For Erik Peterson, architecture has always been part of his DNA. Born and raised in Chicago, Peterson would spend much of his time admiring the city’s iconic structure. After working for Sir Terry Farrell’s architecture firm in London and pursuing a covetable internship with Taliesin Associated Architects, Peterson opened PHX Architecture in 2002, which works on residential and commercial projects throughout the west coast. Here, Peterson details his human-centered approach to architecture, plus his secret to running a firm for the past two decades:
Kelsey Mulvey: How would you describe your design philosophy?
Erik Peterson: I like to be regional and, for me, regionalism is about using colors, textures, and materials that really belong to the area. When I visited a home that Frank Lloyd Wright built before his passing, the client wanted to feel like dancing in her space. About 60 years later, she still feels that way. So, I want to make sure that we create that kind of joy and excitement in what we create for our clients – be it a home, resort, or restaurant.
KM: How do you bring that excitement to your client and projects?
EP: I adjust my process to make the client feel more comfortable, because ultimately this process is one of the greatest things that these clients will ever do in their life. I was working on a home for a man who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and didn’t think he would live long enough to move into the space. Over fifteen years later, he’s still alive and loves his home. During the construction, he would tell me that he would always go down to the site and it would really change his attitude; he really wanted to live because he wanted to enjoy that house.
KM: PHX Architecture has been in business for 20 years and counting – what’s your secret to long-term success?
EP: Treating everybody with respect, knowing that everybody at every point of the process that you interact with can be somebody who can help advance you. I’ve always been kind to everybody along the way and all of a sudden, I’d be surprised about where the biggest connections come from.
KM: What does PHX Architecture have in store as it continues to expand into the Los Angeles market?
EP: We launched in the Los Angeles market to really take our firm to another level. We’re lucky enough to have been chosen to transform the iconic Montage Beverly Hills and rebrand it into the Maybourne – plus are in the process of getting permitted for their venue that’s poised to be one of the biggest new venues in Beverly Hills. We’re so excited for the opportunities and growth in one of the greatest cities in the world.
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