Guiding Multidisciplinary Teams Through Technical Challenges to Achieve Success

Orchestrating Bespoke Art Programs for Hilton’s Boston Seaport Hotels

Interior Designer: Group One Partners / Project Manager + Art Consultant: Jo Zhou / Lead Art Consultant: Sally Faulkner / Art Installer: Caudlle Interior Installer / Printer: Colorchrome / Artist: Tyrus Lytton (Lead Artist) & over 15 artists / Metal Artist: Jess Spade/ Framer: Furst Brother

Faulkner + Locke | Case Study

Project Overview

In the heart of Boston's Seaport District, dual-branded Hampton Inn & Homewood Suites features 416 rooms and 6,000 square feet of versatile meeting space. This Hilton hotel’s new luxury property required a bespoke art program to enhance its sophisticated design.
The challenge was to create and manage a complex art installation from conception to completion, ensuring that every element met the high standards of the hotel's upscale environment.
Group One Partners, Inc. is an award-winning design firm with over four decades of expertise, specializing in Architecture, Interior Design, and Procurement services.
For the public areas, we delivered over 100 custom-made artworks, including a propeller wall installation featuring 20 custom-made propellers with metal backing and custom painting, a faux brick wall installation with a custom on-site mural, over 100 accessories, including custom books and antiques, and more than 50 framed artworks from artists worldwide.
For the guestrooms, we provided art samples for the model room and, after approval, delivered over 1,200 custom-framed artworks across 416 guest rooms.
Our services encompassed art sourcing, art program development, commissioning, prototyping, fabrication, printing, framing, installation, and procurement.

My Contribution

Managed the entire art program from conception to installation.

Led a multidisciplinary team and navigating technical challenges.

Crafted a comprehensive risk management plan by benchmarking with similarly sized projects.

Meticulously planned the installation sequence to optimize the process and avoid disruptions.

Ensured that all art pieces arrived in perfect condition and were installed according to project specifications.

Successfully completed the art program and executed the installation flawlessly.

Featured on Client’s Social Media

Key Challenge

Situation

Our client ordered a custom propeller wall as the property’s statement piece. The design was intricate and needed to be tailored precisely to meet the client’s vision.

Task

My responsibility was to assess the feasibility of the project, develop a comprehensive scope, provide an accurate estimate and timeline, and ensure the project aligned with the client's expectations.

Action

Led a multidisciplinary team of artists, designers, makers, printers, and installers, I created a detailed project plan that bring our client’s vision to life.

Result

As a result, the custom propeller wall was completed to the client’s satisfaction, with the final installation exceeding their expectations.

Key Actions

I created a Request for Proposal (RFP) that outlined our specific requirements and invited bids from qualified artists and makers. This ensured we selected the most suitable professionals for the job.
With the team in place, I developed a detailed timeline and set clear milestones to monitor progress. This approach allowed us to keep the project on track and address any issues promptly.
Given the intricate nature of the piece, quality management was arguably the most critical aspect of this project. I ensured that every step was closely monitored, conducting thorough quality assurance throughout the entire process.
To keep the client informed and engaged, I provided regular updates, including photos and samples of the work in progress. This feedback loop enabled us to make necessary adjustments before final production, ensuring the final outcome met the client’s expectations.
Managing the logistics of shipping and installation was complex. I facilitated clear communication between installers and the warehouse team to ensure everyone understood their roles and the sequence of tasks. I also coordinated with the printer to ship the stencils to the site and ensured the correct personnel received them.

Key Skills

Team Leadership, Coordination, Technical Management, Vendor Management, Installation Planning, Quality Control, Shipping Management, Scope Definition, Progress Tracking, Agile Approach, On-Site Logistics Coordination