To be an architect you need to be much more than an artist

May 14, 2025

01:00:38

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EP 385 - Our guest this week is Fernando Sordo Madaleno, a third generation architect working in the family firm Sordo Madaleno. Originally from Mexico City, Fernando is now based in London, spearheading the firm’s expansion as an international architecture studio.

As well as discussing life in the family business we had a fascinating chat around architecture, the built environment.

Fernando has a beautiful philosophy of architecture, that is should try and combine three things. A deep, well researched, understanding of the context and culture that the building is going to be in especially if you are coming as an outsider. Why great buildings should always be designed to the human scale (yes he does explain what that means), and how great architects should always try and think of ways to push the brief so that projects can have a positive impact on the communities that they exist in.

He also mentions that the client is sometimes right. Which is nice.

*For Apple Podcast chapters, access them from the menu in the bottom right corner of your player*

Spotify Video Chapters:

00:00 BWB with Fernando Sordo Madaleno

01:18 Meet Fernando

03:09 Quickfire - Get To Know Fernando

05:51 Fernando's Current Projects and Vision

07:12 The Essence of Sordo Madaleno

08:11 Human-Centric Urban Planning

12:12 Challenges and Inspirations in Architecture

18:06 The Unique Character of Mexico City

21:59 The Legacy of Sordo Madaleno