Today we’d like to introduce you to Allison Thompson
Hi Allison, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born and raised in Western Canada. My career began with a Bachelor of Science (Honors) in Physical Geography at King’s College, London, England. After relocating to the UK at 19 years of age, my passion for fine art and design grew. A monumental exhibition I attended during this time was the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty Exhibition at the Victoria & Albert Museum. The curation and scale of this exhibition really moved me and aided in my decision to completely switch career paths into an art and design career. I then went on to complete a Master of Arts in Art Business from Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London and New York City. After working with many artists and designers and curating shows I felt the creative urge to design complete spaces myself so I decided to go back to university where I completed a Bachelor of Applied Design in Interior Design at LaSalle College, Vancouver.
I am now a art consultant, curator and most recently an interior designer. I am the founder and owner of AT Art & Interiors – under this company I have been presenting and curating large-and small-scale exhibitions for 10+ years across Canada, Asia and now the US, specifically LA. I have been involved in over 25 curatorial projects, several interior design projects (residential, hospitality and corporate) and corporate art collections. My most recent interior design projects are Otie Bakehouse (www.otiebakes.com) and Letty Restaurant (www.pizzaletty.com). My most recent curatorial project for a corporate art collection was for Westbank Corp in the TELUS Sky building in Calgary. I spent my formative interior design years working for prestigious designers in Vancouver called AK Design and Sophie Burke Design. Over the years I have partnered with fashion houses (most notable Louis Vuitton and Gucci), developers, interior designers, architects, artists, and charities.
I made the official move to Los Angeles this year in order to expand my business into the US market. My most recent curatorial project was in DTLA this past November 22-24, 2024 entitled PURPLE moon featuring 40 artworks from artist Charles Chau ‘Fafa’ series. This series of work has garnered international attention and has been exhibited in Hong Kong, Vancouver, Tokyo and our most recent show in LA.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Building an entrepreneurial business in the art and interior design industry has been a journey marked by relentless dedication and unwavering passion. Establishing an independent name and earning credibility in this competitive field has proven to be a formidable challenge. It requires persistence, a deep love for the arts and design, and countless years of hard work. One of the most significant struggles I’ve faced has been ensuring that people truly understand the scope of my work, as well as cultivating trust with the talented artists I collaborate with and clientele. Communicating the unique value of their artistry to my clients has also been a constant endeavor, as it’s not just about showcasing beautiful pieces, but about conveying the deeper narrative and significance behind each work. Over time, I’ve learned that success in this field is not just about what you create, but how you bridge the gap between vision, artistry, and the stories you tell.
For the interior design business, much like the art world, comes with its own set of unique challenges. It requires not only a keen eye for aesthetics and functionality, but also the ability to navigate a constantly evolving landscape of trends, client preferences, and logistical complexities. Building a successful design business involves balancing creativity with practicality, as clients often have highly personal visions that must be translated into tangible, livable spaces.
One of the most difficult aspects is managing the expectations and demands of clients while coordinating multiple moving parts — from sourcing materials and coordinating with vendors to overseeing timelines and budgets. Each project presents its own set of hurdles, requiring problem-solving, flexibility, and a deep understanding of both design and construction processes.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am an Art Consultant & Interior Designer based in Los Angeles. Connecting people and art with beautiful spaces is my profession and my passion.
I represent a carefully selected portfolio of artists and designers, bringing their exceptional work to a wide audience of galleries, private collectors and commercial clients. After many requests, I also recently expanded my services to interior design, which brings my unique understanding of contemporary aesthetics to a wide range of environments. Although intrigued by many different design styles, I am particularly drawn to hospitality design which is often on a grand scale and facilitates human interaction.
Whether a large-scale exhibition, private commission, curated collection or interiors of any scale, my mission is the same: connecting people, elevating spaces and enriching experiences through art and design.
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What sets me apart is my unique combination of expertise in both art and interior design. I began my career as an art dealer and curator, which provided me with a deep understanding of the art world. Over time, I added interior design to my services, a path that is often reversed. This dual background allows me to approach design from a distinctive perspective—often starting with a carefully selected piece of art, which then informs and inspires the entire design process. Additionally, I have built strong, meaningful relationships with the artists and designers I collaborate with, which adds a personal and authentic layer to each project. These connections not only bring a richer story to the space but also ensure that each design is infused with a sense of creativity and originality that is truly special. This blend of creative disciplines enables me to create spaces that are both visually compelling and thoughtfully curated.
Any big plans?
I’ve been creating dynamic, pop-up art exhibitions and collaborating with galleries and developers who have unique spaces, but now I’m ready to take the next big step! I dream of opening my own physical space — a vibrant hub where art and design collide. It will be a place to host captivating, carefully curated exhibitions that push boundaries, while also serving as the headquarters for my interior design practice. I envision a space with its own distinct personality, one that blends artistic innovation with design excellence. I’m also eager to collaborate with artists and designers to create unique objects that reflect my personal style. This space will not only be a showcase for innovative art but a place where creativity comes to life through one-of-a-kind, thoughtfully designed pieces that truly embody the essence of the space.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allisonthompson.xyz
- Instagram: @atartinteriors @at_gallery1 @allisonthompsoninteriors
Photographers: Kelly Hofer, Joel Klassen, Jessica Gray
