LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
In a world often fractured by division, renowned architect Eddie Jones, founder of award-winning firm Jones Studio, offers a bold, transformative perspective of the border and challenges us to view it as a bridge between cultures, economies, and human experiences. Through architecture and a profound belief in the power of design, he illustrates how thoughtful infrastructure can reshape not just landscapes, but perceptions and lives.
Eddie’s vision for border architecture is rooted in the belief that design can transcend politics and foster shared humanity. His firm’s work on the Mariposa Land Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona, exemplifies this philosophy. Inspired by "Border Lines," a poem by poet laureate Alberto Ríos, he began the design process by embracing the cultural duality of "Ambos Nogales," the name given to the twin cities of Nogales in Arizona and Nogales in Sorona, Mexico. Rather than defaulting to traditional symbols of division like barbed wire, the firm envisioned a port of entry where human dignity was central. They integrated open space and a garden to create a sense of welcome rather than distrust.
Beyond the symbolism, these innovations have real-world implications. Efficient and humane border design between the U.S. and Mexico plays a critical role in sustaining economic stability. Mariposa Land Port of Entry ceased being an economic choke point and became more of a passage that reflects the shared lives of those on both sides. Land Ports of Entry like Mariposa are a lifeline for the agriculture industry, particularly in Arizona, where produce shipments and labor depend on streamlined crossings. By reducing wait times and improving working conditions for thousands of migrant laborers, Jones Studio’s design enhances commerce and improves lives on both sides of the border.
Eddie firmly believes that architects are uniquely positioned to solve complex societal problems. Trained at the intersection of art and engineering, they possess a rare blend of creative and analytical thinking that enables them to tackle multifaceted challenges. He points to their built-in capacity to think across disciplines, anticipate future needs, and balance human-centered solutions with practical constraints. He argues that the profession’s objective problem-solving abilities can bring fresh, innovative solutions to policy-making, and suggests that architects run for public office.
Eddie also shares his deep love and reverence for the creative process, particularly in a time when digital tools dominate the field. He remains committed to hand-drawing his designs, a practice he finds profoundly meditative. This tactile connection allows his designs to evolve organically, with each line carrying intention and emotion.
Eddie’s work demonstrates that architecture is far more than constructing buildings—it’s about designing spaces that reflect human passion, embody shared values, and solve real-world problems.
LISTEN & SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST