Peter Kerr, Architect, 1850s

Scottish architect Peter Kerr had a major influence on the design of the present Customs House.

Kerr trained in Scotland and London, where he worked with the leading London architect Charles Barry, designer of the British Houses of Parliament.

Before sailing for Melbourne, Kerr had arranged to join a local firm of architects. He later joined the Governments's Public Works Department and contributed to some of Melbourne's finest public buildings, including the Law Courts, Government House and the General Post Office. His greatest achievement was his contribution to the design of Victoria's Parliament House.