Design Matters: Aesthetics, Ethics and Architectural Impact

“It’s time to rethink the idea that architecture does not sully itself with social or ecological ills.” Jonathan Feldman (in conversation w/ KI) The practice of architecture is a place where ethics and aesthetics converge. We make decisions and lead our lives based on ethics . As such ethics is concerned with what is good for individuals and society. Aesthetics is a set of principles that are involved with the nature and appreciation of beauty - the aspect of an object that makes it pleasurable to perceive. Join us in this interview with two thought leaders whose work locates them at the convergence of ethics and aesthetics. As a Founder and a Principal at Feldman Architecture, Jonathan and Anjali care about the craft of architecture and recognize the importance of the role power of architecture in society. This shows up in their design work on projects as well as how they design firm culture and practice. Being “thought leaders” is no walk in the park, it puts you in situations where you feel lonely, overwhelmed and disheartened at times, it asks you to take a stand. As you’ll hear in this interview, moving the industry forward with design thinking that includes carbon accounting, human health, and regenerative practices starts with a willingness to be humble and recognize that risk and reward are often two sides of the same coin. Anjali Iyer Anjali , LFA, CPHD, LEED AP, hails from Mumbai, India, where she obtained her Bachelor of Architecture from the Sir J.J. College of Architecture. Prior to joining Feldman in 2014, Anjali developed skills in domain-specific technologies while exploring the possibilities for a paperless office and accrued over thirteen years of experience in the design and detailing of high-end custom residential work. As an associate architect at a small firm with a deep focus on details, Anjali offered her expertise in both architecture and interior design for small to medium scale projects first in Bangalore, India and then from Prague, Czech Republic. After she moved to the Bay Area, Anjali worked as a consultant and assistant principal architect at a small design studio specializing in residential projects. Jonathan Feldman Jonathan , FAIA, LEED AP, is Feldman Architecture’s Founding Partner and CEO. Since establishing the firm in 2003, he has led its development into a residential and commercial design practice recognized for creating warm, light-filled spaces with an understated modern aesthetic. Jonathan is passionate about design that solves complex problems and is committed to creating solutions that significantly improve the way we live and interact with our planet. Initially interested in filmmaking, Jonathan moved to California in the 1990s, where he worked on feature films and commercials. Team Hosted by Kristof Irwin Edited by Nico Mignardi Produced by M. Walker

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Design Matters: Aesthetics, Ethics and Architectural Impact is an episode from The Building Science Podcast by Miguel Walker.

This episode is 1:04:26 long.

This episode was published on May 29, 2025.

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