Description

In this episode of Radical Hospitality, host Zeke Freeman sits down with Angela Biddle, Principal at FK Australia, and a leader in hospitality and interior design. With over 20 years of experience working on transformative hotel projects across the globe, Angela brings invaluable insights into how storytelling, sustainability, and innovation drive the future of hospitality.

From revamping heritage properties like the Sofitel in Sydney to adapting commercial spaces for modern uses, Angela shares the strategies behind creating spaces that captivate guests, engage local communities, and honor the soul of a property. Discover how FK tackles the challenges of adaptive reuse, curates unforgettable guest experiences, and balances aesthetics with operational efficiency.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

1. The Power of Storytelling in Design: How understanding the soul of a property transforms guest experiences.
2. Reviving Heritage Properties: Behind-the-scenes insights into restoring Sydney's first international luxury hotel.
3. Food & Beverage Innovation: Why activating hotel spaces with compelling dining options matters.
4. Sustainability Challenges: Exploring adaptive reuse, embodied carbon, and legislation driving the future of hotel design.
5. Hospitality Meets Community: How Angela and her team make hotels resonate with locals and visitors alike.
6. Team Building in Design: Angela’s approach to fostering creativity and collaboration within a world-class firm.

Key Highlights:

• The art of balancing nostalgia with modern luxury in hotel refurbishments.
• Strategies for creating vibrant public spaces that attract local guests.
• Insights into the rising trend of self-check-in and flexible reception concepts.
• Navigating challenges of adaptive reuse in aging office and hotel buildings.
• How sustainability influences materials, design choices, and project feasibility.

About Our Guest: Angela Biddle is a Principal at FK Australia, specializing in hospitality and interior design. She has worked on major projects worldwide, including boutique hotels, branded residences, and mixed-use developments. With her visionary approach, Angela is reshaping the hospitality industry, one story-driven project at a time.

Connect with Angela:

• Email: angela.biddle@fkaustralia.com
• Website: FK Australia

Connect with Zeke Freeman:
Instagram: @zekefreeman_rootarchitecture and @rootarchitecture
YouTube: @rootarchitecture
Facebook: @RootArchitectureandDevelopment
LinkedIn: Zeke Freeman
X/Twitter: @zfreemanroot

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Get in Touch: Stay connected with the Radical Hospitality podcast for more episodes exploring the intersection of architecture, design, and unforgettable guest experiences.

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