Sometimes the most beautiful journeys are the ones we never planned to take. For interior designer Alphonso Buie, the path from hospitality professional to Ph.D. to sought-after designer took him through continents and cultures, ultimately leading him to discover his true calling in creating spaces of peace and beauty.
After working in the hospitality industry and earning his doctorate in business, Buie was drawn to the idea of living abroad, so he accepted a teaching position in Beijing. “I was getting more interviews overseas, so I leaned into what the universe was saying. I lived in China for five years; it was a beautiful, surreal experience that I really needed. It felt good to live in a different environment,” he says, and his time in China proved particularly transformative. “The balance of tradition and modern minimalism, the intentional use of space, and the cultural symbolism found in Chinese interiors profoundly influenced my design philosophy.”
When the pandemic disrupted his teaching career, Buie returned to the United States to accept a program chair position in Athens, Georgia. Faced with astronomical rental costs, he decided to buy a home instead. Little did he know that this practical decision would spark an entirely new career path.
As Buie began transforming the interiors of his new house into a personal haven, friends and visitors couldn’t help but take notice. Word-of-mouth recommendations began trickling in, and before he knew it, he was designing other people’s homes. “It kept happening,” he says, laughing. “First, it was a side hobby, then it became a business. It’s funny because I teach people how to start businesses, but this was not at all intentional.”
The foundation of Buie’s design philosophy traces back to a conversation he had with his grandmother when he was growing up. “I was always close with my granny, and she gave me a lot of wisdom,” he says. “One that stuck was that your home should always be a place of peace. If it’s not, it’s your fault. It’s up to you to make that happen.” This simple but profound advice became the cornerstone of his approach.
“The business name came to me after reflecting on what home really means,” Buie says. “We live in a world filled with noise, stress and chaos, and I believe our living spaces should be the exact opposite. Place of Peace is not just a name; it’s a mission. I’ve always designed my rooms and spaces to be peaceful, even my dorm room in college was peaceful. My goal is to help clients come home to a sanctuary that reflects who they are while giving them peace in form and function. Your home should always be a safe space. We learned how important that is during the pandemic.”
Buie’s creative roots run deep, stretching back to childhood creativity classes at the Chicago Park District. “I’ve always been a hands-on creative,” he says. “I’ve been building, painting, sewing, even as a kid. Traveling the world showed me the emotional power of space, and when I returned home, friends started asking for help with their homes. Their trust and encouragement lit a fire in me.”
What sets Buie apart from other designers is his commitment to storytelling through design. His own home serves as the perfect example, featuring a Chinese pagoda painting prominently displayed in the entryway. “In my house, I have a painting from China of pagodas right in the entryway,” he says. “I wanted it there because in a traditional African American home, it creates a question; it’s a starting point for a conversation.”
His home, the project that catapulted his career pivot, features a neutral palette with pops of color. “Downstairs is where I have guests, and it’s the first thing I see after a day at work. I wanted it to be cool and calm, so I used blues, greens and purples in different hues,” he says.” Upstairs is where I wake up and get energized for a new day, so I used reds, oranges and yellows. It’s vibrant and exciting.”
Buie loves using unique shelving, plants, mixed metals and textiles, such as drapery in his designs. He also believes in the power of really fun powder rooms. “You can go crazy in a powder room,” he says. “It should be fun!”
When working with clients, his process begins with what he calls “deep listening.” Rather than imposing his personal aesthetic, Buie focuses on understanding each client’s unique story and aspirations. “Every project starts with me listening to their ideas, how they live and what they want. I want to understand not just how a client wants their space to look but how they want it to feel,” he says. “I don’t push too much initially. My goal is to listen and then take you further than your original vision.”
Buie notes that couples often have very different ideas about how they want their shared home to look and feel. “I recently had clients with totally opposite preferences; one partner liked traditional and ornate, and the other liked modern and glam. I mixed different design styles together so that one element didn’t overpower anything else—and made them both happy,” he says. This approach has led him to work across multiple design styles, from modern farmhouse and transitional to minimalist, modern maximalist and Afro minimalism.
“My superpower is the ability to see what doesn’t exist yet,” Buie says. “I can walk into a room and instantly visualize what it could be and then translate that vision into reality.” The designer’s hands-on approach and creative background mean he can build custom elements to fit any space. Recently, he built an entertainment system wall with beautiful warm backlighting.
Sustainability plays a crucial role in his practice, reflecting his belief in designing with intention. “Making sure my carbon footprint is small is important to me. I think about everything from packaging to recycling. I believe in designing with intention—using quality materials that last, repurposing where possible and supporting eco-conscious brands,” he says. “For me, sustainability isn’t about trend—it’s about responsibility and creating lasting impact. Don’t ever throw away wood. It can be reused, which saves money and is good for the environment.”
To stay inspired creatively, the designer frequents museums and draws inspiration from everything, from art to period furnishings. “I just let my mind go, and it’s interesting to see what it comes up with. There is no box for me; I can create anything I want,” he says.
Looking toward the future, Buie dreams big. “The ceiling is the fifth wall. I would love to design an over-the-top ornate ceiling with appliqué and gold leafing,” he says. He also envisions creating boutique wellness retreats that merge luxury, spirituality and design. “A space that offers both visual beauty and soul-deep rest.”
For homeowners hesitant about professional design services, Buie offers encouraging advice. “Sometimes people move into a house, and they don’t do anything to personalize it,” he says. “I want people to know that professional interior design is affordable; you can redesign your interiors in phases. But love yourself and let your home tell your story. That’s what I’m here for.” *
Robin Howard is a freelance writer in Charleston. See more of her work at robinhowardwrites.com.
