Artwork is often one of the final elements considered within a multi-residential project. Yet it has the power to completely transform how a development is experienced.
Whether you are working on a luxury apartment tower, a build-to-rent development, a retirement living community, a mixed-use precinct or a boutique residential project, carefully specified artwork creates identity, enhances resident experience and contributes to the overall value of the asset.
The most successful residential developments are remembered not simply for their architecture, but for how they make people feel. Artwork plays a significant role in creating that connection.
This guide covers everything developers, interior designers, architects and project managers need to know to specify artwork confidently, efficiently and at the level of quality the project deserves.
Why Artwork Matters in Multi-Residential Design
Residents may initially be drawn to a project’s location, amenities or architectural design, but it is often the finer details that leave a lasting impression.
Artwork introduces warmth, personality and visual interest into shared spaces while helping establish a distinctive design language throughout a development. Strategically placed, it can elevate:
• Entry foyers and lobbies
• Lift lobbies across every floor
• Resident lounges and co-working spaces
• Wellness areas and gyms
• Rooftop amenities
• Corridors and circulation spaces
• Concierge and meeting spaces
For developers, thoughtfully curated artwork supports project differentiation, strengthens brand perception and contributes to a more premium resident experience. Increasingly, artwork is being viewed as a key component of placemaking rather than simply decoration.
Buyers and tenants notice the artwork. They may not articulate why a lobby feels premium — but artwork is frequently the reason it does.
Start the Artwork Conversation Early
The most common mistake in multi-residential artwork specification is leaving it too late.
Artwork specified after construction is complete, after finishes are locked and after the display suite is being dressed will always be a compromise. The dimensions available may not suit standard artwork sizes. The palette may have drifted. The budget may have been squeezed. And the procurement timeline may not allow for anything beyond whatever is immediately available.
When artwork enters the conversation during design development — alongside finishes, furniture and FF&E — the outcome is consistently stronger:
• Artwork can be commissioned or sourced to specific dimensions rather than adapted to fit
• The palette of the artwork can inform or respond to the finish palette rather than compete with it
• Sufficient lead time allows for original commissions, custom print runs and quality framing
• The artwork budget can be properly planned and allocated across the project
• Opportunities emerge for larger commissions, custom sizing and more meaningful integration
The earlier artwork enters the design conversation, the better the outcome — and the fewer compromises that need to be made.
Understanding the Project Before You Specify
Before any artwork is selected or sourced, develop a clear understanding of what the project is trying to achieve and what role artwork needs to play within it.
Key questions to answer at the outset:
• What is the market positioning — entry-level, mid-market, premium or prestige?
• Who is the target buyer or tenant, and what does great artwork mean to them?
• What is the architectural and interior design language — contemporary, industrial, coastal, warm minimalist?
• How does the development want to feel — energetic, calm, sophisticated, warm, bold?
• Which spaces are the highest-priority impression moments?
• What is the total artwork budget, and how should it be allocated?
• Are individual apartments being sold unfurnished, furnished or styled for display only?
• Are there ESG objectives, placemaking goals or community identity considerations to incorporate?
The answers to these questions shape every artwork decision that follows. A prestige development targeting owner-occupiers requires a fundamentally different approach from a build-to-rent project targeting young professionals.
Mapping Artwork Across the Development
A multi-residential development involves several distinct space types, each with different artwork requirements. A structured approach to mapping artwork across these spaces ensures the program is coherent, appropriately scaled and practically deliverable.
|
SPACE TYPE
|
ARTWORK APPROACH
|
|
Entry lobby
|
Highest-impact space in the development. Hero artwork or commission. Original work or large-format print. Architectural scale. Sets the tone for everything that follows.
|
|
Lift lobbies (per floor)
|
Repeated across multiple floors. Premium prints in a consistent palette. Typically landscape format. Curated, not wallpapered.
|
|
Corridors
|
Artwork at intervals to create rhythm and reduce the institutional feel of long circulation spaces. Consider viewing distance — works seen from 3–5m need scale and clarity.
