Peter Maddison is an award-winning architect and director of Maddison Architects Pty Ltd, a practice he started in 1988. With over 25 years experience, his projects include a huge range of award-winning residential and commercial projects, including HIA Victorian Home of the Year 2009 and HIA Australian Home of the Year 2010.

An experienced architect who understands Australian architecture and our climate, culture and history, Peter took on the role of host of The LifeStyle Channel's Australian production of Grand Designs in August 2009. With the ability to express complicated architectural features in simple terms, Peter is also not afraid to speak his mind, and that honesty is very Australian.

"I am really enjoying hosting Grand Designs Australia," said Peter Maddison. "As a practising architect I am fascinated by what I have witnessed travelling around Australia filming a rich and diverse range of Australian homeowners. Some are building their dream-home, some are living a nightmare. But every one of them has a unique story and drama."

Sole director and founding principal of Maddison Architects, Peter's experience commenced in 1978 as a student with Peter Crone & Associates. He subsequently worked with Morris & Pirotta Architects, Cocks & Carmichael Architects, and was a Partner with McIntyre Partnership Architects & Urban Planners, before founding his own practice.

Peter's focus on holistic design has led to the development of close relationships and to the creation of many successful and awarded projects. Projects include a huge range of residential and commercial work, many of which have received architectural awards.Peter regularly contributes to the profession's involvement with the Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Chapter, associated seminars, and guest lecturing at universities. He has also conducted a number of highly successful seminars and contributes to the profession's development.

David Hallett is a registered architect, a member of the Australian Institute of Architects, an ARBV Board member, a General Manager of Archicentre – the building advisory service of the AIA – and Melbourne radio’s home improvement expert.

He has a keen interest in design and extensive experience with small-medium scale home renovations. His role for Archicentre is to manage the development and delivery of a range of architect-based services including property inspections, design concepts & specialist advice.

During 20 years in management and private practice David has amassed a body of knowledge that continues to be built upon almost daily. Much of this knowledge is shared with colleagues, professional peers and the public through seminars, media interviews and talk-back radio.

His philosophy is simple…that architects are not an indulgence for a select few – that they bring knowledge, creativity and passion to projects that can mean the difference between successful and unsuccessful outcomes.