Jonathan, I have known you for quite some time now. You are the best in the business, and I’ve seen firsthand how you operate and the level of service you provide to all your guests. Nothing is ever a problem, and you honestly go above and beyond each and every time. How long have you been in the hotel industry for, and where are you now? 

It has been an incredible 18 years within the hotel industry and an exceptionally humbling experience throughout my career managing some iconic properties such as the Park Hyatt Sydney, Raes on Wategos, Langham Sydney, and now the Capella Sydney.

What is your role at the Capella Hotel?

I am fortunate enough to be the Chief Culturist, which combines the excellence of guest services with lifestyle concierge services. My role specialises in crafting unforgettable luxury travel experiences shaped by knowledge of Sydney's cultural landscape, relationships, and exclusive offerings. The role encompasses travel curation, recommendations, and design. Our role as Culturists is to focus on accessing the inaccessible, finding hidden gems, focusing on personalised itineraries, unique moments, and more. We elevate the guest experience by curating, designing, and offering unique on- and off-site experiences.

Through carefully programmed events like Rituals and Moments within Capella Sydney's walls, we showcase the city's vibrant arts scene. This might include performances by Indigenous sound makers, ballet dancers, theatre performers, or opera singers, as well as storytelling sessions that share the tales of Sydney's folk heroes, such as Arthur Stace, known for scribing the word ‘eternity’ throughout the city’s streets.

Tell me about the Sandstone precinct heritage and where the Capella Hotel is based.

The Department of Education building, originally designed in the early 1900s by government architect George McRae in the Edwardian Baroque style, has undergone a meticulous restoration and transformation by Pontiac Land in collaboration with Make Architects and BAR Studio. Originally designed by renowned Scottish-Australian architect George McRae (Sydney Town Hall, the Queen Victoria Building) for the New South Wales government, the listed building on this site dates back to 1912 and was constructed in two halves approximately 15 years apart: the northern half for the Department of Education and the southern half for the Department of Agriculture. Located 400 metres from Sydney Harbour and taking up an entire block in the CBD, the building features an Edwardian Baroque-style sandstone facade and stands as a reminder of Sydney’s grand architectural heritage, which endures alongside surrounding skyscrapers.

Capella is family-owned. Tell me a little about the family and what it meant to them to open a hotel in such a beautifully heritage-listed property in the City of Sydney.

The Kwee family from Pontiac Land had the vision to seize an interesting opportunity to introduce a hospitality brand that embraces the history of the buildings and their place within Sydney’s cultural timeline. The Kwee family dynasty and projects undertake and hold strong family values, and the family passionately develops legacy projects that impact the cities they invest in.

It must have been challenging for Make Architects to blend the old with the new. Name one of the features that guests can see as they walk into Capella that blends the old and new.

The architectural features of the building have been carefully preserved and celebrated throughout the hotel. From the majestic marble-clad foyer to the bespoke function rooms and upper-level wellness spaces, the original characteristics exude a sense of grandeur and elegance.

At the heart of Capella Sydney is its commitment to preserving the site’s heritage and the desire to open the building to the public for the very first time in its more than 100-year history. Perhaps the most interesting device used to achieve this is its public art program, beginning with etchings in the reimagined Farrer Place forecourt before beckoning guests through the restored bronze doors and past site-specific artworks by Indigenous artist Judy Watson, culminating with a mesmerising robotic sculpture inspired by Australian bush flowers from the minds of Dutch art duo DRIFT.

How long did the restoration and build take?

The restoration and redevelopment of the precinct have taken over 7 years.

What’s unique about the Capella?

Capella Sydney seamlessly blends design, architectural details, and progressive sustainable initiatives, offering a unique and immersive experience for guests. Spanning eight levels, the guest rooms and suites are exquisitely appointed and provide a luxurious retreat for guests. The design incorporates the intricate craftsmanship of the original building, featuring delectable walnuts, natural stones, and deluxe textiles.

At the heart of Capella Sydney is its commitment to preserving the site’s heritage and the desire to open the building to the public for the very first time in its more than 100-year history. Perhaps the most interesting device used to achieve this is its public art program, beginning with etchings in the reimagined Farrer Place forecourt before beckoning guests through the restored bronze doors and past site-specific artworks by Indigenous artist Judy Watson, culminating with a mesmerising robotic sculpture inspired by Australian bush flowers from the minds of Dutch art duo DRIFT.

