Olson Kundig

@olsonkundig

Integrated architecture, interiors, landscape & planning practice—founded on the unstable edge of the Pacific Rim.
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Weeks posts
Northwest Refuge, a residence along the shores of Lake Washington in Seattle, features a trio of custom tables—each distinct in material and form. Designed by Jim Olson and crafted by local artisans, the furniture harmonizes with the architecture’s horizontal cadence, sculptural quality, and play with light, evoking the atmosphere of a Pacific Northwest day. “I see furniture as part of the holistic environment – landscape, architecture, interiors, furniture, and art; a piece of a larger whole. At Northwest Refuge, the architecture mirrors the soft, diffuse light of a cloudy day; the tables reinforce the horizontal lines of the architecture, and the wood and stone register the changing light throughout the day.” —Jim Olson, FAIA, Design Principal Visit the link in bio to learn more!
2,017 17
5 days ago
This week, @dezeen explored the second phase of The Century Project: double-deck, all-glass exterior elevators. Shaped by an unlikely collaboration between architects, engineers, and glass fabricators, the design reinterprets the original 1960s renderings through a contemporary lens, transforming the journey into an architectural experience. “For more than 25 years, Olson Kundig has explored kinetics—the parts and pieces of architecture that move. On The Century Project, we were able to extend that work through a rare partnership with the world’s leading elevator manufacturer and space craft designers, culminating in a new kinetic elevator system and the world’s first rotating glass floor.” —Alan Maskin, LEED AP, and Blair Payson, AIA, LEED AP, Design Principals Visit the link in our bio to read the full story on Dezeen!
599 13
9 days ago
One NoMad emerges as a renewed 1920s mid-rise office building between Herald Square and the Flatiron District, balancing modern interventions with the original design integrity and character of its historic stone and brick facade. “One NoMad reintroduces a historic building to its neighbors, creating a beacon to the surrounding neighborhood and contributing to an active, energized district. Our approach is deliberately respectful and informed by the building’s existing design logic, reclaiming the dignity of the building base that has been lost over time while responding to the needs of modern workplace tenants.” —Kirsten Ring Murray, FAIA, Design Principal Visit the link in bio to learn more!
990 8
10 days ago
Introducing Amansanu, a ranch-inspired Aman retreat less than 90 minutes northwest of Austin in the Texas Hill Country. Nestled among cliffs, canyons, and limestone escarpments shaped over millions of years, the resort unfolds as a gradual journey through the landscape. The architecture opens outward to sweeping horizons while retreating inward to spaces with a refined, residential intimacy. “Amansanu’s story begins with the scale of Texas, the horizon, the distance, and the sense of something much larger than you. Our goal is to create a soft landing that feels peaceful and grounded, while keeping guests connected to the immensity of the landscape. That contrast is where the idea of luxury begins to take shape.” —Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, Design Principal “There is a magic to be discovered in spending intimate moments in this rugged and vast landscape, contemplating near and far while sheltered by a quiet architecture.” —Kevin Kudo-King, FAIA, LEED AP, Design Principal Visit the link in bio to learn more!
2,732 29
11 days ago
Louisville Parks and Recreation has unveiled the Jefferson Memorial Forest Master Plan, setting a new direction for the future of this 7,500-acre nature sanctuary and veteran memorial in Louisville, Kentucky. Led by MKSK, the plan advances accessibility, ecological stewardship, and an enhanced visitor experience. As part of this effort, Olson Kundig is designing a series of new structures, including a welcome center, pavilions for events, biking and play, along with small-scale lodgings that will create opportunities for visitors to experience the forest at multiple levels. “Jefferson Memorial Forest is only seventeen miles from the bustle of Louisville, yet it offers immersion in nature that feels worlds apart from the city. Discovery of the forest’s wonders, and the opportunity to share them with friends and family, anchors the experience. The architecture will frame this journey, providing a platform to engage the forest in a deliberate and dramatic way. The visitor center will hover within the tree canopies, overlooking the rolling hills and Knobs, with glimpses of Louisville that remind you of the journey you are on.” —Kevin Kudo-King, FAIA, LEED AP, Design Principal Visit the link in bio to learn more!
