Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Peter Wells: I’ve been passionate about art and creativity for as long as I can remember. As a child, I loved drawing, painting and exploring all kinds of crafts. I was always taking things apart just to see how they worked, driven by curiosity and a desire to understand the world around me.
This innate passion led me to study design engineering in college, where I became fascinated by the intersection of form, function and user experience. That journey ultimately guided me to industrial design, where I earned my master’s degree and discovered the incredible power of design to create meaningful, human-centered solutions. What started as a childhood passion has grown into a lifelong mission to design with purpose and impact.
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
PW: Inspirational. Responsible. Timeless.
Being inspirational means uncovering the story and passion behind every design, creating pieces that connect on an emotional level and inspire action. I believe the most powerful designs are those that resonate deeply and leave people thinking or feeling something long after they’ve encountered them.
To create truly impactful work, you must also embrace responsibility. This means being accountable for your designs and ensuring they serve their intended purpose effectively. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it must meet the needs of the end user and genuinely enhance their experience.
Lastly, I strive for timelessness in my work. It’s important to avoid being swayed solely by trends and instead focus on creating solutions that will endure. Good design should be appreciated for years to come, leaving a lasting impression that transcends fleeting styles.
AJ: Can you tell us about a design trend you are excited about?
PW: I’m really excited about the modernization of midcentury designs and the way contemporary and retro styles are blending. There’s something so fresh about seeing those classic forms reimagined with updated materials, finishes, and proportions. It feels like we’re getting a preview of what the future of decorative hardware could look like, where timeless shapes meet modern functionality in a way that feels both familiar and completely new.
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
PW: I approach each new design project with the mindset of a detective, purposefully gathering both qualitative and quantitative data to fully understand the requirements and design criteria. For me, part of gathering the facts means getting out in the field to see, firsthand, how Amerock can make better products, not just products that look good, but ones that function beautifully and feel exceptional to the touch.
I’m driven to understand how things work, how they feel in the hand, and how they can truly enhance the user experience. I stay actively connected to the industry by regularly attending events such as KBIS, High Point Market, and the Dallas Lighting Show, as well as through my involvement with our local NKBA chapter. These experiences enable me to track current trends, identify emerging ones, and deliver well-rounded, informed solutions to every project I undertake.
When I’m out in the field, whether I’m exploring lighting, fashion, or furniture design, I’m always searching for common threads and shared design languages. I look for those universal cues and ask myself how I can translate that language into hardware in a way that’s fresh, functional, and meaningful.
AJ: What is the most challenging project you’ve worked on and how did you overcome it?
PW: The Carrione collection was an ambitious project that required extensive research and innovative design. We committed ourselves to mastering the authentic replication of marble’s exquisite appearance in our pieces. Additionally, I created custom posts to enhance the elegance of the faceted bodies. This endeavor was made possible through the unwavering support of the Amerock team, who truly believed in my vision and the compelling story behind the design. Their encouragement, combined with my meticulous attention to detail, helped me overcome the challenges we faced, resulting in a collection that not only meets but exceeds expectations.
AJ: What design trends do you think will be popular in the coming years?
PW: I think we’ll continue to see a growing interest in personalized styling, where people feel empowered to mix eras, styles, and themes in bold, imaginative ways. There’s a real excitement around creating spaces that feel layered, lived-in, and deeply personal. This embrace of eclecticism and the vibrancy of maximalism allows individuals to break free from traditional design rules and truly tell their own stories through their spaces.
Embracing this creative fusion empowers individuals to express their unique identities while transforming their surroundings into reflections of their personal narratives, creating a more eclectic and/or maximalist space.
AJ: Can you describe a project that you’re particularly proud of?
PW: One project I’m especially proud of is the Fairfax collection. I carefully designed the distinctive hammering details to radiate brilliance, sophistication, and a sense of quiet luxury. What makes this collection special is how it reinterprets rustic hammering through a contemporary lens, elevating a traditional technique into something modern, elegant, and timeless. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful detailing can transform a familiar texture into a refined design statement.
AJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
PW: One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received came from my grad school professor, who stressed the importance of capturing ideas the moment they come to mind. Writing them down immediately frees up mental space and keeps the creative process moving forward. I’ve learned firsthand that inspiration can strike at any time, and if I don’t document those ideas right away, they can easily slip away. Taking the time to jot them down ensures I can revisit, refine, and build on them later, without losing that initial creative spark.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
PW: One of the moments that always makes me feel proud is when my colleagues introduce me as the senior designer behind Amerock’s products. I love seeing people’s warm, enthusiastic reactions. They often light up, ask questions, and share how much they admire our collections. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work I’ve poured so much passion into is resonating with others and bringing joy to their spaces. Over the years, Amerock has remained a leading name in decorative hardware, and it’s deeply fulfilling to know I’ve played a role in shaping that success through the designs I help bring to life.
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