InterVIEW – Peter Searle

My favourite project was the Fitzroy Townhouses in inner city Melbourne.

Numerous challenges arose during this project which really kept me on my toes.

Namely the size of the land to fit two townhouses plus a pool, the heritage overlay, height and shadow constraints and making sure both properties were sound proof from urban noise. This project was prior to the launch of my business so I was mindful to set a benchmark for all future projects.

Another favourite is a futuristic design, not yet built. I feature this on my website as “Design Dreamer” and it is a stylish and impactful home with an environmental conscience. A top ten finalist in the James Hardie Dream Designer Awards.

My biggest on-going challenge is when prospective clients become aware, I am profoundly deaf. I usually take an interpreter to my first client meeting, however once they realise my skills lie in my design and drawings, the hearing aspect no longer remains such an issue. I would like this understanding to carry across not just clients, but also to developers.

One challenge is meeting clients’ expectations, particularly when the brief is for a huge house on a tiny piece of land! Sometimes explaining Town Planning regulations to clients is not so easy.

Natural stone, timber cladding and sleek metals for a contemporary feel.

I went to boarding school in coastal Portsea, Victoria as a young boy. The old building, Delgany was built in the 1900’s and was reminiscent of a limestone castle. This is probably why I love the use of stone today.

Our family also lived in a contemporary home overlooking the wild cliffs of Port Philip Bay. This is where my preferred use of timber cladding comes from. Another family home was Georgian style – I don’t think that one influenced my work in any way though!

You may or may not be aware I am profoundly deaf, which in its way does limit me in social circles. I need to rely on keeping up-to-date with a network and staying connected with other members in the industry.

I find the fellowship and support within Design Matters is gratifying and I look forward to updates and shared information.

During my time working for Bates Smart Architects, I was involved in the refurbishments for 101 Collins Street and the Old Treasury building, both iconic buildings and influenced by historic European designs. Glenn Murrcut was working with Bates Smart at the time and I was so interested to learn about his passion for true Australian designs, particularly Swinburne University in Lilydale and his rural country houses with their curved and spectacular high pitch rooflines.

This would have to be the Palladian Villas of the Veneto in Italy. Extraordinary stunning mansions so historic, they are now considered World Heritage sites by UNESCO.

Work and study hard. Follow through with your passions and never stop learning. There is always something that surrounds us that can be interpreted architecturally. As long as you never lose this ability to keep learning and developing you will be fine.

Of course, you won’t believe it, all my life I wanted to be a pilot! I love the shape of wings and the speed that comes from aeronautical design. Unfortunately being deaf shattered my dreams! At the age of 16 I became interested in architecture. Melbourne University offered me a placement but they were worried about my theory abilities (in those days there was no support by way of interpreters) so RMIT thereby offered me the chance to study Architectural Technology.

Renovating houses, supporting my young family, all sports and driving fast cars!

I am not a novel reader, but do enjoy design magazines and am interested in anything Formula one and Commercial Aircraft.

Happiness, Respect, Knowledge and Contentment.