|
|
Display suite
|
Premium original or high-quality print. Photographed extensively — quality here directly affects marketing and sales collateral.
|
|
Amenity spaces
|
Can carry more personality than the lobby. Good opportunity for bolder works. Scale to the specific space — gym, lounge, rooftop each have different requirements.
|
|
Individual apartments (display)
|
Styled for photography and inspection. Premium prints typically. Consistent sizing within apartment types.
|
|
Individual apartments (BTR furnished)
|
Part of the resident experience. Quality and suitability matter. Consider palette, scale and subject matter for each room type.
|
|
Townhouses and villas
|
Treated more like residential specification. Can carry original works in primary spaces, prints in secondary spaces.
|
Original Artwork vs Premium Prints: What to Use Where
Multi-residential projects almost always use a combination of original artworks and premium art prints. Understanding when to use each is one of the most important decisions in the specification process.
|
USE ORIGINAL ARTWORK FOR...
|
USE PREMIUM PRINTS FOR...
|
|
The entry lobby — the hero moment of the development
|
Lift lobbies and corridors across multiple floors
|
|
The display suite — photographed and experienced up close
|
Individual apartment bedrooms and secondary spaces
|
|
High-profile amenity spaces — rooftop, executive lounge
|
Any space requiring multiple identical pieces
|
|
Spaces where buyers or tenants spend significant time
|
Budget-sensitive spaces where quality is still required
|
|
Prestige developments where originality signals value
|
Build-to-rent projects requiring scale and consistency
|
Many successful developments combine both: original artwork in hero locations, curated print collections throughout secondary spaces. The program should feel coherent across both.
[Read our full guide to Original Art vs Art Prints →]
Getting Scale Right Across Different Space Types
Scale is the most common point of failure in multi-residential artwork specification — and the consequences are magnified when the same mistake is specified across dozens of units or floors.
A critical note: what appears substantial on screen can feel surprisingly small once installed within a completed building. Always assess artwork within scaled architectural elevations or mock-ups before finalising any specification.
Common Areas
• Entry lobbies: a statement work of 150cm width and above is often appropriate. Double-height lobbies may require 200cm or more
• Lift lobbies: a landscape work of 80–120cm width, consistent across all floors
• Corridors: works spaced at regular intervals, typically 60–80cm width at consistent hang heights
Individual Apartments
• One-bedroom apartments: living area 80–120cm wide, bedroom 60–80cm wide
• Two-bedroom apartments: living area 100–140cm wide, master bedroom 80–100cm
• Three-bedroom and penthouses: living area 140–180cm wide, master bedroom 100–140cm
The two-thirds rule applies throughout: artwork above a sofa or bed should occupy approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture beneath it.
[Read our full Artwork Size Guide for detailed measurements →]
image
Creating a Coherent Palette Across the Development
One of the defining characteristics of a well-specified artwork program is visual cohesion. The artwork across the development should feel as though it belongs to the same family — not because every piece is identical, but because they share a palette, a mood or a sensibility that runs through the project.
A disjointed artwork program — where the lobby feels bold and industrial, the corridors feel coastal and the display suite feels romantic — creates an inconsistency that undermines confidence in the quality of the project as a whole.
• Begin with the hero artwork for the lobby and treat it as the palette anchor for the rest of the program
• Extract key tones from the hero work and use them to guide selection across all other spaces
• Allow variation in mood and subject matter while maintaining palette consistency
• Use the interior finish palette — stone, timber, upholstery — as a reference to ensure artwork and finishes are in conversation
• Avoid jarring contrasts between physically connected spaces
The best artwork programs for multi-residential developments feel inevitable — as though the artwork was always going to be exactly what it is.
Where the budget allows, commissioning the hero lobby piece specifically for the development’s palette and dimensions is often the most reliable way to anchor this consistency from the outset.
[Read our full guide to How to Commission Artwork →]
Compliance, Accessibility and Risk Management
Artwork specification within residential developments extends beyond aesthetics. Developers, architects and project teams must also consider compliance, accessibility and operational requirements throughout the life of the building.
