Why Designers Must Lead on Art: Sarah Hurt on the Business of Design® Podcast

Business of Design® Podcast · Podcast Feature · May 2026

Sarah Hurt, founder of Seattle Art Source, joins the Business of Design® Podcast to make the case that art selection isn’t a client’s job to figure out on their own. Instead, it’s a designer’s job to lead. Thoughtful interior design art selection is a key part of this responsibility.

The Business of Design® Podcast helps interior designers grow profitable, sustainable studios. Kimberley Seldon hosts the show. She brings decades of industry experience to conversations on pricing, positioning, and the business decisions that separate thriving design practices from struggling ones, including the importance of interior design art selection as part of the overall process.

A room without art isn’t finished — it’s staged furniture waiting for a point of view. This conversation speaks directly to designers who have deferred the art decision to a client, hoping they’d “find something meaningful.” Too often, the project stalls or loses its cohesion. For many, successful interior design art selection makes all the difference in creating a cohesive space.

In this episode, Sarah and Kimberley dig into why deferring art decisions quietly undermines a designer’s authority. They also explain why strong designers make the call instead of waiting on it. In addition, they cover the difference between decorative “tourist art” and original, collectible work. Sarah and Kimberley show how to guide clients toward discovering their own art preferences rather than leaving them adrift. They also discuss why you’re better off making final art decisions in the home rather than the gallery. Furthermore, they explain how to curate multiple pieces into one intentional collection. The episode highlights where the opportunities are in the emerging art market under $10,000. Finally, they show how partnering with an art consultant can round out a designer’s expertise. Additionally, interior design art selection strategies provide an extra layer of professionalism and impact.

If you want your projects to feel complete, get published, and stand out from the pack, this episode makes the argument that it starts with owning the art call.

Website: businessofdesign.com

Seattle Art Source works with interior designers nationwide to source, commission, and install original art for residential and commercial projects. Get in touch to learn how art can become part of your design process from day one.