The Architect's Toolkit: Tom Kundig on the Objects That Shape His World

2 hours ago7 min read

The objects we choose to live with often tell a more intimate story than any resume. For Tom Kundig, the celebrated founder and principal of Olson Kundig, his cherished possessions are not mere accessories but essential tools that embody his design philosophy.In a world of digital abstraction, Kundig grounds his practice in the physical, a principle reflected in the items he holds dear. A rugged seal sculpture on his desk serves as a tangible totem, its cool, solid weight a constant reminder of the natural world that inspires his raw, industrial, and kinetic architecture.His well-worn cowboy hat, shaped by sun and rain, is a piece of personal armor that connects his high-concept work to a code of practicality and resilience. This connection to the land is further realized in his Jeep Wrangler, a vehicle for exploration that facilitates the journey from Seattle studio to remote site, turning travel into a form of active engagement with the landscape.Most telling, perhaps, is his choice of a simple pencil. In an era dominated by complex software, this humble tool represents the foundational human act of creation—the first, fragile line that sparks an idea destined to become a monumental structure. For Kundig, these objects are the essence of his architecture, each one a lesson in authenticity, durability, and the profound dialogue between the made and the born.

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