While there is no Australian legislation that mandates artwork within residential developments, artwork installations must still comply with relevant building, safety and accessibility requirements. Key considerations include:
• Safe installation methods and appropriate wall fixings for each space and wall type
• Structural wall loading requirements — particularly for large-scale originals in lobbies and double-height spaces
• Accessibility and circulation clearances — artwork must not impede compliant pathways
• Appropriate glazing selection where framed works are used in high-traffic or high-risk areas
• Fire performance considerations where applicable
• Ongoing maintenance requirements and ease of replacement if required
• Risk management and public liability considerations for suspended or structural installations
Large-scale artworks often require specialist installation and coordination with builders, project managers and engineers to ensure long-term performance. This is particularly important within double-height spaces, suspended installations and high-traffic public areas.
Artwork should be specified with the same level of consideration given to other architectural finishes and fixtures throughout the project.
Designing for Resident Wellbeing
Across Australia, resident wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important consideration within multi-residential design. Developers are recognising that thoughtfully designed environments contribute to a stronger sense of connection, comfort and belonging.
Artwork plays an important role in creating environments that feel welcoming, human-centred and memorable. This is particularly relevant within:
• Build-to-rent developments where resident experience drives retention and referral
• Retirement living communities where the quality of the environment directly affects quality of life
• Aged care environments where artwork has a documented therapeutic benefit
• Wellness-focused residential projects where the environment is part of the product proposition
Rather than functioning purely as decoration, artwork becomes part of the broader experience residents have within a building every day.
[Read our full guide to Artwork for Aged Care Projects →]
Sustainability and ESG Considerations
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives are increasingly influencing specification decisions across the property sector. Many developers now seek artwork partners who can support broader sustainability and community outcomes.
Artwork programs can contribute to ESG objectives through:
• Specifying Australian-made artwork and engaging local artists
• Australian manufacturing and framing — reducing transport requirements and supporting local industry
• Sustainable framing materials and processes
• Supporting local creative industries and emerging artists
• Strengthening community identity and placemaking through site-responsive or locally inspired works
• Commissioning works that reference the history, landscape or culture of the development’s location
For many projects, artwork contributes directly to ESG objectives while simultaneously enhancing the resident experience and the perceived quality of the development.
Artwork Specification Timeline
Artwork is most successful when considered alongside the broader interior design and procurement process. The following timeline reflects how a multi-residential artwork program typically unfolds:
|
PROJECT PHASE
|
ARTWORK ACTIVITIES
|
|
Concept Design
|
Establish the overall artwork strategy. Define project vision, resident experience goals, artwork budgets, commission opportunities, key feature locations and ESG objectives. Ensure sufficient wall space, lighting and integration opportunities are considered from the outset.
|
|
Design Development
|
As materials and finishes are defined, artwork selections take shape. Activities include artwork curation, mood boards, preliminary sizing studies, budget reviews and initial commission artist engagement. Collaboration between developer, architect, interior designer and artwork consultant.
|
|
Documentation & Procurement
|
Artwork specifications become detailed. Final selections confirmed, framing specifications set, engineering reviews completed for large-scale works, procurement approvals granted, production scheduled. Commissioned artwork concepts and palettes formally approved.
|
|
Construction
|
Artwork production occurs alongside the building program. Commission development, artwork production, framing and finishing, quality control reviews. Regular communication ensures delivery aligns with construction milestones.
|
|
Practical Completion
|
Artwork installation during the final stages of the project. Site inspections, placement verification, installation scheduling, lighting adjustments, final quality assurance. Large-scale feature works are typically among the last elements installed.
|
|
Handover
|
Artwork becomes part of the completed resident experience. Prepare artwork schedules, maintenance guides, certificates of authenticity, artist statements, asset registers and marketing photography for handover to building manager and developer.
|
Allocating the Artwork Budget
Artwork budget allocation is often approached too evenly — the same amount for the lobby as for a bedroom. This approach rarely produces the best outcome.
