in what could have been thoughtfully built in from the start.

If an art consultant is brought in from the beginning—alongside the architect / interior designer—it becomes much easier to create a cohesive art program, allocate a realistic budget, and ensure the placement feels integrated into the overall design and flow of the space. It’s more efficient, and the outcome is far more aligned with the company’s culture and goals.

Your turn!

• What’s a piece of art in your workplace (or home) that makes a difference in your day?

• Have you ever worked with an art consultant—or wished you had?

  Send us your questions or comments

Every space has a story.

What’s yours?