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17 Jan |
Interview with Tom Kundig Architecture, Designer, Interviews
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“For me, the site is sacred. I like to spend time walking the site and getting to know it. The goal for the architecture is to help reveal and unfold the site, to frame the site and its aspect…I find inspiration in a lot of things but am particularly influenced by nature and how people to respond to it. I think small structures in big landscapes remind us of our place in the natural order of things…that we are part of a larger system. Small buildings encourage their users to engage with the world at large.“
Tom Kundig for Architects + Artisans
Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig Architecs is one of the most recognized architects in the world. His houses have left an indelible mark on the residential design becoming modern-day classics. Tom Kundig has been awarded a total of thirty-seven AIA awards, and over seventy awards total. He loves mountaineering, rock climbing and sees his work as frame for nature. Enjoy the beautiful frames below and the interview…I sure did.
What was the moment when you knew you would be an architect?
I was raised in a culture of architecture and art. My father was an architect and a close family friend was artist Harold Balazs. As a kid, I worked for Harold in his studio and his approach to work, art and life continues to inspire me today. I didn’t originally want to be an architect. In college, I studied earth sciences and geophysics; I was also interested in art. It was during college that I realized that architecture was the perfect union of science and art…what Glenn Murcutt describes as the intersection of the rational and the poetic.
Is there something that connects all your projects?
I am a firm believer that everything you do…your life experiences…informs what you will do, and so forth.
Looking back at your first project what design knowledge do you wish you had back then?
When you start out as an architect, you don’t know what you don’t know.
What have been the rewards of practicing architecture?
Getting the chance to meet interesting people and work on interesting projects and sites. It helps, too, to have talented teams of people to work with and we are fortunate to have that. Ultimately, the success of our work is determined by those we design for, and whether what we do now holds up over time…that’s true sustainability.
How do you think the role of the architect will change over the next years?
No doubt it will change. I think the role of the architect will become more connected to the craft of building.
To date, you have been awarded a total of thirty-seven AIA awards, and over seventy awards total. What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Having clients tell me years after a project was completed that they continue to enjoy their house, and that it is a source of continual discovery, is a huge thrill.
Your favorite books?
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, by Robert M. Pirsig
In Praise of Shadows, by Jun’ichiro Tanizaki
The Wisdom of Insecurity, by Alan Watts
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey
A River Runs Through It, by Norman MacLean
What’s your advice to upcoming architects?
Have patience. The practice of architecture is complicated…there is so much to learn.
My signature question – what are the most important design elements?
Aside from the client’s program, the site is super important…the first time I walk a site is the most important…those first impressions inform everything that comes after. I think it is important to make the interaction with architecture meaningful…that can be achieved through the use of materials, by shifts in scale or function, and through the experience of space.
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Willkommen auf Design Elements - mein Blog über Interior Design, Inneneinrichtung und Inspiration.
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Wow. That is all that I can think of; WOW.
Great interview and absolutely stunning homes. I love how they all blend in so well with their environments, especially the first home with the green roof.
as much as i love the architecture and the interview–i absolutely one the surroundings! and the moss on the rock in that last image is a textural delight! happy new week maria…sending you a virtual hug right back! xx
Laß mal einen lieben Gruß hier
♥
I like the interview, nice nice
“Architecture as the intersection of the rational and the poetic”….Wow, Maria, you just keep raising the bar with your interviews! Tom Kundig himself, you go girl! Love visiting you everyday and seeing what is your beautiful mind up to. big hugs to you
Que lugar maravilhoso!!!!!
Aline
It was a real pleasure reading the interview, Maria. I liked what he said about “small structures in big landscapes remind us of our place in the natural order of things”. It makes perfect sense. The house on the cliff is incredible!
Ada
Wow! He has an amazing portfolio! Great interview, as always
xx
I always enjoy your interviews Maria, but I really feel like this interview with Tom Kundig is one of your best!
xo Mary Jo
Hi, and thanks for the lovely greetings on my pictures of the tulips yesterday:-)
In the post I just said that I am sick with the flue and hoping the view of wonderful flowers helps. And it does:-)
Best greetings from Elin – who thinks your blog is great!
oh my! I’ll repeat…oh my! Such an enjoyable interview. I am such a big fan of tk. Love his movie choices…and his advice about patience. very likeable guy. kudos, maria
Maria! hast du meine Antwort bekommen? Est ist hier. Guck mal!
“Maria! Ich möchte gern ein bisschen mehr von Euch (meine Leser) wissen. Deshalb habe ich gedacht, ein Teil euren Häuser in Achados de Decoração veröffentlichen. Was denkst du? Man soll eins oder viele Photo(s) mir schicken. Nimm das Raum das Du am liebsten mag, ok? Was liebst Du zu Haus am besten? Zum Beispeil: Liebst du dein Schlafzimmer am besten? Vielleicht liebst du dein Esszimmer, u.s.w ok? ;o)”
Love his use of nature and light.
I LOVE his style!!!
Kristin♥
Tom Kundig seems to have the utmost respect for his talent and where he leaves his mark. He’s very conscientious! A quality that I admire.
Amazing architecture!! Love his strong affection for the site as a start for his designs. Great interview
A little Labrador you said, is it still a puppy?
Maria, your interviews are fantastic and Kundig is one of my favorites, love his works, really fabulous.
Warm hugs to you my friend!
He has such a great background- and it truly is reflected in his work.
Wow Love his work