ABOUT CACTUS

Peter Gray is the founding Principal of Cactus Architects. Having retired from his previous practice in 2008, Peter decided to re-enter architecture and established Cactus Architects in 2013.

Experience counts. Peter and the Cactus team are able to provide whatever is necessary in planning studies and feasibilities, design, graphics, documentation, construction procurement and project implementation. Cactus’ current work includes commercial, workspace, retail, hotels, developments, planning feasibilities, high-end private homes, multi residential developments and educational facilities.

Typically, our projects are up to around $20.0m in value. 

For all Cactus projects, Peter will personally represent the practice, assisted by a Senior Manager who is also a Registered Architect. We have a core of four Senior Registered Architects who are assisted by other Architects and Technicians as required. 

About Graymatters

Many organisations that carry out occasional property projects lack the time or experience to properly facilitate their projects.

When he retired from Gray Puksand, Peter Gray was approached by several organisations to assist them with project specific tasks. It all started with the Building the Education Revolution programme, helping three independent schools implement their BER projects and it hasn’t stopped there.

The work with some of these schools continues and has further expanded. We have assisted a listed property trust with a major project in Flinders Street and a private investor with significant property holdings rationalise their portfolio to optimise values, sell major assets and develop smaller ones.

Our commissions typically include Design Management, Development Management, Contract Superintendence, Troubleshooting and Expert Evidence in legal matters.

Graymatters is therefore a vital adjunct to Cactus and a value added service to our clients.

PETER GRAY

Peter Gray is the founding Principal of Cactus Architects. He was co founder of the well-known national practice, Gray Puksand in 1991, retiring from that practice in 2008.

Peter’s personal experience covers most project types through his two previous practices, both of which had terms of about 17 years. He is specifically skilled in building refurbishment, corporate workspace projects, interiors, educational facilities, individual and multi residential projects and commercial development.

Peter is a current serving VCAT Member and maintains his private property development and development management services in parallel with architecture.

EWA MALEWSKA

Ewa Malewska and Peter Gray have worked together for many years. Ewa came out of PAD Architects; a firm that Graymatters collaborated with for several years prior to the formation of Cactus, so she was the perfect choice to join us at our start up. Her history is a mix of Architecture and Project Management so she is strong in project delivery, but with an all-important bias towards architecture.

She is a Registered Architect with 15 years professional experience.

Ewa’s role is a Cactus / Graymatters blend due to her adaptability and her ability to get things done. She also runs the technology and systems side of our office.