DEBRA MAPLESDEN

WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS EXPERT EXECUTION

Category: Museum

  • National Portrait Gallery: Inspiring People

    National Portrait Gallery: Inspiring People

    CLIENT:

    FACTORY SETTING FOR NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

    PROJECT:

    NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY: INSPIRING PEOPLE, LONDON

    The Inspiring People Project involved a complete refurbishment of the National Portrait Gallery. Debra was contracted by the main contractor, Factory Settings, where she managed the build programme and fabrication works. Her responsibilities included overseeing the RFI (Request for Information) process and providing detailed reports on progress, delays, budgets, and variations. Additionally, Debra coordinated key suppliers for showcases, AV hardware, and graphics, ensuring seamless integration, as each company was contracted through Factory Settings.

    Images: © National Portrait Gallery, London

  • Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, Kuwait

    Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre, Kuwait

    CLIENT:

    CULTURAL INNOVATIONS FOR BECK INTERIORS

    PROJECT:

    SHEIKH ABDULLAH AL SALEM CULTURAL CENTRE, KUWAIT

    The Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre encompasses four museums: the Natural History Museum, Science and Technology Museum, Arabic Islamic Science Museum, Space Museum along with an extensive public realm.

    As Programme Manager, Debra was responsible for Cultural Innovations’ project management plan and the delivery schedule for the design and implementation phases of 23 galleries and ancillary spaces. She worked closely with the design director and team leaders, continuously reviewing progress and updating master and gallery-specific programmes. Debra also managed the rigorous value engineering process led by Beck Interiors, overseeing change control and coordinating specialist subcontractors. Additionally, she attended client progress meetings in Kuwait alongside Beck Interiors.

    Images: Cultural Innovations and © David Copeman Photography

  • SAASCC – Science & Technology Museum

    SAASCC – Science & Technology Museum

    CLIENT:

    CULTURAL INNOVATIONS FOR BECK INTERIORS

    PROJECT:

    SAASCC – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM, KUWAIT

    Covering 7,000m², the Science and Technology Museum features galleries dedicated to Transport, Experiments, Robotics, Human Body and Mind, Healthy Living and Natural Defences, as well as a play space for children under five. 

    Debra supported the lead designers and their teams in meeting delivery deadlines, managing the change control process across all galleries. She also conducted site visits to contractors and model makers in the UK and Europe, working alongside lead designers and Beck Interiors to inspect and ensure the quality of the work.

    Images: Cultural Innovations and © David Copeman Photography

  • SAASCC – Arabic Islamic Science Museum

    SAASCC – Arabic Islamic Science Museum

    CLIENT:

    CULTURAL INNOVATIONS FOR BECK INTERIORS

    PROJECT:

    SAASCC – ARABIC ISLAMIC SCIENCE MUSEUM, KUWAIT

    Spanning 2,000m², the Arabic Islamic Science Museum is an interactive, object-rich exhibition exploring the Islamic Golden Age—its key figures, innovations, and their lasting impact on the modern world.

    As Project Lead for Cultural Innovations, Debra managed the museum’s designers and specialist consultants, ensuring all deliverables—design drawings, documents, and content—were completed on time. She also reviewed and provided feedback on contractors’ shop drawings from The Hub, attending meetings with them and their subcontractors to ensure all elements were delivered as designed. Additionally, Debra oversaw the installation of collections and model items in Kuwait, and attended on-site meetings.

    Images: Cultural Innovations and © David Copeman Photography

  • Wildlife Gallery At Thinktank, Birmingham

    Wildlife Gallery At Thinktank, Birmingham

    CLIENT:

    SCENA PRODUCTIONS FOR THINKTANK BIRMINGHAM SCIENCE MUSEUM

    PROJECT:

    WILDLIFE GALLERY, BIRMINGHAM

    Debra played a key role in managing and coordinating a diverse team of 20-30 professionals throughout the project. Her responsibilities included budget forecasting, programme scheduling, overseeing production drawings, and ensuring the successful construction of in-house and on-site elements. She maintained effective communication with the client and contractors, holding regular coordination meetings to keep the project on schedule and within budget.

    Images: © Debra Maplesden Limited