Design Talks @ NoVacancy

Discover how Design King transformed boutique hotel design in the scenic coastal town of Yamba. This session will explore their innovative strategies for creating a sophisticated boutique experience that retains the unique charm of this holiday destination, and learn how they balanced modern elegance with local authenticity to set a new standard for boutique hospitality.  

Voted Asia Pacific Hotel Conversion of 2024, CHADA's reimagined Pentridge Prison into two luxury hotels has helped revitalise a once brutal penal stockade into a vibrant tourism asset. Juliet Ashworth, the creative director behind the transformation, gives a fascinating account of this complex heritage conversion. 

Close to 1.5 billion tourists travel each year to less than 5% of the planet, with overtourism, gentrification, and ecological effects taking place in major European cities and paradisiacal destinations.

Understanding tourism as a living system, the talk will provide insight into the travel industry, including case studies with sustainable and regenerative frameworks that restore, repair, and enhance natural, cultural, and social ecosystems. 

Join us in an insightful discussion between a multi-hotels property owner; one of Australia’s highest profile hotel designers; an FF&E procurement expert and a leading bedding supplier, and moderated by one of Australia’s leading hotel Interior Architects. With combined hotel industry experience gained from over 200 projects, they will provide valuable insights for hotel owner/operators, architects, hotel designers and builders. Topics include key considerations for first steps; the renovations and refurbishments process; formulating design briefs; setting appropriate budgets and identifying non-negotiables for successful project execution. 

This session will educate property developers, architects, and designers on using art and design to enhance property value and appeal, boosting client satisfaction and project success. By reverse-engineering successful projects, the talk will reveal key processes and share actionable tips from the handbook on avoiding common pitfalls when commissioning public sculptures. Attendees will gain practical insights to elevate their projects through thoughtful integration of art and design.

Hotels need to be more than just beautiful. Samson looks to provide insights as to how design can have an immediate impact on lowering hotel life cycle costs and operational costs. 

This panel will explore the art of blending heritage architecture with modern design in the hotel industry. Industry leaders and architects will discuss the challenges and opportunities of preserving historical elements while meeting contemporary demands for functionality and style. The session will provide insights on how to maintain a building’s cultural significance, enhance guest experiences, and add value to properties by creating unique, character-filled spaces that honor the past while embracing the future of hotel design.

Join us as we explore the interplay between design, experience, and emotion in the spaces we cherish. This concept is at the core of a TV documentary currently in production, following the creation of a new restaurant at 1 Bligh Street in Sydney. From initial ideas through to completion, this documentary illustrates how these factors shape the built environment. 

With the housing crisis reaching critical levels, younger generations are increasingly concerned about being locked out of the market. This panel will explore a range of innovative solutions to address the crisis. Panellists will discuss the potential of converting under-occupied hotels into co-living spaces, leveraging modular construction for rapid and sustainable housing solutions, and other creative approaches. Join us to gain insights into how these strategies can transform the housing landscape and offer new opportunities for affordable living.

This session explores how biophilic design can enhance hotel revenue through increased occupancy and premium pricing. Learn practical, cost-effective strategies for incorporating sustainable materials and natural elements into your design. Discover how biophilic design not only enhances guest well-being but also reduces operational costs and positions your hotel as a leader in eco-friendly practices. Gain valuable insights into how biophilic design offers a sustainable advantage, boosting profits while creating a memorable guest experience.

Discover the secret weapon behind some of the world’s most successful resorts, giving top hospitality venues a competitive edge. Join international award-winning Feng Shui Master Jane Langof as she shares strategies to elevate your hotel refurbishment and attract today’s discerning travellers. Explore how aligning your design with the booming wellness industry can enhance guest satisfaction and boost your property’s appeal. This session will provide practical insights to help your venue stand out in a crowded market.

Discover how integrating biophilic design, Indigenous Australian design, and Feng Shui principles is transforming traditional hotel spaces into vibrant, guest-centric environments. These innovative design approaches are not just about aesthetics—they’re powerful tools for boosting guest satisfaction, increasing loyalty, and driving profitability. Join us for an insightful discussion on creating hotel environments that captivate guests while delivering strong financial returns. Whether you’re looking to differentiate your property in a competitive market or enhance its cultural relevance, this session will provide the strategies and inspiration needed to elevate your hotel’s appeal and bottom line.