Olson Kundig leadership announced today that the firm has opened a Chicago office. This new locale marks Olson Kundig’s third location. The firm was founded in Seattle by Tom Kundig and Jim Olson in 1966 and has been headquartered in the city ever since. Then the office became bi-coastal in 2022 when it opened its New York abode.
The new workplace is located in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood. Moving forward, it will serve as a hotbed for Olson Kundig’s midwest projects—a region the firm has been active in since 2004. The move, office leaders said, places Olson Kundig closer to the birthplace of modern American architecture.
“For over 150 years, Chicago architects have carved out a reputation for big thinking and an ability to reimagine our built world,” said Tom Kundig, Olson Kundig principal and founder. “We are honored to join this incredible community of designers, makers, and creatives.”
Today, Olson Kundig has over 350 employees and projects in six continents including buildings that AN has recently covered along Atlanta’s BeltLine, in the Bay Area, and in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The decision to open up shop in Chicago reienforces the studio’s commitment to working in urban settings.
“For decades Olson Kundig has been deeply committed to excellence in design, enabled by profound relationships forged with our clients. We have always worked globally, and across building types. Expanding to Chicago, a vibrant city with a historic culture of design and urbanism, is an obvious choice for Olson Kundig,” added Kirsten Ring Murray, principal and owner of Olson Kundig. “We’re excited to weave the spirit of the Pacific Northwest into that rich history.”
