How Architects Can Lead the Climate Movement

In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman sits down with internationally renowned architect Kevin Kennon to explore how architecture must evolve—merging sustainable design, AI-driven innovation, and emotional impact to shape a better world.

Kevin shares powerful stories, fresh insights, and bold ideas that challenge how we think about design—from how natural disasters influenced his early life to pioneering zero-emission eco-resorts. This episode explores how architecture can evolve alongside climate change, technology, and culture—while still creating spaces that truly connect with people.

𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

00:00 – Guest Intro

01:30 – Kevin's Early Life and Influences

03:00 – The Impact of Natural Disasters on Kevin's Childhood Home

05:16 – Kevin's Journey into Architecture

08:35 – Challenges in the Architecture Industry

17:48 – The Role of Technology and AI in Architecture

21:01 – Innovative Projects and Future Visions

29:02 – Project-Based Companies and Buy-In

36:28 – The Emotional Impact of Architecture

44:19 – Challenges and Collaboration in Architecture

About Kevin Kennon and Kennon Design Consultancy

Kevin Kennon is an internationally renowned architect with over 40 years of experience, specializing in environmentally sustainable and innovative design. As the founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., he leads the development of zero-carbon-emission luxury eco-resorts in remote wilderness locations around the world, merging design excellence with ecological responsibility. The company collaborates with leading architects, engineers, artisans, acousticians, hoteliers, property managers, chefs, yogis, equestrians, guides, trainers, athletes, and sustainability experts to help create a better, greener, more socially conscious, and humanitarian future.

His extensive portfolio includes landmark projects such as the 1.5-million-square-foot Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. He also led United Architects, a finalist in the prestigious World Trade Center design competition, further cementing his influence on architectural innovation.

Kennon’s expertise encompasses adaptive reuse, urban planning, and large-scale developments, with his work featured in the permanent collection of MoMA in New York. He has received over 40 international design awards and is widely recognized as a thought leader in the fields of urban development, climate change, and sustainable architecture. In addition to his architectural practice, he serves as an expert witness and has lectured at esteemed institutions such as Yale and Columbia, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to his work.

Learn More about Kevin Kennon and Kennon Design Consultancy

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkennonarchitect/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pkk2418/?hl=en

Website: https://www.kdcaia.com/publications

Learn More about Conscious Design

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We created this content so that creative entrepreneurs like you can integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign. Ian Peterman, the leading expert in Conscious Design, hosts the Conscious Design podcast and is the co-author of the book "Conscious Design."