Tom Billington

About

Tom is the founding director of Oculus Management, working at the intersection of heritage, the built environment, culture, and experience. He specialises in leading complex capital programmes for institutions where place, purpose, and public value matter as much as delivery.

Tom’s work focuses on shaping and structuring projects from the outset, bringing clarity to ambition, governance and decision making, and carrying that through into delivery.

His experience spans major capital programmes, estate strategies and individual projects, including work with nationally significant organisations and sites. He has led transformation programmes and projects across museums, galleries, cathedrals, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, listed buildings and historic estates — often within live, operational environments where conservation, stakeholder complexity, and long-term stewardship are critical.

Alongside his practice, Tom contributes to the wider sector through governance and advisory roles, as Chair of Sunderland Culture, Chair of the UK Museum Accreditation Partnership Committee and as a member of the Fabric Advisory Committee of Rochester Cathedral. He is also undertaking doctoral research focused on the role of the client in heritage and cultural capital projects.

Areas of Expertise

Tom brings strategic leadership and deep sector insight to heritage and cultural projects, with a strong focus on governance, client leadership, and sector development.