Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Alphonso A. Buie.
Hi Dr. Alphonso A., so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
The journey into interior design started unexpectedly—but looking back, it all makes sense. It began with a personal need to create a space that felt calm, grounded, and aligned with who I was becoming. Home needed to be more than just functional—it had to be a place of peace.
Once my own space came together, friends and family started to notice. The compliments turned into questions, and the questions turned into requests: *Can you do mine next?* What began as a passion project for myself quickly evolved into something much greater. Word spread, and soon I was helping others find the same sense of serenity in their homes that I had created for myself.
That’s when Place of Peace was born—not just as a business, but as a calling. The goal was never just to make rooms look good; it was to make people *feel* good in them. Everyone deserves to walk into their home and immediately exhale.
The process has always been collaborative and intentional. It starts with truly listening—understanding how someone wants to feel in their space, what their daily flow looks like, and what brings them comfort. From there, design choices are made with care: soft textures, calming palettes, natural elements—all the details that speak quietly but powerfully.
Over time, the projects have grown in scope and scale, but the heart behind them remains the same. Whether it’s a small refresh or a full redesign, the mission is to curate spaces that reflect peace, purpose, and personal style.
Place of Peace isn’t just about interiors—it’s about transformation. Watching someone step into a room and light up because it finally *feels right*? That’s the magic. That’s what keeps the work meaningful, and what keeps the vision growing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all—but that’s where the real growth happened.
There’s a learning curve that comes with stepping into entrepreneurship, especially when you’re trying to balance creativity with everything else—budgeting, marketing, scheduling, and managing the business side. There were moments of self-doubt, moments where I questioned if I was doing enough or doing it right. Like many entrepreneurs, I had to learn as I went, often figuring things out through trial and error.
But even in the tough moments, there was always a silver lining. Every challenge sharpened my focus and strengthened my resilience. And through it all, those early clients who believed in me kept me grounded and motivated. Their trust wasn’t just encouraging—it was fuel.
The journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been purposeful. And I’m grateful for every step, because it led me here—with more clarity, confidence, and passion than ever before.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
At the heart of it, I create spaces that feel like home—not just visually, but emotionally. Place of Peace Interior Designs is where creativity, intuition, and craftsmanship all come together. I specialize in designing one-of-a-kind interiors that reflect each client’s personality, needs, and lifestyle. No cookie-cutter templates over here—every space is its own story, told through color, texture, layout, and detail.
What makes my work truly unique is that I’m not just a designer—I’m a builder, a creative, and a visionary. I don’t just shop for the right piece; I often create it. Whether that’s customizing furniture, repurposing materials in unexpected ways, or building something entirely new with my own hands, I love the challenge of bringing original ideas to life. If I can imagine it, I can make it happen.
Traveling the world as well as living abroad has played a huge role in how I see design. Being exposed to different cultures, colors, architecture, and materials across the globe has broadened my perspective and taught me how to blend influences in subtle, beautiful ways. Whether it’s a hint of Moroccan texture, Japanese minimalism, or Caribbean warmth, global inspiration often finds its way into my work—always in a way that still feels deeply personal to the client.
I’ve been called a visionary more than once, and I take that to heart. A lot of what I create has never existed before—it starts in my head as a concept and takes shape through collaboration, creativity, and intention. That’s what I’m most proud of: creating something completely new that fits someone’s life like a glove.
Clients often tell me they feel heard, seen, and understood. One of my favorites said, “Buie LISTENED, HEARD & PRODUCED.” That trust means everything. This work is personal for me, and I believe that energy translates into every room I touch. My goal is always to leave people with more than just a beautiful space—I want them to feel peace, joy, and a little bit of magic when they walk into their home.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Happiness, for me, comes from a mix of the simple and the soulful.
On a simple level, I love unwinding with my PS5—it’s my personal escape and a way to recharge my mind. There’s something therapeutic about getting lost in a game after a long day of designing and building. I also deeply value the lifelong connections I’ve made with people over the years. Those bonds—real, lasting, and rooted in mutual respect—mean everything to me. And I live for experiences that enhance my life: traveling, good food, new perspectives, and anything that adds richness to my journey.
On a deeper level, living a life of purpose is what truly fills me up. It makes me happy to know I’m moving through life with intention—that the work I do, the energy I bring, and the impact I make are aligned with something bigger than myself. Advocacy is a big part of that—standing up for what’s right, using my voice when it matters, and doing my part to make things better in my corner of the world.
Helping others, especially through my work, is another huge source of joy. Whether it’s creating a peaceful space for someone who really needs it, offering guidance, or just being there in a real way—it all reminds me that happiness multiplies when it’s shared.
So yeah, it’s everything from quiet gaming moments to deep conversations, global adventures to simply doing the right thing. That blend of joy, connection, and purpose? That’s what keeps me grounded and grateful.
Pricing:
- 1 Hour Consultations – $200
- Design Template/Space Planning – $200 per hour
- Residential – Call for a quote
- Commercial – Call for a quote
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.placeofpeace.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/place_of_peace_llc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbuie/
- Other: https://www.thumbtack.com/ga/lithonia/interior-designers/place-peace-interior-designs-llc/service/522952760050958355
Image Credits
Photo: Dr. Alphonso A. Buie