Furthermore, archaeological remnants discovered during site works were carefully recovered and given the opportunity to shine through their inclusion in commissioned artworks displayed amid other collected works in the ground-floor Living Room, a sumptuous guest-only space that acts as the home base for Capella Culturists.

What artists have been involved in the re-imagined Capella Hotel?

Capella Sydney’s collection of artwork includes paintings, photography, textiles, mural works, and ceramics, totalling over 1400 pieces of art. The incredible team from ‘The Artling’ curated a “wide collection of artworks and design items created by Australian artists and designers, meticulously sourced by The Artling, the official art consultant on this project. Working closely with the interior designs of BAR Studio, the selected artworks and design items blend in seamlessly with the fusion of colour, spaces, and textures of the hotel. Completed in 2022, guests and visitors can expect an array of artworks, inclusive of specially commissioned pieces, namely the ‘GAAGAL’ mural by Otis Hope Carey in the McRae Bar and the three-dimensional work ‘After Haeckel’ by Sally Blake in the Capella Living Room.”

How does it differentiate from other city hotels?

Occupying an entire city block, encircled by Loftus, Bridge, and Young Streets, the building was originally designed by architect George McRae in the Edwardian Baroque style. It first opened for government use in 1915. More than 100 years later, the meticulous restoration and transformation of the site by Pontiac Land, reimagined by Make Architects, sees the building ready to write a new chapter in its history. The original characteristics are celebrated throughout the hotel, from the majestic marble-clad foyer to the bespoke function rooms and upper-level wellness spaces.

Then moving onto the unsurpassed accommodation at Capella Sydney, which is as unique as the property itself. Dovetailed with the intricate craftsmanship of the original building, the beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites cushion guests from the bustle of the city. Light-filled and spacious, averaging over 55 square metres, guest rooms and suites exude luxury, showcasing delectable walnuts, natural stones, and deluxe textiles alongside standalone tubs, custom Italian Frette linen, and Haeckels amenities. At 235 square metres, the largest offering within the portfolio is the signature Capella Suite. Located on the ninth floor, its layered interiors celebrate a landmark building steeped in history, where exquisite design allows guests to relax while embracing every indulgent detail.

In-house guests of Capella Sydney unlock the opportunity to experience the Living Room, a signature space in all Capella properties that places guests on the pulse of local cultural connection. Surrounded by art, intriguing artefacts uncovered during the restoration, and a curated collection of tantalising tomes, the Living Room is the place of daily Capella Rituals. It’s also where guests are introduced to Capella Culturists. Part neighbourhood expert, part intuitive mind-reader, Capella Culturists are on-hand to shape the travel story of all guests, whether it be through foraging for endemic foods with First Australians, organising tickets to sporting and theatre events, or on-boarding guests to a luxury liner for an unforgettable harbour cruise.

The team of Culturists are the custodians of the site’s storytelling, armed with tales of the redevelopment, the city, and its characters, and they share their knowledge with hotel guests and regular visitors. Capella Sydney also has an exceptional guest experience program with collaborators such as Indigenous leader Aunty Margret Campbell, who is pioneering a collaboration between the hotel and local operators.

Now a little bit about you, what you love, and where you will be heading next…

What's your favorite neighbourhood in Syney?
My favourite suburb in Sydney is Marrickville, as I grew up in the neighbouring suburb of Earlwood and have seen it evolve so much.

What’s your favourite neighbourhood in Australia? 
Australia wide I would say that Newtown is the most intriguing and interesting neighbourhood.

What’s your favourite neighbourhood in the world?
My favourite neighbourhood in the world would be Brooklyn, New York.

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be?
I’ve always loved being in Paris.

What's the most important element of travelling for you? 
Discovering new places and gastronomy.

Beach, city or country?
Isle of Pines, New Caledonia.

What is your most preferred style of travel?
Train travel.

What’s the craziest thing you've seen in all the years as a concierge?
Exotic and Australian animals in a room.

Where to next? Next travel destination.
Bali, Indonesia.

What item can you never travel without?
Monocle Travel Guide.

Most memorable travel experience.
Cambodia.