The Tools of a Visionary: Tom Kundig on the Objects That Shape His World

1 day ago7 min read2 comments

The artifacts a person chooses to keep close often serve as a quiet manifesto, revealing the core principles that guide their work and life. For celebrated architect Tom Kundig, founder of Olson Kundig, a handful of personal items form a narrative that is deeply intertwined with his design philosophy, one rooted in the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest.His well-worn cowboy hat, for example, is far more than attire. It is a piece of functional equipment that signals a hands-on, pragmatic approach, embodying a connection to the land and the physical act of building that defies the sterility of digital design.It represents an American spirit of utility and a rejection of architectural pretension. This ethos extends to his choice of vehicle, the Jeep Wrangler—a machine built for grit and exploration.Much like the iconic kinetic elements in his homes—massive wheels and levers that allow residents to manipulate their environment—the Jeep is a tool for direct, physical engagement with the wild terrain that inspires him. A preference for the tactile over the virtual is a constant thread.The simple pencil in his hand becomes a powerful symbol of this connection; it is the fundamental instrument that turns thought into form, a direct link from mind to material that technology cannot fully emulate. It’s a humble reminder of the human scale behind his monumental steel-and-glass structures.Then there is the seal sculpture, an object that speaks to a mind attuned to organic, nature-worn forms. It acts as a soft counterbalance to the industrial materials he favors, suggesting an inspiration drawn from the effortless elegance of the natural world as much as from architectural canon.Together, these objects paint a complete portrait of the man: part artist, part engineer, part pioneer. They are not luxuries, but essential tools and muses that reflect a life dedicated to making, exploring, and interacting with the world through a deeply physical and authentic lens.

#Tom Kundig

#Olson Kundig

#architect

#design

#interview

#favorite things

#featured

Stay Informed. Act Smarter.

Get weekly highlights, major headlines, and expert insights — then put your knowledge to work in our live prediction markets.