Chasing Architecture in the Colorado River Watershed | Lecture by Jones Studio
On a Western scale, we find ourselves bound by the contested nature of our shared watershed. Within the macro-context of this overextended condition, inspiration and adventure can be discovered in the extremes: the astonishing natural beauty of the region, the stewardship of precious resources and the sometimes bewildering complexities of contemporary society.
Jones Studio shared their stories of creating architecture in these multifaceted landscapes of the West—a place of immense potential for optimistic solutions, celebration and restoration.
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About the Studio
Jones Studio is an architecture and public art practice located in Tempe, Arizona. The studio's rich history is rooted in its unwavering commitment to approach every endeavor with exceptional dedication, fearless curiosity and a focus on thoughtful collaboration. Their work can be described as a blend of passion, rigor and care, with each aspect approached with the same level of commitment. With over 40 years of experience, Jones Studio has curated a diverse portfolio of projects, spanning various scales—from bus stops and private residences to law schools and land ports of entry. They consistently deliver these projects with a steadfast dedication to design excellence, a commitment to acting as stewards of the land, and a sincere respect for the clients and communities that place their trust in them.
Eddie Jones, FAIA
Eddie Jones, FAIA, is the founder and principal of Jones Studio. Born in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Eddie relocated to the desert shortly after graduating from Oklahoma State University and established his own practice in a spare bedroom in 1979. For over forty years, he has guided the studio with unwavering optimism, driven by his enduring commitment to sustainability and his fearless pursuit of innovative design. Eddie possesses the rare talent to create responsive architecture that is timeless in design, drawing inspiration from nature and the legacy of those who preceded him, while remaining distinctly tied to its environment.
Eddie has delivered lectures extensively across North America, Europe, and Asia and is actively involved in numerous civic and academic committees, with a focus on design excellence, education, community impact, and sustainability. In 2021, Eddie was honored by his elevation to The College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects in recognition of his contributions to advancing the aesthetic, scientific, and practical aspects of the architectural profession. Under his visionary design leadership, Jones Studio has garnered 228 design awards, including a National AIA Award and a GSA Design Excellence Honor for the Mariposa Land Port of Entry in Nogales, Arizona.
Brian Farling, AIA
Brian Farling, AIA, is a principal at the architecture firm Jones Studio. Over the past 25 years, he has led the design of award-winning projects that provide unique, environmentally innovative solutions for forward-thinking institutions and individuals. Some of the most notable projects include the Mariposa Land Port of Entry, ASU Beus Center for Law & Society, Mesa Community College Performing Arts Center, San Luis Land Port of Entry, Lake Havasu Environmental Learning Center, and the redesign/expansion of his alma mater, the University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture.
Originally from Pennsylvania, Brian graduated from the CAPLA in 1994 with a Bachelor of Architecture and has resided in Tempe with his wife and daughter for nearly 30 years. Motivated by the Southwest's most pressing issues, he practices architecture as a pragmatic art, believing that human ingenuity and creativity can contribute to the improvement of our world. With a particular focus on how architecture and the built environment can serve as a catalyst for raising awareness about water scarcity and consciousness, he frequently delivers lectures to diverse audiences, ranging from grade school students to national conventions.