A more effective approach concentrates investment where it has the greatest impact and uses volume efficiency where visual requirements are more straightforward.
|
SPACE
|
SUGGESTED BUDGET ALLOCATION
|
|
Entry lobby
|
Highest single allocation — justifies original or commissioned work
|
|
Display suite
|
Premium allocation — this is the primary sales tool
|
|
Amenity spaces
|
Moderate to premium — increasingly important to buyers and tenants
|
|
Lift lobbies
|
Moderate — consistent premium print program across all floors
|
|
Corridors
|
Lower per-unit — volume print program, quality maintained
|
|
Individual apartments (display)
|
Moderate — well-framed prints, styled for photography
|
|
Individual apartments (BTR)
|
Lower per-unit but significant in aggregate — plan carefully
|
The lobby and display suite consistently deliver the highest return on artwork spend. The spaces experienced first and most frequently by the greatest number of people deserve the greatest investment.
Working With an Artwork Studio
The most successful multi-residential artwork programs are typically delivered through a partnership with a single artwork studio rather than through multiple suppliers or ad hoc sourcing.
• A single point of contact for all artwork across the development — source, specification, production, framing and delivery
• Visual cohesion maintained across all spaces because the same team curates the entire program
• Volume efficiencies in production, framing and delivery
• Artwork schedules and specification documents prepared and maintained
• Mock-ups and visual presentations for developer and design team review
• Commission management for hero pieces in the lobby and amenity spaces
• Consistent quality control across the full program
At Emma Street Studio, we work with developers and their design teams across Australia to deliver complete artwork programs for multi-residential projects — from initial brief through to installation.
[Read our full guide to Art for Interior Designers →]
[Enquire About Your Project →]
Multi-Residential Artwork Specification Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure nothing is missed in the specification process:
BRIEF & PLANNING
□ Artwork budget allocated early in the project
□ Market positioning and target buyer/tenant profile clarified
□ Architectural and interior design language defined
□ Key feature locations and impression moments identified
□ ESG objectives and placemaking goals incorporated
□ Commission opportunities assessed
SPECIFICATION
□ Artwork mapped across every space by floor and unit type
□ Original artwork vs print strategy determined for each space
□ Artwork dimensions reviewed within scaled architectural elevations
□ Palette direction confirmed and cohesive palette framework developed
□ Artwork schedule developed with quantities, dimensions, medium and budget per line
□ Lighting requirements considered for each artwork location
□ Accessibility and circulation clearances reviewed
COMPLIANCE & RISK
□ Wall construction type confirmed for each space
□ Structural wall loading reviewed for large-scale works
□ Installation method confirmed and engineer engaged if required
□ Fire performance and glazing requirements reviewed where applicable
□ Public liability and risk management considerations addressed
PROCUREMENT & PRODUCTION
□ Lead times confirmed for each artwork type and aligned with construction programme
□ Commissioned artworks briefed with minimum 8–12 weeks lead time
□ Framing specification confirmed and lead times allowed
□ Delivery and installation sequence planned by space type
□ Artwork protection plan in place during construction completion
INSTALLATION & HANDOVER
□ Specialist art handling arranged for large-scale or high-value works
□ Installation sequenced after other trades are complete
□ Artwork documented with photography prior to handover
□ Artwork schedule, maintenance guides and certificates of authenticity prepared
□ Asset register and artist statements provided to building manager
□ Marketing photography completed for sales and award submissions
Artwork as a Long-Term Asset
Quality artwork continues to deliver value long after construction is complete. It enhances resident experience, strengthens project identity and contributes to the perception of quality throughout a development.
Many developers now assess artwork programs through multiple lenses: resident wellbeing, placemaking, ESG objectives, project differentiation and long-term asset value.
When thoughtfully specified, artwork becomes far more than decoration. It becomes part of the identity of the building itself.
The developments that get artwork right feel different from the moment you walk in. That feeling creates lasting impressions, stronger sales outcomes and more engaged residents.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your project.
Work With Emma Street Studio
We work with developers, interior designers and project managers across Australia to deliver artwork programs for multi-residential, commercial and hospitality projects of any scale. From statement foyer commissions to complete artwork schedules, we can assist with artwork selection, custom sizing, framing, production and installation.
