Co-edited by Jonathan Boelkins and Peter MacKeith, Radical Practice celebrates the extraordinary, award-winning designs of Marlon Blackwell Architects, an Arkansas-based firm with a focus on public and civic projects that are located outside of the established centers of architectural culture. Princeton Architectural Press, 2022.
Jonathan also contributed an original essay titled ‘Editor’s Notes: A Conditional Manifesto’ as well as ‘Foundations and Principles: Notes on an Expanded Practice; Marlon Blackwell in conversation with Peter MacKeith and Jonathan Boelkins’.
Foreword with Marlon Blackwell in 'Highland Park Residence: Alterstudio', Oscar Riera Ojeda Publisher, 2023.
"I'm so very pleased to have been able to share the house with you, and indeed flattered to have had you spend the time, effort and energy in paying attention to it - in the same way that a songwriter might hear accomplishment in a song others might not, it is special to read your thoughts as someone who practices with a similar set of interests and perhaps ambitions. I do so appreciate your insights and indeed your efforts."
- Kevin Alter, Alterstudio
Foreword with Marlon Blackwell in 'Strive: Jones Studio Adventures in Architecture', Oscar Riera Ojeda Publisher, 2024.
"Thank you, Jonathan, for your exceptional ability to discern the subtleties of material composition, light, and their intersection, describing their emotional impact in a way that can make the best architectural photographs redundant! Your writing is revered out here in the wild west and we eagerly look forward to your next publication."
- Eddie Jones, FAIA, Jones Studio
Essay 'Goin Down Slow' with Marlon Blackwell in 'Unfinished and Far Far Away, The Architecture of Irving Smith Architects', Altrim Publishers , 2023.
"Jonathan's writing on our work, research and the importance of periphery within 'Unfinished and Far Far Away' epitomizes the value of discourse within architecture. Clear, clever and creative words are important in sharing and improving the fields of architecture no matter how far far away we all are from each other. Sharing is important, it is how we all get along."
- Jeremy Smith, Irving Smith Architects
Afterword 'A Song Needs an Address' with Marlon Blackwell in 'Commonplaces: Working on an American Architecture' Oscar Riera Ojeda Publishers, 2022.
“While most in our profession seem content to fixate on the visual content of a project, Jonathan always insists on burrowing deeper - beyond the obvious or superficial - to reveal the intended meaning of that work. He seeks to create a tangible narrative beneath the surface of those images and has an ability to bring it to life as a more insightful and comprehensive interpretation of the reason for the creation of that place. It's a gift that few architects have and even fewer who are willing to share it with others.”
- Brian Healy, FAIA
Separate essays with Steve Dumez, FAIA, of Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, and Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, of Marlon Blackwell Architects to 'M3: Morphosis Model Monograph', Rizzoli, 2022.
“Jonathan’s ability to interpret intentions and craft a compelling narrative captured the essential qualities of Morphosis’ design methodology through their culture of physical model making. Jonathan’s innate understanding of the expressive power of design and communication was profound and meaningful, no doubt born from personal experience.”
-Steve Dumez, FAIA
Obituary for architect Terry Boling with Marlon Blackwell and Michael Zeretsky, The Architect's Newspaper May 2024.
Obituary for landscape architect Kevin Sloan with Marlon Blackwell, Texas Architect, Jan/Feb 2022.