Opinion: Sourcing and Procurement for Exceptional Design with Tola Ojuolape

At Design Insider, we champion bold voices shaping the future of commercial design. We are honoured to feature Tola Ojuolape, Founder of Tola Ojuolape Studio, a multidisciplinary designer and creative director whose work spans hospitality, F&B, luxury residential, and contemporary art projects globally. Her studio is defined by its dedication to materiality, quality, and balance, delivering memorable objects and experiences for contemporary brands while weaving in her lifelong passion for the arts and the African continent.

In her own words, Tola shares her perspective on sourcing and procurement, not as backstage logistics, but as a vital design discipline where creative vision meets precise execution.

Tola Ojuolape, Founder of Tola Ojuolape Studio

‘Behind every beautifully finished space is a quiet engine powering it forward: sourcing and procurement. At Tola Ojuolape Studio (TOS), we don’t see these as backstage logistics — we see them as integral to design itself. They’re where creative vision meets real-world execution, and when handled with intention, they can elevate a project from well-designed to truly exceptional.

From the very start of our projects, sourcing is part of the conversation. As ideas begin to take shape, knowing the direction for finishes, FF&E, and lighting helps us make decisions that not only support the concept, but strengthen it. It’s this early integration that ensures consistency, character, and quality throughout every layer of a space.

Working across a range of budgets is part of our everyday practice. It requires a sharp eye: knowing where to look, what to prioritise, and how to deliver the best results within defined financial parameters. That might mean attending international fairs such as Milan Design Week, Paris Design Week, or 3 Days of Design; meeting directly with makers; or staying closely attuned to emerging materials and rising talent. Over time, we’ve built trusted industry relationships that allow us to source with confidence — always delivering value without compromising on quality or intent.

Procurement itself varies depending on the project. For larger-scale schemes with complex timelines and multiple moving parts, a dedicated procurement partner can be invaluable — effectively operating as an extension of the project management team. We’ve worked alongside companies like Dodds & Shute and Atelier 55, who bring precision and clarity to the process.

For more intimate settings — show flats or bespoke residential interiors, where every detail counts — we often procure directly. This hands-on approach lets us stay closely connected to every element, ensuring that what’s delivered aligns precisely with the design intent.

At TOS, sourcing and curation are part of our design DNA. Every decision is thoughtful — informed by budget, yes, but also by values. Sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic longevity guide our choices. In a current project, for example, we’re working carefully within budget while specifying pieces that are responsibly made, built to last, and timeless in appeal.

Procurement isn’t just about moving items from A to B — it’s about bringing a vision to life with precision, purpose, and care. Done well, it’s the difference between a good space and a truly exceptional one.’

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