The Observer Hotel, The Rocks Sydney banner

The Observer Hotel, located at 69 George Street in the historic suburb of The Rocks, Sydney, is a cherished heritage-listed establishment. Designed by the renowned architects Halligan & Wilton, this iconic hotel was built between 1908 and 1909, leaving a lasting architectural legacy. The property, now under the ownership of Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales, holds significant cultural and historical value. Recognizing its importance, the Observer Hotel was added to the prestigious New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002. With its rich history and remarkable architecture, the Observer Hotel stands as a testament to the vibrant heritage of Sydney.

In 2018, Design Partnership had the privilege of collaborating with local heritage architects to undertake a comprehensive renovation project for the Observer Hotel, an esteemed and historically significant building in the heart of Sydney. Our team was entrusted with various responsibilities to ensure the successful restoration and enhancement of both the building and its interior. We meticulously developed a thoughtful design concept that paid homage to the hotel's heritage while infusing modern elements. Through our expertise in technical documentation, we meticulously planned and executed every aspect of the renovation process. We also worked closely with heritage consultants to preserve and highlight the building's historical features, seamlessly blending the old with the new. To add a touch of exclusivity, we imported bespoke pieces that enhanced the overall aesthetic and unique charm of the Observer Hotel. The result is a splendid transformation that not only respects the hotel's historical significance but also rejuvenates it as a captivating landmark in the city of Sydney.

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Professionals used in
The Observer Hotel, The Rocks Sydney

About the
Professional

Our studio specializes in design for behaviour.


We have done so for almost 30 years and in this time we have learned a tremendous amount about how people behave naturally and instinctively within these social environments. We have learned the hard way that in order to design successful venues, we needed to place predictive human behaviour at the heart of what we do. We capture succinctly how most people behave most of the time in order to design spaces for the most joy and ultimately the most success. This assists us in capturing the spirit of place.