Olson Kundig

Designing with Principles

Olson Kundig is a global design practice that bridges the built and natural landscapes. In 2022, the firm underwent a period of significant growth, expanding their offices and leadership, and redefining their guiding principles. We needed to reimagine their website through the lens of these principles, and revisited everything – from the structure to the aesthetic, content to features. We collaborated closely with their team to craft a cinematic experience that mirrors the warmth, sophistication, and bold experimentation of their work and studio culture. A dynamic and personalized timeline traces key moments in the firm’s journey, offering a look back at the origins leading to its founding up thru today. A standout feature is the immersive “Play” section, where we designed a streaming-like experience for rich media. Visitors can easily browse podcasts, interviews, home tours, and the firm’s speaker series.

Lifting the Curtain

Building off of the framework of the site we designed and developed for Olson Kundig in 2019, we reimagined how to bring their digital presence into a new era for the firm – with an evolved global reach, new offices in New York and Chicago, an expanded ownership/leadership group, and an intentional focus on storytelling – from the inside-out. Through an extensive research process, we identified a key opportunity to address a gap in the firm’s public perception. The firm’s enigmatic reputation created a sense of mystery.

The new website aims to “lift the curtain” on Olson Kundig, transforming their digital presence into an interactive, story-driven platform that encourages curiosity and exploration. In collaboration with Olson Kundig’s internal team, who refreshed the firm’s brand identity during the process, we consulted on a revised type system and design framework to create a cohesive, engaging user experience. The result is a site that authentically reflects Olson Kundig’s culture and creativity, while inspiring users to immerse themselves in the stories behind the firm’s extraordinary work.

Client: Olson Kundig
Era: 2018 - Ongoing
Type: Identity, Digital, Strategy
  • Principals: Michael Ellsworth, Corey Gutch
  • Creative Direction: Michael Ellsworth
  • Interactive/UX Direction: Corey Gutch
  • Research: Raya Leary
  • Brand Refresh: Internal Olson Kundig Team
  • Interface Design: Òscar Viñas
  • Web Development: Shaun Kardinal
  • Account and Project Management: Trish Chua
  • Photography and Videography: Elizabeth Rudge, Judson Felder, Kyle Johnson
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