Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Peterson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I grew up in Milwaukee, WI. At a very young age, I was going to rummage and estate sales with my parents. Both of my parents were and still are avid antique dealers. They collect everything and anything from folk art to weird objects they find. I was exposed to art and design at a very young age you could say. I began collecting pins, buttons or just random things that I found. I enjoyed it all.
After high school, I worked as a carpenter with my uncles and our family owned construction company. I learned a lot about how to build and construct almost anything. Having done this for a few years I decided to go to college and applied to the UW Milwaukee Architecture Program. It opened my eyes to a world of design that I didn’t realize even existed and was quickly hooked. I fell in love with Modern Design and its simple and elegant expression. While in college, even though I didn’t have much money I would still find myself in thrift stores and estate sales on many weekends. I began collecting furniture and design of the midcentury era that I found on my hunting excursions. My apartment began to take on a unique aesthetic. I loved it.
I graduated from College with an Architecture degree and found an amazing job with a few fellow designers I was in College with. It was a dream job, no lie. We traveled and designed some amazing projects in the US Virgin Islands and in the Middle East in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The dream came to an unexpected end when the economy fell in early 2009.
Now unemployed, I met my now wife and she invited me to come to Chicago with her. I happily packed my bags and headed for the windy city. After applying to virtually every Design Firm in Chicago it felt like, I found myself buying and selling midcentury furniture and design again. This time I was a bit more serious and branded myself online and began to have a small following. After a few years doing it alone I met Don, my now business partner, and we decided to join forces and open a brick and Mortar store, Circa Modern, in our present location at 1114 N Ashland Ave in Chicago. We just celebrated our 5 year anniversary.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Circa Modern – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I have a very personal connection to our business, Circa Modern. It is something that I am always doing and never stop doing. It doesn’t feel like work. I love every aspect about it. I shoot photos and maintain our website. We both are constantly out buying and sourcing design we love.
Our website and storefront continuously offers a wide variety of curated design objects and furniture from the 1940’s- 1980’s. We focus mainly on design classics form American Architects and Designers such as, Ray and Charles Eames, George Nelson, Florence Knoll and Jens Risom amongst others. Also Italian Architects and Designers like Mario Bellini, Achille Castiglioni, Angelo Mangiarotti and many more. And Scandinavian architects and Designers like Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Poul Kjaerholm and many others.
I am most proud of our constant selection of great design in all original or perfectly restored condition. I walk through our store sometimes, and to be honest, I would rather take it all home. I love it all too much. In fact, we may never come across a specific piece twice.
Our store always has a unique selection and is constantly updated with new arrivals. Our pieces are great financial investments and will maintain its value for many years to come. This period of design is timeless and will remain part of our design history forever.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Like: The diversity and appreciation for art and design.
Dislike: The traffic.
Contact Info:
- Address: Circa Modern
1114 N Ashland Ave
Chicago IL 60622 - Website: circamodern.com
- Phone: 773-697-9239
- Email: contact@circamodern.com
- Instagram: Circamodern
- Facebook: Circamodern
- Twitter: Circamodern
- Yelp: Circa Modern
Image Credit:
Jared Peterson & Don Schmaltz
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