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Emma Street Studio · Design Journal · Artwork for Multi-Residential Projects
How to Specify Artwork for Multi-Residential Projects
Artwork is often one of the final elements considered within a multi-residential project. Yet it has the power to completely transform how a development is experienced.
Whether you are working on a luxury apartment tower, a build-to-rent development, a retirement living community, a mixed-use precinct or a boutique residential project, carefully specified artwork creates identity, enhances resident experience and contributes to the overall value of the asset.
The most successful residential developments are remembered not simply for their architecture, but for how they make people feel. Artwork plays a significant role in creating that connection.
This guide covers everything developers, interior designers, architects and project managers need to know to specify artwork confidently, efficiently and at the level of quality the project deserves.
Why Artwork Matters in Multi-Residential Design
Residents may initially be drawn to a project’s location, amenities or architectural design, but it is often the finer details that leave a lasting impression.
Artwork introduces warmth, personality and visual interest into shared spaces while helping establish a distinctive design language throughout a development. Strategically placed, it can elevate:
• Entry foyers and lobbies
• Lift lobbies across every floor
• Resident lounges and co-working spaces
• Wellness areas and gyms
• Rooftop amenities
• Corridors and circulation spaces
• Concierge and meeting spaces
For developers, thoughtfully curated artwork supports project differentiation, strengthens brand perception and contributes to a more premium resident experience. Increasingly, artwork is being viewed as a key component of placemaking rather than simply decoration.
Buyers and tenants notice the artwork. They may not articulate why a lobby feels premium — but artwork is frequently the reason it does.
Start the Artwork Conversation Early
The most common mistake in multi-residential artwork specification is leaving it too late.
Artwork specified after construction is complete, after finishes are locked and after the display suite is being dressed will always be a compromise. The dimensions available may not suit standard artwork sizes. The palette may have drifted. The budget may have been squeezed. And the procurement timeline may not allow for anything beyond whatever is immediately available.
When artwork enters the conversation during design development — alongside finishes, furniture and FF&E — the outcome is consistently stronger:
• Artwork can be commissioned or sourced to specific dimensions rather than adapted to fit
• The palette of the artwork can inform or respond to the finish palette rather than compete with it
• Sufficient lead time allows for original commissions, custom print runs and quality framing
• The artwork budget can be properly planned and allocated across the project
• Opportunities emerge for larger commissions, custom sizing and more meaningful integration
The earlier artwork enters the design conversation, the better the outcome — and the fewer compromises that need to be made.
Understanding the Project Before You Specify
Before any artwork is selected or sourced, develop a clear understanding of what the project is trying to achieve and what role artwork needs to play within it.
Key questions to answer at the outset:
• What is the market positioning — entry-level, mid-market, premium or prestige?
• Who is the target buyer or tenant, and what does great artwork mean to them?
• What is the architectural and interior design language — contemporary, industrial, coastal, warm minimalist?
• How does the development want to feel — energetic, calm, sophisticated, warm, bold?
• Which spaces are the highest-priority impression moments?
• What is the total artwork budget, and how should it be allocated?
• Are individual apartments being sold unfurnished, furnished or styled for display only?
• Are there ESG objectives, placemaking goals or community identity considerations to incorporate?
The answers to these questions shape every artwork decision that follows. A prestige development targeting owner-occupiers requires a fundamentally different approach from a build-to-rent project targeting young professionals.
Mapping Artwork Across the Development
A multi-residential development involves several distinct space types, each with different artwork requirements. A structured approach to mapping artwork across these spaces ensures the program is coherent, appropriately scaled and practically deliverable.
SPACE TYPE
ARTWORK APPROACH
Entry lobby
Highest-impact space in the development. Hero artwork or commission. Original work or large-format print. Architectural scale. Sets the tone for everything that follows.
Lift lobbies (per floor)
Repeated across multiple floors. Premium prints in a consistent palette. Typically landscape format. Curated, not wallpapered.
