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!
