The Tools and Talismans of Tom Kundig: An Architect's Personal Philosophy

18 hours ago7 min read2 comments

The objects a person holds dear can serve as a portal into their character, revealing the core principles that guide their life and work. For celebrated architect Tom Kundig, founder of Olson Kundig, his cherished possessions are not mere items but profound extensions of his design ethos.His well-worn cowboy hat is a symbol of the rugged, hands-on American West—a sensibility of individualism and craftsmanship that directly shapes his architectural language, where structures engage in a powerful, physical conversation with their landscape. The Jeep Wrangler he mentions is a vehicle for literal and creative exploration, built for navigating the raw, unrefined terrain that inspires his work.It mirrors the functionality, resilience, and lack of pretense found in iconic projects like the Chicken Point Cabin. Then there is the humble pencil, a fundamental tool in an era of digital complexity.Kundig's commitment to it underscores a profound belief in the human hand—the unbroken line from a thought to a physical mark, ensuring his often monumental designs retain an artisanal soul. And what of the seal sculpture? It stands as a likely artifact from his travels, a touchstone for the organic, fluid forms of nature that he masterfully interprets into built form.Each object is a chapter in a larger story, illuminating the synthesis of artist, builder, and explorer. Kundig doesn't just design buildings; he curates a way of being.His favorite things are the essential instruments and icons that make this possible, proving that for him, the line between life and design is intentionally seamless. These objects are not separate from his work; they are his philosophy made tangible. They represent a life dedicated not to possession, but to purpose—where every scuff on the Jeep, every crease in the hat, and every graphite smudge is a valued part of the narrative.

#Tom Kundig

#architect

#Olson Kundig

#favorite things

#cowboy hat

#Jeep Wrangler

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