Olson Kundig Architects

Olson Kundig Architects

Olson Kundig is a renowned architecture firm based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 1966 by Jim Olson. The practice is internationally recognized for its innovative and site-responsive designs that blend architecture with nature, materiality, and human interaction. With Tom Kundig joining in the 1980s and becoming a principal in 1996, the firm evolved to include kinetic architectural features—like hand-cranked openings and moveable walls—that allow users to physically engage with the built environment.

Led by a team of principals including Olson, Kundig, Kirsten Ring Murray, Alan Maskin, and Kevin Kudo-King, the studio maintains a collaborative design culture rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and contextual sensitivity. In 2022, Olson Kundig expanded its presence with a New York office. The firm has received over 70 AIA awards and is consistently featured in top design publications and global rankings like the AD100 list.

11 Articles
Capital House by Olson Kundig: A Monumental Modern Residence in Washington

Capital House by Olson Kundig: A Monumental Modern Residence in Washington

Inspired by classical architectural icons like the Lincoln Memorial, Capital House by Olson Kundig is a striking contemporary home that merges monumentality with intimacy. Situated in Washington, this expansive 76,908-square-foot residence embodies timeless sophistication through its stately limestone cladding, sculptural vaulted roof, and neutral palette of stone, bronze, and concrete.

Hale Lana House by Olson Kundig: A Floating Modern Retreat in Hawaii

Hale Lana House by Olson Kundig: A Floating Modern Retreat in Hawaii

Nestled on Hawaii’s Big Island, Hale Lana House by Olson Kundig redefines modern tropical living through a series of interconnected pavilions designed to celebrate the island’s powerful natural beauty. The name Hale Lana, meaning “floating home,” captures the project’s intent—a collection of structures that appear to hover above lava fields and lush gardens, blurring the lines between interior and exterior.

Stirrup House by Olson Kundig: A Modern Art-Focused Retreat in Idaho

Stirrup House by Olson Kundig: A Modern Art-Focused Retreat in Idaho

Located in the mountain town of Ketchum, Idaho, the Stirrup House by acclaimed Seattle-based studio Olson Kundig is a refined, contemporary residence designed around the dual themes of art curation and alpine scenery. With a footprint of 6,472 square feet, the house is crafted as a personal gallery and mountain retreat, integrating the owner’s expansive contemporary art collection with sweeping views of Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain.

Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest

Country Garden House by Olson Kundig: A Rustic Retreat in the Oregon Forest

Tucked into a densely wooded site near Portland, Oregon, the Country Garden House by Olson Kundig is a warm, nature-integrated retreat for a multi-generational family. With 5,300 square feet of living space wrapped in reclaimed barnwood, this home draws inspiration from classic farm buildings and greenhouses—melding modern comfort with rustic charm.

Rimrock Residence by Olson Kundig: A Wildlife-Conscious Home on a Basalt Bluff

Rimrock Residence by Olson Kundig: A Wildlife-Conscious Home on a Basalt Bluff

Perched on a volcanic basalt bluff overlooking Riverside State Park, the Rimrock Residence by Olson Kundig is a 5,200-square-foot home that embraces its dramatic setting while minimizing its impact on the surrounding landscape. The T-shaped structure not only responds to the site’s topography but also lifts the home above a natural game path, preserving vital wildlife movement between the mountains and river.

Cabin at Longbranch by Olson Kundig: A 55-Year-Long Journey of Design and Nature

Cabin at Longbranch by Olson Kundig: A 55-Year-Long Journey of Design and Nature

The Cabin at Longbranch is not merely a home—it is the story of a life devoted to architecture, nature, and patience. Designed and personally built by architect Jim Olson, founding partner of Olson Kundig, the project began in 1959 as a 14-foot-square bunkhouse, when Olson was just 18 years old. Over the course of 55 years, the structure underwent thoughtful renovations and expansions, culminating in a 1,200-square-foot weekend retreat perched on the edge of Puget Sound and nestled among towering fir trees.