Everyone Wins When An Art Advisor is Included Early in a Building Project

As president of Murphy Rabb, Inc, a 25‐year‐old art advisory firm, I’ve had the opportunity and pleasure of working with clients, architects, designers, dealers, artists, and private collectors. An important part of my work is to recommend, commission, and purchase artwork for public and private businesses and residences.  

Sam Gilliam - site specific

My first project was to write the initial Public Art Plan for the City of Evanston for its new library. My job was to work early in the planning process with the architect and recommend locations for the purchase and commission of artwork.  Sometimes, architects overlook these opportunities in their plans, except perhaps for major focal points. Together, though, we came up with numerous locations for artwork, that the architect possibly might not have considered without my prodding. 

I enjoyed the same chance at The Northern Trust Bank, which was building its first bank in a middle class African‐American community. I again worked with their architect to create an environment that was appropriate, and welcoming, with artwork that reflected the bank’s staff and clientele.  

The Lobby Artwork at Stroger Hospital.  Sculpture by Richard Hunt.

Another memorable project was creating the entire Art Program for the 8-story, 3 million-square-foot, Stroger Hospital in Chicago. My goal was to develop a warm, pleasing, and accessible hospital using artwork that reflected and spoke to the diverse populations it served.

A private client wanted me to curate an African‐American art collection in the new home she and her husband had just purchased.  My client was clear that artwork was to be the focal point before they made any lighting, architectural, and furniture purchases.  This was a dream project because we succeeded in making the artwork the focal point.  

Private Client Home

In doing all these projects, I’ll often butt heads with architects and designers because I want to make sure they understand that locations for artwork must be seriously considered. I have to be ever vigilant in studying floor, lighting, signage, and furniture plans, and then being on site to assure that art can be located in the most advantageous way, and that the artwork never appears an afterthought. 

When I can collaborate with the client, architect, interior designer, and artist, early in the planning/design process, the final project is always the beneficiary and everyone wins.