What Exactly Is Architecture? A Conversation with Renowned Architect Eddie Jones

Architecture is a word we hear often in real estate, but what does it really mean? In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind with beSpoke brokers, Shawna and Brittainy sit down with Eddie Jones, the founder of Jones Studio and one of the most respected architects in the Southwest, to get his take on exactly what should be considered "architecture".Eddie shares his early passion for design (starting at just six years old!), his thoughts on modernism, and the philosophy that guides his work. He also takes us on a journey through his recent travels to the Middle East, where he explored some of the world’s most fascinating structures—including Louis Kahn’s Parliament Building in Dhaka, Bangladesh.We then dive into one of Eddie’s most impactful projects: designing land ports of entry along the U.S. border. He details how Jones Studio went from designing a small visitor center to reshaping the way people experience border crossings. With millions of people and billions of dollars in trade passing through these ports, Eddie explains the architectural responsibility of creating spaces that reflect the dignity and efficiency of the U.S. government. He also shares a firsthand, boots-on-the-ground perspective on the reality of the southern border—one that challenges many of the political narratives we hear today.Beyond architecture, Eddie offers invaluable advice to young professionals about staying true to their ideals, regardless of financial struggles. He reminds us that passion, sincerity, and commitment lead to success in any field.We wrap up with a rapid-fire Q&A, where Eddie reveals his favorite project (hint: it’s always the next one!), his favorite piece of architecture (Basílica de la Sagrada Família in Barcelona), and his must-visit travel destinations (spoiler: everywhere!).If you love architecture, design, or just great storytelling, this is an episode you don’t want to miss!📌 Chapters (rough estimate of timing):00:00 - Introduction01:00 - Recognition of the Visitor Center03:00 - Transition to Land Ports of Entry05:00 - Understanding Land Ports & Their Impact08:00 - The Mariposa Land Port Project & Its Importance10:00 - Winning the First Land Port Project12:00 - Navigating the 2008 Recession with a Major Project14:00 - Redefining Land Port Design & Expansion to More Projects17:00 - Misconceptions About the Southern Border20:00 - Ethical & Human-Centered Design at the Border22:30 - Architectural Philosophy & Staying True to Ideals25:00 - Defining Good Architecture Beyond High-End Design28:00 - Rapid Fire Questions (Favorite Projects, Architects, Travel, etc.)35:00 - Final Thoughts & ClosingYou can find Eddie at:Website:https://jonesstudioinc.com/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/jonesstudioincInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/jones_studio/You can find beSpoke real estate at: Website:https://bespokephx.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bespoke.phx/Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bespoke.phx/🔔 Subscribe for more in-depth conversations with the leading minds in modern architecture, building, and design!#ModernArchitecture #EddieJones #JonesStudio #ArchitecturalDesign #RealEstate #ModernMasterminds #ArchitecturePodcast