Pete Collings

Architect Sale [Wayput] / Australia

3
3 Followers 6 Following 1,204 Visits
send a message
Pete Collings 3
Pete Collings
I’m a registered architect based in Gippsland, Victoria. Adaptable to any client, brief, site or challenge, I specialise in energy-efficient, cost-effective architecture that is unique to both site and occupant.

My architecture career began when I was eight years old. Dad used to always say, “I’m not going to be around much longer” and I started to have concerns about where Mum would live if Dad died. So I designed her a simple A-frame granny flat complete with a subterranean passage to my house so Mum could visit during inclement weather.

Fast-forward 10 years and I’m working as a draftsman kit home company because I failed my HSC. I applied to architecture school every year for the next 11 years. After years of working in firms and attending TAFE, I learned enough to be an architect, but I still pursued my degree. I always believed that all architecture should be bespoke because no two people are alike and no two sites are exactly alike.

I finally graduated with my architecture degree at the age of 32. I moved back to Australia full of hope for what would be my stellar architectural career. As it turned out, I remained what was essentially a slightly higher-paid draftsman. Downhearted, I decided to become registered five years later in the hopes that I would finally be allowed to prove my worth as a designer. All it did was increase my pay minimally. At this point, I decided to go out on my own; be the boss and show the world what I could do. I don’t think the world was ready for me and I didn’t know a thing about the business side of things.

After a failed attempt to move back to the U.S. with the family, I found myself in need of a job. However the underlying frustration of not being able to design anything environmentally conscious or less mainstream began to get to me. I knew I couldn’t take it much longer and when the firm downsized me a week before Christmas, it was for the best.

I took some time to feel properly sorry for myself and then decided the world was ready for me to go out on my own. The world is also a great teacher and I knew a bit more going in this time.

I can’t say it’s been smooth sailing; although wouldn’t that be boring? I’ve always been a little bit different, even as an architect. I have a real passion for design that is exciting but practical and always environmentally conscious. I prefer to build relationships rather than business contacts. I believe all architecture, be it a chicken coop or a high rise, should be unique to the site and the occupants. And if I can help you realise your dream, every bit of my journey will have been worth it.
Pete Collings
Pete Collings

Follow Pete Collings also on

I’m a registered architect based in Gippsland, Victoria. Adaptable to any client, brief, site or challenge, I specialise in energy-efficient, cost-effective architecture that is unique to both site and occupant. My architecture career began when I was eight years old. Dad used to always say, “I’m not going to be around much longer” and I started to have concerns about where Mum would live if Dad died. So I designed her a simple A-frame granny flat complete with a subterranean passage to my house so Mum could visit during inclement weather. Fast-forward 10 years and I’m working as a draftsman kit home company because I failed my HSC. I applied to architecture school every year for the next 11 years. After years of working in firms and attending TAFE, I learned enough to be an architect, but I still pursued my degree. I always believed that all architecture should be bespoke because no two people are alike and no two sites are exactly alike. I finally graduated with my architecture degree at the age of 32. I moved back to Australia full of hope for what would be my stellar architectural career. As it turned out, I remained what was essentially a slightly higher-paid draftsman. Downhearted, I decided to become registered five years later in the hopes that I would finally be allowed to prove my worth as a designer. All it did was increase my pay minimally. At this point, I decided to go out on my own; be the boss and show the world what I could do. I don’t think the world was ready for me and I didn’t know a thing about the business side of things. After a failed attempt to move back to the U.S. with the family, I found myself in need of a job. However the underlying frustration of not being able to design anything environmentally conscious or less mainstream began to get to me. I knew I couldn’t take it much longer and when the firm downsized me a week before Christmas, it was for the best. I took some time to feel properly sorry for myself and then decided the world was ready for me to go out on my own. The world is also a great teacher and I knew a bit more going in this time. I can’t say it’s been smooth sailing; although wouldn’t that be boring? I’ve always been a little bit different, even as an architect. I have a real passion for design that is exciting but practical and always environmentally conscious. I prefer to build relationships rather than business contacts. I believe all architecture, be it a chicken coop or a high rise, should be unique to the site and the occupants. And if I can help you realise your dream, every bit of my journey will have been worth it.