In my work, I’ve always been driven to explore the edges and to exploit the uniqueness of every project.

Mark Olthoff

Principal / Owner | AIA, LEED AP

Principal/owner Mark Olthoff is an explorer in both life and design. With a strong foundation in residential architecture, he distills the core needs of clients, sites, and programs, guiding projects from concept to completion. His client-centered approach demystifies the design process, translating client desires into tailored designs that not only meet but also anticipate their needs.

His design process embraces experimentation and risk, always with the goal of foregrounding a project’s defining essence. “In my work, I’m excited to explore what makes each project unique,” Mark says. “For me, the challenge is finding design solutions that feel effortless but are built on the complexity of teamwork, process, and poetry.”

Since joining Olson Kundig in 2003, Mark has worked on a diverse portfolio that includes houses, cabins, hospitality, commercial, workplace, and cultural projects. He has lived and studied in France, Colombia and Mexico and his extensive travels reflect his deep curiosity for cultural exchange, enabling him to excel in varied environments worldwide.

A longtime advocate for the arts, Mark is actively involved in Olson Kundig’s creative and art initiatives as well as in the broader communities of New York and Seattle through his service as the President of the Board of Directors of Artist Trust, the Board of Shunpike, and as a frequent guest critic at the University of Washington. He has led many of the firm’s cultural endeavors, including Olson Kundig’s international Internship Program, its weekly Speaker Series program, and in-house design competitions. Although Mark is primarily based in New York City, he remains a regular presence in the Seattle office.