Episode 7:
How William Peace Turned Curiosity, Craft, and Adventure into a Design Legacy.
In this episode, interior designer, author, and creative visionary William Peace joins AH&L Editorial Director Lauren Iverson to share the experiences that shaped his remarkable career and distinctive design perspective. From painting as a child and working construction jobs to arriving in Atlanta with little more than ambition and a full trunk, William reflects on the unexpected opportunities, pivotal life moments, and lessons that helped define his path. Along the way, he discusses the importance of listening, communication, and embracing diverse experiences as keys to long-term success in design.
The conversation also explores William’s deep connection to the American West, the inspiration behind his book Peace in the West, and how the region continues to influence his celebrated work, including his collection with Holland & Sherry. He shares stories about residing in a former gas station, balancing life between Atlanta and the West, and offers thoughtful advice for the next generation of designers. Whether you’re a design professional, creative entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful spaces and meaningful storytelling, this episode is filled with inspiration and insight.
Get the Breakdown:
00:30 Welcome & Introduction
01:45 How did William Peace become interested in design? The designer shares the happenings that kept him inspired, from childhood painting to construction work
04:30 How varied experiences can set you apart from the crowd and give you a dynamic career (keywords: listen and communicate)
06:10 William lands in Atlanta with a full trunk and big dreams
07:00 Early career moments—starting at a commercial design firm (that designed the Georgia Pacific building!)—and how being open to opportunities can change your life
09:15 Life always has pivots—here’s the moments that changed William’s life
12:30 Your therapist is right: Spending more time in nature CAN improve your well-being. William shares his life in the American West
15:30 William’s debut book Peace in the West shares the majestic characteristics of the American West and the homes
21:00 William’s collection with Holland & Sherry—with fabrics, wallcoverings, leathers, rugs, trims and more—is informed by the land and ultraluxurious
24:00 Villa Petrol: Once a gas station, now William’s personal home 00:30 Welcome & Introduction
01:45 How did William Peace become interested in design? The designer shares the happenings that kept him inspired, from childhood painting to construction work
04:30 How varied experiences can set you apart from the crowd and give you a dynamic career (keywords: listen and communicate)
06:10 William lands in Atlanta with a full trunk and big dreams
07:00 Early career moments—starting at a commercial design firm (that designed the Georgia Pacific building!)—and how being open to opportunities can change your life
09:15 Life always has pivots—here’s the moments that changed William’s life
12:30 Your therapist is right: Spending more time in nature CAN improve your well-being. William shares his life in the American West
15:30 William’s debut book Peace in the West shares the majestic characteristics of the American West and the homes
21:00 William’s collection with Holland & Sherry—with fabrics, wallcoverings, leathers, rugs, trims and more—is informed by the land and ultraluxurious
24:00 Villa Petrol: Once a gas station, now William’s personal home 00:30 Welcome & Introduction
01:45 How did William Peace become interested in design? The designer shares the happenings that kept him inspired, from childhood painting to construction work
04:30 How varied experiences can set you apart from the crowd and give you a dynamic career (keywords: listen and communicate)
06:10 William lands in Atlanta with a full trunk and big dreams
07:00 Early career moments—starting at a commercial design firm (that designed the Georgia Pacific building!)—and how being open to opportunities can change your life
09:15 Life always has pivots—here’s the moments that changed William’s life
12:30 Your therapist is right: Spending more time in nature CAN improve your well-being. William shares his life in the American West
15:30 William’s debut book Peace in the West shares the majestic characteristics of the American West and the homes
21:00 William’s collection with Holland & Sherry—with fabrics, wallcoverings, leathers, rugs, trims and more—is informed by the land and ultraluxurious
24:00 Villa Petrol: Once a gas station, now William’s personal home
26:00 How William balances his success in Atlanta and love for the American West
28:15 William’s parting advice for young designers
Tune in every time! Take us with you! Listen to In Residence on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
A peek inside William Peace’s portfolio:
left to right When designing this basement mancave, it only made sense for designer William Peace to cultivate an aesthetic that felt collected, rustic and, of course, masculine. With walls of windows and a large oval dining table, every seat in the dining room has a view of the lake.
A few more notes:
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Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
Published since 1983, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles is the city’s only monthly home and garden magazine. Dedicated to showcasing the best in design for our city, the publication also serves as a definitive guide to cultivating Atlanta style, offering unmatched entrée into the area’s most inspiring residences. A longtime champion of the Atlanta design community, AH&L’s coverage of local design professionals, premier shops and showrooms, decorative and fine arts, restaurants and cultural events is second to none.