Erik Peterson

Scottsdale - Owner of PHX Architecture

Although he hails from Park Ridge, Illinois, and counts himself a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Erik Peterson now calls Scottsdale home. The architect, who founded PHX Architecture in 2002, has made a name for himself investing in his community and enjoys sitting on the boards of city’s Scottsdale Public Art and the Arizona Opera.

Q&A:

Hometown?

Park Ridge, Illinois.

Place you call home now (neighborhood etc)?

Scottsdale, Arizona.

Any notes on your education?

Bachelors of Architecture from Iowa State and Masters in Architecture from Arizona State University.

Favorite sport to watch?

Baseball.

Favorite sport to play?

Golf.

Best vacation ever?

Queen Mary 2 Cruise from Southampton to NY.

Dream trip destination?

Sydney, Australia.

Favorite dinner?

Thanksgiving turkey dinner.

Favorite dessert?

Italian cannoli.

Underrated food?

I love breakfast.

Dish you’re best at cooking?

Manicotti.

Best meal you've had at a restaurant?

Filet mignon and a loaded baked potato alongside a chopped salad at Ocean Club.

Road trip -- three in the car with you. Living or dead. Who are they? Why?

My wife, daughter and son. They are the most fun to be with and make me happy.

Favorite TV show as a kid?

Charlie Brown, Mr. Rogers, Brady Bunch.

Favorite movies?

Titanic.

Favorite actress and or actor?

Bradley Cooper.

Favorite bands?

Coldplay.

Most impressive live performance you ever saw?

Michael Jackson on his Bad Tour.

Car you drive now?

Jeep Rubicon.

Car you’d like to drive?

Aston Martin.

Best car you've owned?

Jeep Wrangler.

Wear a watch?

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.

Summer drink of choice?

Long Island Ice Tea.

Winter drink of choice?

Old Fashioned.

Bourbon or Scotch?

Bourbon.

Vodka or gin?

Vodka.

Cologne?

Acqua di Gio by Armani.

Go-to red on a wine list?

Jordan Cabernet.

Favorite beach?

Trunk Bay on St. John’s Island.

Best work advice you ever got?

Don’t take things so seriously.

Best thing about your career?

Loving what I do.

What do you do now for work? Tell us something about your work and career path.

I’m the owner of PHX Architecture. In our 18th year of business we have established a name and reputation in our community. Now we are expanding into southern California and taking that brand to the next level. It is very exciting to take this journey and bring our talented team to greater heights.

Do you have any philanthropic interests/endeavors?

Yes, I’ve always believe that we need to give back to our community. I sit on the board of Scottsdale Public Art and the Arizona Opera. I think the arts are an important part of our community that is overlooked these days and I work toward keeping them alive.