Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen

Seattle, Washington Based Firm

Thirty-five years ago, Jim Olson started a firm based on some simple ideas: that buildings can serve as a bridge between nature and culture and between people, and that inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on people's lives. Today the firm has taken those ideas to creative levels only dreamed of not so long ago. The firm's work, including museums, college and university buildings, places of worship, and residences””often for art collectors””is now nationwide.
Together the four principals””Jim Olson, Rick Sundberg, Tom Kundig and Scott Allen””have created an office with a national reputation garnered through a dedication to their projects, and recognized in extensive publications and awards, both in the United States and internationally. The office has the capacity of a large firm””computerized, diversified, and skilled in every aspect of planning, design and management””balanced by the rich interaction and high-level intensity of a small one. With over sixty people in the firm, at least one of the four principals is deeply involved in each project.
The firm, with extensive experience in the making of a wide array of building types, is able to bring what is learned from the living room to the museum; and what is learned from the church to the campus, and so on. This synthesizing of information is ongoing and serves as an endless source of creative energy. The firm's commitment to vigorous, critical design review sessions has infused its designers with a shared sense of deep commitment to every project.