Tom Kundig Collection
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Principal Designer
Tom Kundig
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Fabricator
12th Avenue Iron
The Tom Kundig Collection is a hardware and home furnishings line that grew out of Tom Kundig’s longstanding interest in crafting intimate, human-scaled experiences within architecture. Like his well-known kinetic building elements, the Tom Kundig Collection celebrates moments where people touch and physically engage the buildings they inhabit. Each piece in the collection is crafted and finished by hand, reminding us of the simple beauty found in the architectural elements we touch every day.
What began as a hardware collection of twenty-five small-scale steel pieces including cabinet pulls, rollers and door handles has expanded to a compendium of over 125 products, including furniture, lighting and household tools. Since its launch in 2012, the collection has continued to focus on straightforward yet materially rich designs that speak to Kundig’s commitment to the craft of architecture.
Seattle-based 12th Avenue Iron fabricates each piece in the collection at their local metalworking studio. Kundig worked with 12th Avenue Iron for several years on the fabrication of custom-designed architectural elements prior to teaming with them to develop the initial Tom Kundig Collection prototypes. In the beginning and still today, each new product in the collection develops from a project-specific design need.
Commercially available through 12th Avenue Iron, The Tom Kundig Collection is an extension of Kundig’s interest in designing approachable architecture that conveys an honesty of materials and emphasizes moments of human connection. Blackened steel remains a primary material for the collection, but most products are now also offered in bronze and stainless steel. The line translates Olson Kundig’s renowned full-service design approach to everyday objects that are tactile, human-scale and accessible.
The line represents my interest in a holistic approach to architecture. There’s often an assumption that architecture is about larger, more flamboyant responses, but I don’t think that’s necessarily true. I believe a true architectural experience is one that operates on both a macro and a micro scale. I’m interested in the smaller‑scale element of touch because it contributes to the overall experience of architecture.Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA
Team
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Principal Designer
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Design Coordinator
Awards
2016
Architizer A+ Awards, Jury Winner, Building Products: Hardware
2015
Architizer A+ Awards, Finalist
2014
Architizer A+ Popular Choice Awards, Finalist
Interior Design Best of Year Awards, Finalist
2013
World Interiors News Annual Awards, Interior Accessories Finalist
2012
Interior Design Magazine Best of Year Awards, Best of Year Award
2010
International Interior Design Association Northern Pacific Chapter INawards, Honorable Mention: Concept Fireplace Tools
Publications
2019
“Top 20 Kitchens + Bathrooms.” Gray Magazine, Feb/Mar. 2019, 92. Print.
2017
Dameron, Amanda. “The Best of New York Design Week 2017.” Dwell, 24 May 2017. Web.
Egan, Colleen and Lindsey Mather. “Architectural Digest Kitchens.” Boston Commons, 4 May 2017. Web.
“Jack Box Cabinet from 12th Avenue Iron.” Hospitality Design, 12 June 2017. Web.
“Locks and Loaded.” The Architect’s Newspaper, 26 June 2017. Web.
“Olson Kundig to present the Tom Kundig Collection Update.” Archiproducts, 3 July 2017. Web.
2015
Busta, Hallie. “Olson Kundig Takes on Luminaire Design.” Architectural Lighting, 3 Sept. 2015. Web.
“I design products ‘sort of like Frankenstein’ says Tom Kundig.” Dezeen, 15 July 2015. Web.
Kim, Sheila. “Catching Up With: Tom Kundig on Product Design.” Architizer, 16 Sept. 2015. Web.
Morris, Ali. “Products: Architects-Designed Hardware.” Architect, 1 Feb. 2015. Web.