TDF Talks With Architect Peter Maddison

Podcast

Today, we share a live recording of our latest TDF Talk @ Mercedes me.

Before Peter Maddison sprung onto our screens as the host of Grand Designs Australia, he had a long and illustrious career as an architect. In this chat, he reflects on his career, from failing his HSC to landing that incredible TV gig, and what it’s actually like filming the show six months of the year whilst running his own successful architecture practice!

This podcast episode is live NOW – find us on Apple Podcasts, download Overcast for bonus pictures and links, or listen below!

4th April, 2019

TDF Talks, Peter Maddison at Mercedes me. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Photo – courtesy of Grand Designs Australia.

Peter teamed up with RACV on this mobile, tiny home! Photo – courtesy of RACV.

TDF Talks, Peter Maddison at Mercedes me. Photo – Amelia Stanwix.

Despite now being one of Australia’s best-known architects and TV personalities, you might be surprised to learn that Peter’s early education and career path wasn’t entirely straightforward.

After initially failing his HSC (which is so hard to believe!), Peter took a little while to find his calling. He became interested in architecture through a family friend, and applied to study at RMIT architecture school as a mature age student – and the day he got accepted, he cites as one of the best days of his life!

Peter established his own architecture firm in 1988, and since then, Maddison Architects have completed a staggering 300 projects.

However, It’s Peter’s role as the likeable and immensely knowledgeable host of Grand Designs Australia that has made him a household name. He’s been hosting the show since it’s Australian debut in 2010, and it’s his ability to draw on more than 30 years experience in architecture, and distil that wisdom into accessible and genuinely engaging information!

We chat about Peter’s education and career, how he landed the Grand Designs gig, and about the architects that most inspire him today – including Australia’s next wave of icons! A candid conversation recorded live at Mercedes me, it comes with a little language warning!

Links + Further Reading

Peter Maddison founded his architecture firm, Maddison Architects, in 1988.

He has been hosting Grand Designs Australia since it’s Australian debut in 2010.

Last year, we featured this inspiring, energy efficient tiny home designed by Peter Maddison with RACV.

He has recently been involved in the team of five alumni architects in designing RMIT University’s New Academic Street.

This is the latest episode in our second season of podcasts! Check out more episodes here.

There are still a few tickets available for our final live events @ Mercedes me with Editor Justine Cullen.

Mercedes me is a collaborative space in Melbourne’s CBD, where café culture meets Mercedes-Benz lifestyle. Stay up to date with their varied program of events by following @mercedesmestore.melbourne.

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