Frances Tobin
Associate
A colour specialist, Frances studied textile design at Brighton University and the Royal College of Art and then moved into the world of fashion and interior design where she worked with leading international companies including Gucci, French Connection, Warehouse, Burton Group PLC, developing their product ranges and building brands. In 1996 she established her own colour and design consultancy, diversifying into fashion, interiors, product and packaging design. She offers consultancy on trends in colour, the effects and benefits of colour and the coordination of colours, materials and finishes.
Frances has advised on interior colour schemes in a number of healthcare developments, including an acute mental health unit in Southampton and the City Centre Health Facility in Coventry. She has developed close working relationships with both architects and Trusts. Most recently, for Finchley Memorial Hospital in London, she has delivered advice on all the visual elements that layer on to the architectural form of a build, including interior design, wayfinding and arts co-ordination. Frances is a member of The Colour Group of Great Britain.
“By working with the architect’s vision, I create colour palettes and themes that […] result in a unified and coordinated visual experience. My aim is to create caring, reassuring and therapeutic environments that visually stimulate the staff, patients and visitors. My interest in the arts and health is focused on the visual experience and this has evolved through the coordination of all the visual elements within the healthcare environment. When working as an arts coordinator my aim is to integrate the arts into the fabric of the building and the interior design, with the arts leading the visual experience.”