The Objects That Define Tom Kundig: An Architect's Personal Toolkit

3 hours ago7 min read

The objects a person chooses to live with can reveal more than a curated collection of favorites; they are a map of a mind's priorities. For Tom Kundig, the celebrated founder and principal of Olson Kundig, his cherished possessions are not just items but extensions of his architectural philosophy—a worldview built on materiality, rugged craft, and hands-on engagement.His cowboy hat, for example, is far more than headwear. It is a piece of wearable architecture, its form shaped by sun and use, embodying a deep connection to the American West, a landscape whose raw power is a constant muse in his work.This principle of direct interaction is mirrored in his choice of a Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle is a tool for unmediated exploration, built to conquer terrain, much like his buildings—with their massive, operable wheels and pulleys—invite inhabitants to physically manipulate their environment, whether in a Rocky Mountain retreat or a coastal Washington home.In his studio, amidst advanced digital tools, the fundamental instrument remains the humble pencil. It is the primary conduit from idea to sketch, representing the essential, human act of creation that precedes any complex rendering.This allegiance to an analog tool underscores a belief in the irreplaceable value of the hand and the deliberate pace of tactile design. A seal sculpture in his possession offers another clue.Its smooth, organic form provides a counterpoint to the angular, industrial language often associated with his work, highlighting a central duality in his practice: the elegant fusion of the brutal and the beautiful, the machine and the natural world. To see Tom Kundig through these objects is to understand that his design ethos is not theoretical; it is a lived, visceral reality.Each item, from a hat to a drawing tool, is imbued with narrative and purpose, reflecting the same principles of resonance and endurance that define his iconic architecture. It is a powerful reminder that the things we use and the spaces we inhabit are deeply intertwined, collectively telling the story of who we are.

#Tom Kundig

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#Olson Kundig

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