The Modern Architect: Geddes Finds Meaning in Architectural Form

Owner and principal, Geddes Ulinskas was invited to be a guest on the popular radio show and podcast The Modern Architect. Recorded at Stanford University's KZSU radio station, the show features interviews with world-renowned architects, influencers, and sustainability leaders. The hour-long discussion with the show’s host Tom Dioro, an architecture aficionado, highlights Geddes’ unique philosophy on architecture and his quest to find meaning behind his projects.

Geddes Ulinskas and Tom Dioro at KZSU.

The interview starts with Geddes sharing his early childhood inspirations while growing up in La Jolla, California. He remembers staring up a hill and admiring the Salk Institute by Louis Kahn, not quite knowing how deeply the modern building would impact his life. Later on he found himself inspired by Balboa Park buildings by Julia Morgan and the father of modernism, Irving Gill. Originally on the path to becoming a commercial artist or illustrator, Geddes speaks of the fateful turn of events that led him to studying architecture at the Pratt Institute.

The Salk Institute by Louis Kahn. Photography by Liao Yusheng.

Geddes describes his work as finding poetry and meaning behind the technology and resources people surround themselves with. He starts this process by getting to know his client and looks for clues within the art they admire or environments they grew up in. Through careful examination of the project site and collaboration with the homeowner, he designs from the inside out. He notes that using restraint is an essential part of his process and key to creating timeless buildings people can appreciate for years to come.  

Geddes’ deep reflection on the industry and his practice are profound for young architects and industry veterans alike. Listen to the full interview on Modlar here.