ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers - (Page 69)

inside asid BJ Peterson, FASID ASID Foundation Chair BJ Peterson, FASID, Looks Toward the Future of Our Profession “I think most people in our profession think of it as much more than a job or a way to pay bills … interior design is part of the fabric of our lives,” says BJ Peterson, FASID, in reference to the profession that she has loved since graduating from San Diego State University. Truly, interior design is more than just a profession for Peterson, who is a friend, mentor and inspiration to many in the business. She has emerged as a leader and an example of someone who is willing to do her part and give back. “My mother raised me to always be aware of those in need, not to be selﬁsh and to look for what is good for all,” shares Peterson. A self-confessed “Navy brat,” Peterson was born in Portsmouth, Va., and recalls favorite childhood memories of growing up in a rural environment with what she terms “the long, barefoot summers.” Following college and various apprenticeships, she joined the west coast design ﬁrm of Cannell and Chafﬁn. She was with them for nineteen years before starting her own ﬁrm in Los Angeles, BJ Peterson Interior Design. About seven years ago, BJ teamed up with business partner, Hugo Arce, Allied Member ASID, and the ﬁrm became what is now Peterson Arce Design Group. The ﬁrm focuses primarily on residential design, as well as remodeling and working with architects on new homes. Along the way, Peterson opened a showroom, the Wallace Collection, importing furniture and accessories from Italy. Peterson is also a partner in a retail “lifestyle” store, Home Grown, located in Los Angeles. Until his death four years ago, Peterson was married to entrepreneur and television director, Bud Morrison, who directed such notable shows as “Queen for a Day,” the “Red Skelton Show,” “Playhouse 90,” and “Laugh In.” Peterson has been a leader throughout her career, formerly serving as ASID President and now serving as ASID Foundation Chair. “It is so exciting to be looking at the future of our profession and helping to take us where we want and need to go,” Peterson said, regarding the Foundation. She believes that leadership is more than position— it’s also action. She has, along with other ASID members, become a member of the Foundation’s Legacy Society by including the ASID Foundation is her estate planning. In her words, “ASID has been such a wellspring of inspiration—in my personal and my professional life— that it was a natural.” With a passion for our profession, BJ Peterson is a part of interior design’s future. “It is so exciting to be looking at the future of our profession and helping to take us where we want and need to go.” — BJ Peterson, FASID, Chair, ASID Foundation ASID ICON | NOV/DEC 2007 69

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers

ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers Contents President’s Message Good to Know Innovations Breathing Life into a Building Designs for Senior Living On the Move Thinking Green Aging in Style Industry Inside ASID Grassroots ASID National Industry Partner Focus Showroom Advertisers Resource Guide Annual Articles Index

ICON - The magazine of the American Society of Interior Designers

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