Member: Peter Searle
Branch: Gold Coast
Charming, handsome family man,
Peter Searle, finds it more difficult than most of us to run his Gold
Coast building design practice because Peter is profoundly deaf and
verbally challenged. This does not stop Peter from attending branch
meetings where he “hears” the presenters by skillfully lip reading and
following his talented sign language interpreter.
Prior to moving to QLD two years
ago, Peter was a member of the Building Designers’ Association of
Victoria (now “Design Matters”) where his first submission into a design
awards competition made him a winner in the Multi Residential Design
Awards category. Other awards followed, including being included as a
finalist in the top ten Australian designers in the James Hardie Design
Awards, and these wins were instrumental in helping Peter to gain
personal and business recognition among his peers and in the industry.
Fairfield Residence
Clients select Peter on his skills
displayed in previous projects but nevertheless there is still some
hesitation when a prospective client realises that Peter is
hearing-impaired. However, once clients realise Peter’s skills lie in
his design and drawings, the hearing aspect no longer remains such an
issue. Peter requires an interpreter for all initial meetings as well as
in his many challenging journeys in areas such as Town Planning,
Heritage overlay, Noise Control etc.
It is inspiring and motivating to see Peter meeting the challenges, not
only of the every-day pursuits in a modern office and at home, but of
socialising and networking at meetings – challenges that to many of us
go unnoticed but are so real in Peter’s world.
Want to find out more about Peter and his work? Visit his website: www.petersearledesign.com.au