The Objects That Define an Architect: Tom Kundig on His Cowboy Hat, Jeep, and Pencil

21 hours ago7 min read5 comments

The objects we cherish often reveal more than a simple preference; they can outline an entire philosophy. For Tom Kundig, the celebrated founder and principal of Olson Kundig, a handful of personal items provides a clear window into the principles that drive his iconic architecture.His selections are not just possessions; they are tools, talismans, and touchstones that inform a worldview built on authenticity, tactile experience, and a profound dialogue with the natural world. Take his cowboy hat.It’s far more than a piece of apparel. It’s a symbol of a rugged, hands-on approach to life and work—a nod to the American West's culture of individualism and craftsmanship.This ethos is directly translated into his buildings, which famously feature raw, weathering materials like steel and incorporate massive, operable elements that invite change and patina over time. Then there is the Jeep Wrangler, a vehicle that embodies the spirit of exploration.It’s a practical tool for accessing the remote, raw landscapes that often serve as the sites for his residential projects. The Jeep isn't about a comfortable commute; it's about the journey into the terrain, a visceral connection to the land that is fundamental to his design process.In an age of digital dominance, Kundig’s choice of a simple pencil is particularly telling. It represents a commitment to the primal act of drawing—the slow, deliberate connection between mind, hand, and paper that forms the genesis of every idea.This preference for the analog underscores a belief in the human trace, the initial sketch that contains an energy no computer model can fully capture. It aligns him with an architectural tradition that views drawing as both a meditative practice and an art form.Adding a layer of organic inspiration is a seal sculpture. This object points to a deep fascination with nature’s flawless engineering and fluid forms.The sleek, hydrodynamic shape of the seal finds its echo in the elemental curves of Kundig’s buildings, which often appear as if shaped by wind and water rather than human hands. This is not simple imitation, but a profound respect for biological intelligence.Together, these objects form a cohesive portrait. The hat speaks to culture, the Jeep to terrain, the pencil to creation, and the sculpture to natural inspiration.They are interconnected pieces of a singular vision—one that champions the handmade, values the weathered, and seeks a powerful, kinetic relationship between people, the structures they inhabit, and the earth itself. In a world of virtual experiences, Kundig’s favorites stand as a powerful testament to the enduring resonance of the physical and the real.

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