Corridors
Artwork at intervals to create rhythm and reduce the institutional feel of long circulation spaces. Consider viewing distance — works seen from 3–5m need scale and clarity.
Display suite
Premium original or high-quality print. Photographed extensively — quality here directly affects marketing and sales collateral.
Amenity spaces
Can carry more personality than the lobby. Good opportunity for bolder works. Scale to the specific space — gym, lounge, rooftop each have different requirements.
Individual apartments (display)
Styled for photography and inspection. Premium prints typically. Consistent sizing within apartment types.
Individual apartments (BTR furnished)
Part of the resident experience. Quality and suitability matter. Consider palette, scale and subject matter for each room type.
Townhouses and villas
Treated more like residential specification. Can carry original works in primary spaces, prints in secondary spaces.
Original Artwork vs Premium Prints: What to Use Where
Multi-residential projects almost always use a combination of original artworks and premium art prints. Understanding when to use each is one of the most important decisions in the specification process.
USE ORIGINAL ARTWORK FOR...
USE PREMIUM PRINTS FOR...
The entry lobby — the hero moment of the development
Lift lobbies and corridors across multiple floors
The display suite — photographed and experienced up close
Individual apartment bedrooms and secondary spaces
High-profile amenity spaces — rooftop, executive lounge
Any space requiring multiple identical pieces
Spaces where buyers or tenants spend significant time
Budget-sensitive spaces where quality is still required
Prestige developments where originality signals value
Build-to-rent projects requiring scale and consistency
Many successful developments combine both: original artwork in hero locations, curated print collections throughout secondary spaces. The program should feel coherent across both.
[Read our full guide to Original Art vs Art Prints →]
Getting Scale Right Across Different Space Types
Scale is the most common point of failure in multi-residential artwork specification — and the consequences are magnified when the same mistake is specified across dozens of units or floors.
A critical note: what appears substantial on screen can feel surprisingly small once installed within a completed building. Always assess artwork within scaled architectural elevations or mock-ups before finalising any specification.
Common Areas
• Entry lobbies: a statement work of 150cm width and above is often appropriate. Double-height lobbies may require 200cm or more
• Lift lobbies: a landscape work of 80–120cm width, consistent across all floors
• Corridors: works spaced at regular intervals, typically 60–80cm width at consistent hang heights
Individual Apartments
• One-bedroom apartments: living area 80–120cm wide, bedroom 60–80cm wide
• Two-bedroom apartments: living area 100–140cm wide, master bedroom 80–100cm
• Three-bedroom and penthouses: living area 140–180cm wide, master bedroom 100–140cm
The two-thirds rule applies throughout: artwork above a sofa or bed should occupy approximately two-thirds to three-quarters of the width of the furniture beneath it.
[Read our full Artwork Size Guide for detailed measurements →]
image
Creating a Coherent Palette Across the Development
One of the defining characteristics of a well-specified artwork program is visual cohesion. The artwork across the development should feel as though it belongs to the same family — not because every piece is identical, but because they share a palette, a mood or a sensibility that runs through the project.
A disjointed artwork program — where the lobby feels bold and industrial, the corridors feel coastal and the display suite feels romantic — creates an inconsistency that undermines confidence in the quality of the project as a whole.
• Begin with the hero artwork for the lobby and treat it as the palette anchor for the rest of the program
• Extract key tones from the hero work and use them to guide selection across all other spaces
• Allow variation in mood and subject matter while maintaining palette consistency
• Use the interior finish palette — stone, timber, upholstery — as a reference to ensure artwork and finishes are in conversation
• Avoid jarring contrasts between physically connected spaces
The best artwork programs for multi-residential developments feel inevitable — as though the artwork was always going to be exactly what it is.
Where the budget allows, commissioning the hero lobby piece specifically for the development’s palette and dimensions is often the most reliable way to anchor this consistency from the outset.
[Read our full guide to How to Commission Artwork →]
Compliance, Accessibility and Risk Management
Artwork specification within residential developments extends beyond aesthetics. Developers, architects and project teams must also consider compliance, accessibility and operational requirements throughout the life of the building.
