Lonnie Peterson, co-founder of commercial design firm Cuhaci & Peterson, has died at age 70. Peterson launched the company in 1978 and grew it from a one-man office into a nationally recognized architecture and engineering firm.

Peterson developed a deep connection to the commercial real estate industry through his long association with ICSC. From 2007 to 2014, he was a member of the CenterBuild Program Planning Committee. He also was member of the Certified Development, Design and Construction professional certification Admissions and Governing Committee. And he served on the Florida Conference Program Planning Committee from 2003 to 2006. He became the only architect to chair the Florida conference when he took the helm for 2006.

“Aside from being an icon in ICSC’s design and construction membership, Lonnie was a beloved colleague with boundless energy, professionalism, sincerity and friendliness, the type of person whose incredible attitude at any time of any day picked up those around him,” said Greeby chairman Skip Greeby, who worked with Peterson on various ICSC committees. “His spirit will live on in the countless individuals he impacted.”

Peterson’s interest in people helped drive his success, and one of his favorite sayings was, “Finding the right people makes all the difference.”

To celebrate Peterson’s retirement from Cuhaci & Peterson in 2016, his partner at the company, Jed Downs, spearheaded a local fundraising campaign among Florida ICSC members to create a scholarship in Lonnie’s honor. The $5,000 per year scholarship is designated for architecture students at the University of Florida’s CityLab-Orlando program and includes a one-year student membership in ICSC.

Donations can be made via check payable to ICSC Foundation. In the memo line, write “Lonnie G. Peterson Scholarship,” and mail the check to:

Cuhaci & Peterson
Attn: Casey Duranczyk
930 Woodcock Road, Suite #101
Orlando, FL 32803