1,630 13
16 days ago
Nestled at the base of Lone Peak in the Big Sky, Montana area, Cedar Peak House reflects the clients’ desire for a mountain house that frequently opens to the large landscape, diverging from the traditionally enclosed homes typical of the area. “Cedar Peak House embraces the rugged, natural beauty of its Montana mountain setting with the high expectations of a high-touch, luxurious home. That balance between raw nature and refined living was one of the most exciting challenges of the design.” —Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, Design Principal Visit the link in bio to learn more!
2,780 27
18 days ago
Set in historic downtown Whitefish, Montana, Larch House is both a gateway and a refuge—connecting the rugged alpine landscape with the rhythm of the town center. The new boutique hotel brings together mountain adventure, dining and nightlife, and the ease of Whitefish’s residential charm. “Larch House feels rooted in the local community and the history of Whitefish without dwelling on the past. It embodies the present spirit of the place, ready to evolve and meet Whitefish’s future.” —Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, Design Principal Visit the link in bio to learn more!
2,172 28
23 days ago
We’re honored to share that Fourth Ward Office Project has received an Award of Merit from the 2026 AIA Georgia Design & Honor Awards. This annual awards program recognizes architectural design excellence in projects and firms across Georgia State. Led by design principals Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, Kirsten Ring Murray, FAIA, and Steven Rainville, AIA, LEED AP, Fourth Ward Office Project is a 1.1 million-square-foot, LEED Gold commercial high-rise along the Atlanta BeltLine, combining office space with active street-level retail. Sustainable strategies reduce energy use, manage stormwater, and support alternative transportation. Daylight and thermal modeling shaped the facade, improving building performance while creating comfortable, light-filled spaces for occupants. For more information about the 2026 AIA Georgia Design & Honor Awards winners, visit the link in bio!
1,675 13
24 days ago
“Country Garden House is inspired by classic barn shapes, and our client came to me with the idea of creating a house with those familiar proportions and the feeling of being immersed in a rural setting. This idea extends outside into a traditional, charming garden that is very casual but also very livable, and that melts into the meadow-like landscape surrounding the house.” —Jim Olson, FAIA, Design Principal Visit the link in bio to learn more!
4,762 56
25 days ago
We’re excited to share renderings of the new Meyer Art Center—a community-funded non-profit project that will serve as a cultural hub for local artists, enthusiasts, residents, and visitors. Situated on the former site of the Stanwood Hardware Company, the project is envisioned as a toolbox for the public: providing space, resources, and materials for creativity and connection. “Meyer Art Center is a celebration of Stanwood and Camano Island’s vibrant arts community, informed by the rich history of the site. The design adapts and repurposes existing elements from the original hardware store to preserve a sense of local authenticity—reimagining a new space where artists and creatives will be welcomed and supported.” —Kirsten Ring Murray, FAIA, Design Principal Visit the link in bio to learn more!
1,009 14
26 days ago
The Tom Kundig: Complete Houses book tour heads to Auckland, Melbourne, and Sydney this May. On May 12 in Auckland, Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, and The Local Project will host an intimate cocktail event to explore the theme of research and development within Tom Kundig: Complete Houses. On May 16 in Melbourne, Tom will join Simon Knott of BKK Architects at the National Gallery of Victoria as part of Melbourne Design Week. Their conversation will center on Tom’s approach to craft, material expression, and site‑responsive design. The tour then moves to Sydney on May 18, where Tom will be in conversation with Stephen Todd of the Australian Financial Review in the Utzon Room at the Sydney Opera House for a talk titled “Tom Kundig: Four Decades of Evolution and Innovation.” Each event will offer an inside look at the ideas and processes behind Tom’s practice. Book signings will follow. For tickets and event info, visit the links in our bio.
865 19
1 month ago
Parallel to Whitefish Lake, with views to nearby ski trails and the peaks of Glacier National Park, Montana Beach House encourages deep immersion within the landscape. The low-slung lakeside retreat provides flexible gathering to comfortably host family and friends. “Montana Beach House is all about restraint—engaging the landscape without overshadowing it. The house sits quietly along the shore, nearly hidden from view, allowing the natural beauty of the lake to take center stage.” —Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, Design Principal Visit the link in bio to learn more!
6,967 84
1 month ago