While there is no Australian legislation that mandates artwork within residential developments, artwork installations must still comply with relevant building, safety and accessibility requirements. Key considerations include:
• Safe installation methods and appropriate wall fixings for each space and wall type
• Structural wall loading requirements — particularly for large-scale originals in lobbies and double-height spaces
• Accessibility and circulation clearances — artwork must not impede compliant pathways
• Appropriate glazing selection where framed works are used in high-traffic or high-risk areas
• Fire performance considerations where applicable
• Ongoing maintenance requirements and ease of replacement if required
• Risk management and public liability considerations for suspended or structural installations
Large-scale artworks often require specialist installation and coordination with builders, project managers and engineers to ensure long-term performance. This is particularly important within double-height spaces, suspended installations and high-traffic public areas.
Artwork should be specified with the same level of consideration given to other architectural finishes and fixtures throughout the project.
Designing for Resident Wellbeing
Across Australia, resident wellbeing is becoming an increasingly important consideration within multi-residential design. Developers are recognising that thoughtfully designed environments contribute to a stronger sense of connection, comfort and belonging.
Artwork plays an important role in creating environments that feel welcoming, human-centred and memorable. This is particularly relevant within:
• Build-to-rent developments where resident experience drives retention and referral
• Retirement living communities where the quality of the environment directly affects quality of life
• Aged care environments where artwork has a documented therapeutic benefit
• Wellness-focused residential projects where the environment is part of the product proposition
Rather than functioning purely as decoration, artwork becomes part of the broader experience residents have within a building every day.
[Read our full guide to Artwork for Aged Care Projects →]
Sustainability and ESG Considerations
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) objectives are increasingly influencing specification decisions across the property sector. Many developers now seek artwork partners who can support broader sustainability and community outcomes.
Artwork programs can contribute to ESG objectives through:
• Specifying Australian-made artwork and engaging local artists
• Australian manufacturing and framing — reducing transport requirements and supporting local industry
• Sustainable framing materials and processes
• Supporting local creative industries and emerging artists
• Strengthening community identity and placemaking through site-responsive or locally inspired works
• Commissioning works that reference the history, landscape or culture of the development’s location
For many projects, artwork contributes directly to ESG objectives while simultaneously enhancing the resident experience and the perceived quality of the development.
Artwork Specification Timeline
Artwork is most successful when considered alongside the broader interior design and procurement process. The following timeline reflects how a multi-residential artwork program typically unfolds:
PROJECT PHASE
ARTWORK ACTIVITIES
Concept Design
Establish the overall artwork strategy. Define project vision, resident experience goals, artwork budgets, commission opportunities, key feature locations and ESG objectives. Ensure sufficient wall space, lighting and integration opportunities are considered from the outset.
Design Development
As materials and finishes are defined, artwork selections take shape. Activities include artwork curation, mood boards, preliminary sizing studies, budget reviews and initial commission artist engagement. Collaboration between developer, architect, interior designer and artwork consultant.
Documentation & Procurement
Artwork specifications become detailed. Final selections confirmed, framing specifications set, engineering reviews completed for large-scale works, procurement approvals granted, production scheduled. Commissioned artwork concepts and palettes formally approved.
Construction
Artwork production occurs alongside the building program. Commission development, artwork production, framing and finishing, quality control reviews. Regular communication ensures delivery aligns with construction milestones.
Practical Completion
Artwork installation during the final stages of the project. Site inspections, placement verification, installation scheduling, lighting adjustments, final quality assurance. Large-scale feature works are typically among the last elements installed.
Handover
Artwork becomes part of the completed resident experience. Prepare artwork schedules, maintenance guides, certificates of authenticity, artist statements, asset registers and marketing photography for handover to building manager and developer.
Allocating the Artwork Budget
Artwork budget allocation is often approached too evenly — the same amount for the lobby as for a bedroom. This approach rarely produces the best outcome.
A more effective approach concentrates investment where it has the greatest impact and uses volume efficiency where visual requirements are more straightforward.
