As part of the 2025 INDE.Awards program, the SpeakingOut! Series welcomes Rowena Hockin to discuss her work and the industry at large. Proudly supported by Maxton Fox, partner for The Social Space category at the 2025 INDE.Awards, this episode sheds light on BAR Studio’s approach to design excellence.

A Journey into Design

Rowena’s career path wasn’t a direct route into architecture. Initially studying arts at university, she was drawn to fine arts and visual arts, which led her to an unexpected yet serendipitous crossover with architecture students. “I saw what they were doing, and I thought, “That’s something I really want to do”. It was the perfect combination of creativity, science, and human experience,” she recalls. This multidisciplinary foundation shaped her philosophy in creating spaces that blend artistic vision with functional elegance.

As Studio Director at BAR Studio, Rowena balances overseeing the studio’s strategic direction with hands-on involvement in conceptual project development. “I love the early stages of a project – crafting the conceptual framework that will set the tone for the entire design,” she shares. Despite the challenges of wearing multiple hats, she finds deep fulfillment in guiding the studio’s projects from ideation to completion.

Designing Capella Sydney: Honouring Heritage

Capella Sydney, one of BAR Studio’s most celebrated projects, was shortlisted and received an Honourable Mention at the 2024 INDE.Awards for The Social Space category. Located in the historic Department of Education building in Sydney’s sandstone precinct, the design aimed to respect and revitalise the heritage structure while introducing a luxury hospitality experience.

“The façade was stunning, but the interiors had been altered beyond recognition over the years. We had to carefully reimagine the interiors, integrating modern elements while ensuring they still spoke to the building’s original character,” explains Rowena. Collaborating with Make Architects, BAR Studio transformed a utilitarian office building into an elegant yet inviting hotel that connects past and present.

A standout feature of the project is Aperture, a breathtaking courtyard space reintegrated into the building’s design. “The original plans included a central courtyard, but it had never been realised. Restoring that concept brought in natural light and created a dynamic, welcoming heart for the hotel,” she says. The space, with its soaring glass roof and a mesmerising installation by Studio Drift, has become a favourite among visitors and the BAR Studio team alike.

The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne: A New Perspective on Luxury

In contrast to Capella Sydney’s historic setting, The Ritz-Carlton, Melbourne presented a different challenge: defining luxury within a contemporary new-build project. “Melbourne has such a distinct character – refined yet gritty, high culture yet unpretentious. We wanted to reflect that duality in the design,” Rowena explains.

Without an existing structure to respond to, BAR Studio focused on embedding Melbourne’s identity into the interiors. The result is a space that feels both grand and intimate, with thoughtful material choices and spatial configurations that evoke the city’s architectural and cultural richness. “Luxury is not just about opulence – it’s about creating a sense of place that feels authentic and connected,” she notes.

Shaping the Future of Hospitality Design

Beyond individual projects, Rowena and BAR Studio are keenly aware of the broader cultural and environmental impacts of their work. Sustainability and social responsibility play a crucial role in their design philosophy. “It’s about designing spaces that endure – both aesthetically and functionally. The best designs don’t just respond to a brief; they contribute to the community and the urban fabric,” she says.

By blending heritage with innovation and local culture with global design standards, BAR Studio continues to set new benchmarks in luxury hospitality.

Looking Ahead

Rowena’s insights into design, heritage, and place-making offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of luxury hospitality architecture. As BAR Studio continues to push the boundaries of design excellence, its projects serve as testaments to the power of thoughtful, human-centred design.

A special thank you to Rowena Hockin for sharing her journey and expertise, and to Maxton Fox for supporting this conversation. To hear the full interview with Rowena, check it out here.

Entries to the 2025 INDE.Awards are now closed. Stay tuned for this year’s shortlist announcement on the 12th June 2025.