Annalisa Capurro’s passion for modernism began unexpectedly in an architectural history class. While her classmates gravitated toward familiar movements like Art Deco and Renaissance, she ended up assigned to the Bauhaus simply because no one else wanted it. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with modernism — a fascination that would later define her career. Only later did she realize how deeply connected she already was to the movement, having grown up in architect-designed modernist homes commissioned by her family.
Her professional path shifted dramatically after she lost a high-profile hotel design job in the economic downturn of the late 1980s. With no commitments holding her back, she chose to work in Venice, a city that had captivated her on a previous visit. There, she immersed herself in heritage restoration, contributing to the preservation of significant buildings, including John Keats’ former residence. It was a turning point. Capurro realized that while commercial interiors had a fleeting lifespan, restoring architectural heritage could create a legacy that endured.
Returning to Australia, she joined a heritage architectural firm, applying her design expertise to preserve and adapt historic buildings. Her work often involved conducting heritage assessments of iconic structures, such as Art Deco hotels in Sydney, and creating modern interiors that respected original architectural intentions. At a time when heritage conservation was not widely appreciated in Australia, she became a vocal advocate through both her design practice and her academic teaching in restoration and architectural history.
Her early advocacy focused on Art Deco. She served as Vice President of the Art Deco Society of New South Wales and led walking tours in Kings Cross, a prominent Art Deco precinct. But she soon recognized that the broader public already embraced Art Deco. Mid-century modernism, on the other hand, was largely ignored and frequently demolished during the 1990s. That realization prompted her to shift focus.
For Capurro, mid-century modernism stood out not only for its aesthetics but for its social mission. These homes were designed to improve quality of life — with open floor plans, natural light, and industrial materials like steel and glass made accessible to the masses. It was more than a design movement; it was a philosophy. Her commitment deepened when she bought and restored the Jack House, designed by architect Russell Jack. The house, surrounded by nature and filled with original 1960s details like Marimekko fabric and wallpaper, exemplified everything she loved. It became both her home and a living classroom.
She used the house to host lectures, educational tours, and professional photoshoots — including one with Cate Blanchett for Vogue — to demonstrate how mid-century homes remained relevant and livable. In 2010, she received a professional development scholarship and chose to study mid-century preservation in Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and Chicago. It was a bold choice at a time when most applicants focused on contemporary design events like the Milan Furniture Fair.
That decision led to an invitation to speak at Palm Springs’ Modernism Week, where she became one of its first international presenters. She was inspired by how the event made preservation accessible and entertaining — offering everything from lectures and vintage car shows to cocktail parties at Frank Sinatra’s former home. She adopted the phrase “preservation by appreciation” to capture the event’s spirit and its success in building public interest through celebration rather than obligation.
Modernism Week now attracts over 150,000 attendees annually, transforming Palm Springs from a small desert city into a global design destination. With the rise of virtual communication, Capurro now serves on the event’s board of directors from Sydney, contributing to its programming and vision. The organization, run as a not-for-profit, reinvests its earnings into education and preservation — offering scholarships and funding conservation efforts aligned with her lifelong values.
Her career has become a unique fusion of advocacy, education, design, and sustainability. Capurro encourages others to follow a similar path: identify what excites them, recognize their unique strengths, and take meaningful risks. She frequently reminds students that volunteering can open doors to exceptional people and experiences. Her own trajectory — from heritage committees to international design festivals — is proof of that.
For those interested in exploring mid-century modernism, Capurro recommends resources like Modernism Week’s website, the Iconic Houses network, DoCoMo, the 20th Century Society, and the Institute of Architects. Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, also offer a wealth of inspiration and community.
Whether it’s through lecturing, restoring, or curating experiences, Annalisa Capurro continues to shape how modernism is understood and preserved. And for anyone lucky enough to join a house tour in Palm Springs under the desert sun, it becomes clear that her mission isn’t just about architecture — it’s about connection, continuity, and care for the spaces we live in.