Crafted for you: understanding the unique world of bespoke art

While many in architecture and interior design appreciate the value of artwork in a space, few truly understand the benefits and potential of bespoke art. Thomas and Sureen Gouws are uniquely placed to speak to this, having run an architectural practice for high-end homes in South Africa before moving to Australia and opening Gouws Art Gallery. 

As Thomas explains, their experience as designers allows them to understand the real-world challenges for professionals in the industry — something they keep front of mind in all of their projects.

“Designers often avoid commissioning artists due to concerns about reliability and meeting deadlines, opting instead for ready-made pieces. With our architectural background, we fully understand the importance of project timelines and their impact. Custom artwork shouldn’t add stress — it should enhance a space seamlessly while staying on schedule.”

Some design professionals also avoid bespoke commissions due to concerns around costs; however, as Sureen explains, this is a bit of a misconception that shouldn’t inhibit one's ambitions.

“Many assume bespoke art is excessively expensive. While it’s certainly an investment, we tailor scale and materials to suit different budgets — it’s not just for the elite.”

The opportunities that bespoke art presents for design professionals can begin as practical ones but often become more than that through a positive collaborative process. Thomas describes how a professional’s time can be saved with bespoke art, especially compared to the alternative of art curation. 

“Curating art can be a time-consuming and sometimes challenging process — finding pieces that perfectly align with the design language isn't always easy. This is where bespoke commissions truly shine. A custom-created artwork isn't just a feature piece; it becomes an integral part of the spatial experience, bringing a designer's vision to life in a way that off-the-shelf pieces simply cannot.”

Establishing an open environment that fosters conducive collaboration is also key — something Sureen encourages from the outset of their projects and a sentiment that rings true for all.

“We encourage designers to bring inspiration — whether it’s mood boards, material samples, or a previous piece of ours they connect with. From the start, we consider key factors like scale, colour, and installation, but the process remains flexible and collaborative. The designer remains in control while we help bring their vision to life.” 

Another obstacle for some professionals when it comes to bespoke art is uncertainty around the process and timelines for creating a piece from start to finish. This is undoubtedly because artists have vastly different personalities, methods and styles from one to the next, almost as diverse as art itself.

However, backing artists with extensive experience in a wide range of residential and commercial projects can quickly alleviate these concerns. They’ll be able to communicate their processes clearly, setting expectations that allow professionals to plan with confidence. 

Thomas describes the process for bespoke commissions at Gouws Art Gallery in the following way:   

“After the initial discussion to establish the brief, we prepare a proposal with concept sketches indicating size and price options along with a look & feel imagery to illustrate the design intent for the artwork. Once an option is chosen by the designer and their client, we move on to designing the artwork in more detail and create a visual mock-up. Once approved, we produce colour samples for the designer and client to approve, after which we start with the artwork production. The production timeline depends on the scale of the work, but for most of our bespoke commissions, it is between 4 and 8 weeks.”

Experienced artists in this field are also successful because of their ability to cultivate long-term relationships with fellow professionals that go beyond the first shared project, as Sureen explains.  

“We value building strong relationships, understanding designers' style and vision, and earning their trust. We are not only focused on the single project, we're aiming for ongoing collaboration. Our goal is to be the minimalist art studio that design professionals depend on, bringing expertise, creativity, and innovation to every piece.”

The commercial sector has always been a major focus for bespoke art commissions for artists like Thomas and Sureen. This includes everything from textured reliefs for hotel lobbies to accent pieces for corporate fit-outs. 

Sureen shares one such example of a commission for a high-rise building in Sydney and its impact on the space.

“One of my standout projects was an artwork commissioned by an interior design firm for the double-volume lobby of a Sydney high-rise. I created a four-meter high, sand coloured relief that complemented the warm interior tones, casting dynamic shadows throughout the day. The piece became a focal point, drawing people in and enhancing the refined atmosphere of the space.”

That being said, an appetite for bespoke work in residential projects is becoming an increasingly significant proportion of their portfolio. Thomas recalls a highlight of his that utilised the natural elements and characteristics of the home’s surroundings.  

“A Melbourne interior designer commissioned me to create a feature artwork for a coastal home’s staircase, drawing inspiration from the breathtaking sea view beyond. Given the home's distinctive natural lighting, achieving the perfect hue and tone they were after was essential. To ensure precision, I painted a series of colour samples for the designers to review on-site with their clients. This process proved invaluable, and once the final artwork was installed, both the designers and clients were thrilled with how well it integrated into the space, capturing the exact palette they had envisioned.” 

The unique quality of bespoke art also lends itself to contemporary design trends, which are personified by original pieces that seamlessly integrate into their environments. As Thomas elaborates, this is partly an artistic response to the proliferation of AI-driven art and reproductions that are now readily available across Australia.   

“Authenticity is more important than ever. With AI-driven digital art and reproductions becoming increasingly accessible, there’s a growing demand for truly unique, handcrafted artworks and furniture pieces. This is especially evident in high-end minimalist spaces, where every detail carries weight.”

The minimalist style is also a strong trait in contemporary design trends, a style Sureen is continually inspired by.

“The emphasis is shifting even further toward ‘less but better.’ Designers are opting for a single, striking statement piece that adds depth, texture, and impact without introducing unnecessary visual clutter. My work explores the intersection of minimalist art and architecture, highlighting their connection and overlap. Creating art for refined, minimalist spaces is truly inspiring.”

If you’re a design professional, or homeowner for that matter, interested in commissioning a piece of bespoke art, there are several factors you should consider to set yourself up for success.

One is to get the artists involved early. As Thomas points out, this is particularly important for those who are commissioning a piece as part of a large-scale new build or renovation project. 

“It is preferable to get us on board in the early stages of construction of a new build or extensive renovation, when it is easy to make adjustments like structural supports for very large pieces or changes to artwork lighting.”

Sureen says it's also important to think about the fundamentals, which can be easily overlooked amongst the complexities of a project. 

“It’s about getting the basics right. Scale is crucial — too big, and it overpowers; too small, and it disappears. Light influences how the piece comes alive from day to night. Texture brings depth without being overwhelming — ideal for minimalist spaces.”

Learn more about bespoke art with Gouws Art Gallery on ArchiPro