Peter Maddison

Peter Maddison's Biography

Peter Maddison is the original host of Grand Designs Australia and for more than a decade has been putting architecture back on the public agenda.

His unique appreciation of architecture has manifest in the many architecture awards that his practice has received, his extensive involvement with the profession and engagement with the general public.

He has won the RAIA National Presidents Prize, is a Life Fellow of the RAIA and Doctor of Design at RMIT University.

Peter has a passion for giving to industry and is currently the ambassador for non-for-profit organizations including Architects Without Frontiers, the Beaumaris Modern Group, and the Melbourne Open House program.

Graduating with a Bachelor in Architecture in 1982, Peter Maddison's career has flourished and he has become a household name. He has worked with Peter Crone & Associates, Morris & Pirotta and Cocks Carmichael before establishing the McIntyre Partnership.

In 1988, using his learned knowledge and experience, Peter established Peter Maddison Architects in 1988, before it evolved into Maddison Architects in 1993. Maddison Architects has enjoyed widely recognised success over a 30-year period with some 55 architectural and industry awards.

Peter has supported the Institute of Architects generously and consistently over the past 20 years. Notable contributions have included participation on multiple awards juries, 6 years on the Victorian Awards Taskforce, chairing the Victorian Awards Juries in 2008, 5 years supporting the Small Practice Forum, authoring the current Client/Architect Agreement with the CAA Taskforce, 4 years active service as a Senior Counsellor and 6 years’ service on the Victorian Honours Committee.

In 2009 Peter Maddison was selected as the Architect host of Grand Designs Australia after a nationwide talent search. Peter’s initial commitment was for a single season of 10 Episodes. 6 years later the show has achieved incredible success and Peter is now arguably Australia’s most recognisable Architect.

Peter continues to document the impact of architecture on the lives of the people who embrace it, in an honest and accessible way. Peter is not shy about questioning the merits of the projects that he visits yet at the same time he has demonstrated a fantastic ability to promote the inherent value and appeal of architecture through very clear observations which are easily interpreted by the general public. Peter has played a large part in making sure that architecture is at the frontline of Australia’s increasing appetite for design and Grand Designs now reaches an average 4.5 million Australian viewers annually.

Recently, he authored the Grand Designs Australia Handbook which is a purpose written reference book covering all aspects of architecture and building associated with residential homes. Peter has also supported the education of young architects through active participation at numerous schools of architecture, providing guest lectures and design critiques.

In 2014, RMIT awarded Peter a Doctorate of Design Honoris Causa in recognition of his significant achievements and contributions to architecture in Australia.

Peter’s inherent generosity extends to our community with ongoing support of Kids Under Cover, and ambassadorial roles with Open House Melbourne and Architects without Frontiers.

To enquire about Peter for your next event contact Helene Greenham directly – helene@platinumspeakers.com.au

Speaking Topics Include

Peter Maddison is the original host of Grand Designs Australia and for more than a decade has been putting architecture back on the public agenda.

His unique appreciation of architecture has manifest in the many architecture awards that his practice has received, his extensive involvement with the profession and engagement with the general public.

He has won the RAIA National Presidents Prize, is a Life Fellow of the RAIA and Doctor of Design at RMIT University.

Peter has a passion for giving to industry and is currently the ambassador for non-for-profit organizations including Architects Without Frontiers, the Beaumaris Modern Group, and the Melbourne Open House program.

Graduating with a Bachelor in Architecture in 1982, Peter Maddison's career has flourished and he has become a household name. He has worked with Peter Crone & Associates, Morris & Pirotta and Cocks Carmichael before establishing the McIntyre Partnership.

In 1988, using his learned knowledge and experience, Peter established Peter Maddison Architects in 1988, before it evolved into Maddison Architects in 1993. Maddison Architects has enjoyed widely recognised success over a 30-year period with some 55 architectural and industry awards.

Peter has supported the Institute of Architects generously and consistently over the past 20 years. Notable contributions have included participation on multiple awards juries, 6 years on the Victorian Awards Taskforce, chairing the Victorian Awards Juries in 2008, 5 years supporting the Small Practice Forum, authoring the current Client/Architect Agreement with the CAA Taskforce, 4 years active service as a Senior Counsellor and 6 years’ service on the Victorian Honours Committee.

In 2009 Peter Maddison was selected as the Architect host of Grand Designs Australia after a nationwide talent search. Peter’s initial commitment was for a single season of 10 Episodes. 6 years later the show has achieved incredible success and Peter is now arguably Australia’s most recognisable Architect.

Peter continues to document the impact of architecture on the lives of the people who embrace it, in an honest and accessible way. Peter is not shy about questioning the merits of the projects that he visits yet at the same time he has demonstrated a fantastic ability to promote the inherent value and appeal of architecture through very clear observations which are easily interpreted by the general public. Peter has played a large part in making sure that architecture is at the frontline of Australia’s increasing appetite for design and Grand Designs now reaches an average 4.5 million Australian viewers annually.

Recently, he authored the Grand Designs Australia Handbook which is a purpose written reference book covering all aspects of architecture and building associated with residential homes. Peter has also supported the education of young architects through active participation at numerous schools of architecture, providing guest lectures and design critiques.

In 2014, RMIT awarded Peter a Doctorate of Design Honoris Causa in recognition of his significant achievements and contributions to architecture in Australia.

Peter’s inherent generosity extends to our community with ongoing support of Kids Under Cover, and ambassadorial roles with Open House Melbourne and Architects without Frontiers.

To enquire about Peter for your next event contact Helene Greenham directly – helene@platinumspeakers.com.au