Citi Art Advisor Reveals Strict Home Entry Protocols

Carla Caputo serves as a senior vice president and art collections manager within Citi Wealth's Art Advisory group. Her role functions as a high-level project manager coordinating the acquisition and installation of fine art for ultra-wealthy clients. Caputo's responsibilities extend beyond simple purchasing to include complex logistics management.

She coordinates freight flights, manages shipping crates, and oversees the entire delivery process from gallery to home. When entering client residences, Caputo adheres to strict safety protocols designed to protect valuable collections. Her background includes curatorial experience at major institutions including the Guggenheim Museum and the Museum of Modern Art before joining Citi in 2023.

The process of installing artwork in private residences involves intricate coordination that begins the moment a purchase is finalized. Once payment is processed, Caputo initiates contact with registrars and shipping managers to coordinate transport logistics. This phase requires answering critical questions about the artwork's packaging and transport requirements.

Key logistical considerations include:

• Determining if the piece has an existing crate or travel frame
• Assessing whether the artwork fits on passenger flights or requires freight planes
• Identifying routes to the few hubs that accommodate freight flights
• Coordinating pickup, delivery, and unpacking procedures

Storage decisions present additional complexity. The team must decide whether to retain shipping crates and, if so, where to store them. Recently, Caputo has placed increased focus on artwork weight, as heavy pieces may require wall reinforcement before installation. By the time the team is ready to install a piece, she coordinates with multiple parties including house managers, conservators, furniture movers, and fine art shippers.

Entering clients' homes carries significant responsibility, requiring Caputo to follow specific rules during every visit. She never places personal items, such as iPads, on surfaces because she cannot distinguish between functional furniture and valuable art pieces. This precaution prevents accidental damage to items that might be mistaken for ordinary household objects.

Personal preparation for site visits includes:

• Ensuring no items hang from her body
• Requiring art handlers to remove tools like tape measures from belts
• Always removing shoes or using protective shoe covers

Caputo maintains efficiency by keeping visits brief, particularly when clients are not present. For larger projects requiring furniture relocation, she hires specialized furniture movers. One notable instance involved moving a massive stone table that obstructed the installation area. These protocols ensure that the art installation process proceeds smoothly while maintaining the pristine condition of both the artwork and the client's property.

Beyond installation logistics, Caputo provides valuable advisory services regarding environmental conditions that affect art preservation. During home visits, she observes potential risks to artwork and advises clients on necessary improvements. Temperature control represents a critical factor, as excessive heat can cause irreversible damage to certain art mediums.

Caputo identifies common environmental issues:

• Rooms with excessive heat that require temperature monitoring
• Spaces with intense natural light necessitating window shades
• Outdated lighting systems generating excessive heat

She assists clients in upgrading to energy-efficient bulbs that emit less heat, contributing to long-term art preservation. These proactive measures demonstrate the comprehensive nature of her role, which extends well beyond simple transaction coordination. By addressing environmental factors, she helps protect the client's investment and ensures artwork longevity.

The relationship between an art advisor and ultra-wealthy clients requires mutual trust and understanding of high expectations. Citi's clients maintain rigorous standards for service quality, which Caputo acknowledges as appropriate given the value of their collections. While she recognizes that client bankers face different types of stress, her own responsibilities require meticulous attention to detail.

Despite the strict precautions and complex logistics, Caputo finds value in the unique access she gains to clients' homes and offices. Viewing extraordinary art collections provides professional satisfaction, though she maintains discretion about specific pieces. The combination of technical expertise, environmental advisory, and strict safety protocols ultimately serves a larger purpose: building strong, lasting relationships with clients who demand excellence in every aspect of art collection management.