SPACE
SUGGESTED BUDGET ALLOCATION
Entry lobby
Highest single allocation — justifies original or commissioned work
Display suite
Premium allocation — this is the primary sales tool
Amenity spaces
Moderate to premium — increasingly important to buyers and tenants
Lift lobbies
Moderate — consistent premium print program across all floors
Corridors
Lower per-unit — volume print program, quality maintained
Individual apartments (display)
Moderate — well-framed prints, styled for photography
Individual apartments (BTR)
Lower per-unit but significant in aggregate — plan carefully
The lobby and display suite consistently deliver the highest return on artwork spend. The spaces experienced first and most frequently by the greatest number of people deserve the greatest investment.
Working With an Artwork Studio
The most successful multi-residential artwork programs are typically delivered through a partnership with a single artwork studio rather than through multiple suppliers or ad hoc sourcing.
• A single point of contact for all artwork across the development — source, specification, production, framing and delivery
• Visual cohesion maintained across all spaces because the same team curates the entire program
• Volume efficiencies in production, framing and delivery
• Artwork schedules and specification documents prepared and maintained
• Mock-ups and visual presentations for developer and design team review
• Commission management for hero pieces in the lobby and amenity spaces
• Consistent quality control across the full program
At Emma Street Studio, we work with developers and their design teams across Australia to deliver complete artwork programs for multi-residential projects — from initial brief through to installation.
[Read our full guide to Art for Interior Designers →]
[Enquire About Your Project →]
Multi-Residential Artwork Specification Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure nothing is missed in the specification process:
BRIEF & PLANNING
□ Artwork budget allocated early in the project
□ Market positioning and target buyer/tenant profile clarified
□ Architectural and interior design language defined
□ Key feature locations and impression moments identified
□ ESG objectives and placemaking goals incorporated
□ Commission opportunities assessed
SPECIFICATION
□ Artwork mapped across every space by floor and unit type
□ Original artwork vs print strategy determined for each space
□ Artwork dimensions reviewed within scaled architectural elevations
□ Palette direction confirmed and cohesive palette framework developed
□ Artwork schedule developed with quantities, dimensions, medium and budget per line
□ Lighting requirements considered for each artwork location
□ Accessibility and circulation clearances reviewed
COMPLIANCE & RISK
□ Wall construction type confirmed for each space
□ Structural wall loading reviewed for large-scale works
□ Installation method confirmed and engineer engaged if required
□ Fire performance and glazing requirements reviewed where applicable
□ Public liability and risk management considerations addressed
PROCUREMENT & PRODUCTION
□ Lead times confirmed for each artwork type and aligned with construction programme
□ Commissioned artworks briefed with minimum 8–12 weeks lead time
□ Framing specification confirmed and lead times allowed
□ Delivery and installation sequence planned by space type
□ Artwork protection plan in place during construction completion
INSTALLATION & HANDOVER
□ Specialist art handling arranged for large-scale or high-value works
□ Installation sequenced after other trades are complete
□ Artwork documented with photography prior to handover
□ Artwork schedule, maintenance guides and certificates of authenticity prepared
□ Asset register and artist statements provided to building manager
□ Marketing photography completed for sales and award submissions
Artwork as a Long-Term Asset
Quality artwork continues to deliver value long after construction is complete. It enhances resident experience, strengthens project identity and contributes to the perception of quality throughout a development.
Many developers now assess artwork programs through multiple lenses: resident wellbeing, placemaking, ESG objectives, project differentiation and long-term asset value.
When thoughtfully specified, artwork becomes far more than decoration. It becomes part of the identity of the building itself.
The developments that get artwork right feel different from the moment you walk in. That feeling creates lasting impressions, stronger sales outcomes and more engaged residents.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss your project.
Work With Emma Street Studio
We work with developers, interior designers and project managers across Australia to deliver artwork programs for multi-residential, commercial and hospitality projects of any scale. From statement foyer commissions to complete artwork schedules, we can assist with artwork selection, custom sizing, framing, production and installation.
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Made for Spaces. Collected for Life.
Emma Street Studio · Design Journal · Artwork for Multi-Residential Projects