CHINESE PHILOSOPHER LAO TZU SAID, “LET THINGS FLOW NATURALLY FORWARD IN whatever way they like.” In design, this philosophy may seem unorthodox initially, but for Dr. Alphonso Buie of A Place of Peace, a renowned Atlanta luxury design firm, the sentiment has guided him throughout his life’s journey.

And, what an incredible journey it’s been. Buie, a Chicago transplant, was raised to discover the beauty in the banal and the divine of every day. Walking to Chicago’s Park District, Buie immersed himself in creative quests. Woodworking, sewing and upcycling solidified a practice of mindful purpose in everything he did.

“My grandmother was a foundational woman, and my mother is a very creative woman,” says Buie. “My granny would rattle off these parables but never really explain them when I was a child. She told me your home should always be a place of peace, and if it’s not, you need to figure out how to make it that way. As I grew older and lived in different places, I understood what she meant. That phrase always stuck with me, and I thought it was the perfect name for my business.”

Prior to establishing his design firm in 2022, Buie journeyed a winding path of education and discovery. One of his mantras, “Just don’t quit. Life is about the journey, but you have to appreciate and live in the moments along the way,” guided him through successes and setbacks.

From Chicago, Buie went to Jefferson City, Missouri, to pursue a bachelor’s in agriculture and a master’s in business, then moved back to Chicago and eventually began pursuit of his doctorate in business. Then, with a move to Philadelphia, he worked on his dissertation while working in the hospitality industry. Eventually securing adjunct professor jobs, he acquired an avid interest in encouraging his students to have an entrepreneurial spirit. Becoming interested in international teaching opportunities, Buie took a leap of faith when offered a teaching position in China.

“The opportunity came up for me to teach in China, and I didn’t hesitate,” he says. “I lived there for five years, and the entire time I was there, it was surreal. I loved it. I learned so much about structure, design and how putting all these elements together in such a way … just being in those spaces, it changes your mindset.”

Buie says that he learned how the spaces in which we reside affect our lives. He observed how Chinese people designed steps with a lower rise because they are cognizant of the elderly population. Their city overpasses were for pedestrians to cross in a safer way in the city. He came to appreciate and understand the lovely juxtaposition of the ancient and modern existing in tandem.

“There were pagodas with gold leaf, adorned with jewels and hand painted. Marble floors and homes built of concrete or stone, temples and modern skyscrapers—even structurally, the architecture and design are mindful,” Buie explains. “The hutongs in Beijing—these alleyways connect the culture, homes, businesses and common spaces. I realized how design can be functional, thoughtful, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing.”

Not only the structural elements impressed Buie but the vibrant colors as well. Close to the equator, Buie learned that Asian art is often realistic depictions of the landscapes that exist in the Far East.

“You’ll see paintings in museums where the sun is huge, yellow, orange,” Buie says. “It’s really that big—it’s not an exaggeration. When it sets behind the mountains, I was awestruck. My time in China broadened my perspective on life and taught me life isn’t scripted. There is so much beauty in the world if you choose to find it.”

Buie carried those memories and philosophies with him, with no forethought of where it might take him. Moving to Atlanta in 2020, he discovered his passion for design. He bought a home and began designing the spaces within it. Friends would comment on his designs and ask for advice. His Instagram became very popular, with people asking him for advice as he showcased what he was doing. In 2022, he established A Place of Peace, and his firm has grown exponentially since then. He’s even had a few producers approach him about a design show or a documentary.

Despite Buie’s phenomenal successes, he remains a soft-spoken and modest entrepreneur, using his teaching skills to benefit others. Meeting a young man, Corey, in his neighborhood barbershop, he learned of Corey’s interest in becoming a general contractor. Buie offered him an internship to learn the ropes, which grew into a part-time opportunity.

“Corey has been great and learns quickly. I hope to mentor more young people because I’ve had mentors along the way,” says Buie. “All of these really successful designers and people just offer time and advice. Here, the industry isn’t about anyone taking anything away from each other. It’s great, and I feel the same way—there is plenty to go around, and we all work together.”

Garnering a reputation for his distinct designs, his client roster continues to expand. Buie is currently working with clients who asked him to design their 26-room estate. He says it’s been a grand experience for the past several months. Coincidently, the clients are originally from South Asia, so he finds a simpatico relationship with them—their minds aligned with a contemporary and Asian-fusion design theme.

“Clients find me through various social media platforms or from referrals,” Buie says. “I didn’t know the scale of this project until I pulled up to their gorgeous home. It’s three floors—the most immaculate space you can imagine. There’s a tree that begins in the basement and goes up through the middle of the home. There are living spaces throughout, phenomenal views, decks for outdoor dining and entertaining. I’ve had the privilege of helping them with everything—wallpaper, lighting, artwork, color palettes and custom furnishings. I helped them find a horticulturist to help with the outdoor elements. Most of the structural work is complete, and we’re now fine-tuning the final design.”

Buie says his own home is contemporary with influences from his travels. Blues, greens and purples downstairs because he wants this space to be quiet, calming and mellow. An Asian painting of hutongs and that big, bright sun in the background greet him and his visitors. Upstairs, there are vibrant hues of red, orange and yellow since Buie says he wants to wake up feeling energized.

“Every color goes with every color,” he says. “Neutral palettes can vibrate with color; black fireplaces can pop against a white wall. It’s what feels good to you in your space. Powder rooms can be wild, bold, make a statement. I like to think I guide people to finding a sanctuary that feels good to them, that feels like them. Their home—their own special place of peace.”

As we wrapped up our interview, Buie, an ever-present entrepreneurial powerhouse, was already planning his afternoon with clients. “When I design, I get lost in it,” Buie admits with a laugh. “Before I know it, 10 hours have passed, and I don’t realize it. I have these goals, and I can see my business expanding more and more. Really, the heights of where I can go are limitless because I don’t have any limits on my life.” *

Brigitte Surette is a freelance writer, editor and copywriter. Visit brigittesurette.com to learn more.