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

16 hours ago7 min read6 comments

To understand the work of an architect like Tom Kundig, one must first understand the tools of his life. The principal of Olson Kundig reveals a personal philosophy not through abstract theory, but through the objects he holds dear: a weathered cowboy hat, a dependable Jeep Wrangler, and the simple graphite of a pencil.Each item is a functional artifact that maps directly onto the principles of his celebrated designs. The hat is more than an accessory; it is the uniform of a hands-on creator, a symbol of a practice that values the grit of the construction site over the sterility of the digital screen.It evokes the image of an architect deeply engaged with the physical reality of his buildings. The Jeep Wrangler is his vessel for exploration, built for capability over comfort, mirroring the rugged, untamed landscapes where his homes so often take root.And then there is the pencil—a deliberate choice in an era of complex software. It represents the most direct, tactile connection between idea and execution, the initial human mark that can grow into a kinetic wall of steel or a vast, pivoting window.Together, these objects tell a story of authenticity. They reveal a creator committed to the raw beauty of materials, the integrity of function, and the profound, personal act of making. For Kundig, architecture is not a distant profession; it is an embodied dialogue between the maker, his tools, and the natural world.

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