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

15 hours ago7 min read3 comments

The objects we hold dear often serve as a personal manifesto, and for celebrated architect Tom Kundig, founder of Olson Kundig, his chosen items reveal the core principles of his work. Each object is a tangible piece of his architectural philosophy, built from steel, graphite, and a deep connection to place.His well-worn cowboy hat is more than an accessory; it's a symbol of a hands-on, ruggedly individualistic approach that rejects the pristine in favor of the authentic and weathered—a quality mirrored in his buildings' raw, industrial materials and massive, operable mechanical components. Similarly, his Jeep Wrangler reflects a focus on capability over luxury.It is a vehicle for accessing the raw landscape, paralleling the purpose of his remote projects like The Pierre, carved into rock, and the Delta Shelter, a metal-clad box on stilts. Both the Jeep and his architecture are tools for engaging directly with the environment.In a digital age, Kundig’s preference for a simple pencil is a powerful statement. It represents the primacy of the initial, human sketch—the kinetic capture of an idea before it becomes code.It is the mark of the craftsman, ensuring his grand designs always retain the visible trace of the hand. Finally, a seal sculpture introduces a poetic, spiritual dimension.This art object signifies a reverence for the organic forms and creatures of the natural world that his buildings so carefully inhabit. Together, these items paint a portrait of the architect: part cowboy, part engineer, part artist, wholly dedicated to creating spaces that are not mere shelters, but deeply personal instruments for living.

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