Summary: In this podcast, Jim Olson, FAIA, Rick Sundberg, FAIA, and Tom Kundig, FAIA, compare the structure of their Seattle-based firm to one of their first design projects—the Pike and Virginia Building in Seattle. This building, from the firm’s early history more than 30 years ago, is a mixed-use loft and studio residential project primarily inhabited by designers that allowed residents to display their individual design sensibilities prominently, yet within a shared structural framework.

Likewise, Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects is set up for maximum creative pursuit and endeavor within a simple, common structure. Such an approach to firm culture requires a high level of trust to work within such boundaries, yet still remain open to new ideas. To develop their firm culture in new employees, the principals hold weekly crit sessions in the evenings where everyone’s projects are openly discussed and input is requested. All of this allows unique design personalities to develop and add their singular contributions to the entire firm’s body of work.

Pocast link: https://soundcloud.com/aianational/oska/download.mp3