Architecture begins with curiosity. For Olson Kundig principal Alan Maskin, designing critical and creative spaces starts with how we imagine new worlds together. Drawn to the strange and extraordinary, Alan leads an interdisciplinary team of architects, designers and visual artists on bringing narrative-based projects to life. Based in the Pacific Northwest, he has built a range of inspiring cultural projects around the world.
From museums and rooftop parks to graphic novels, Alan's portfolio is defined by curiosity and wonder. Recently, his team was awarded first place in multiple international design competitions, including the new Bob Dylan Center, The Jewish Museum Berlin Kindermuseum, and Fairy Tales 2016, the world’s largest architectural ideas competition. Alan joined Olson Kundig in 1992, and has since worked to develop the firm’s cultural portfolio, including recent projects like renovating Seattle’s iconic Space Needle. In an interview with ArchDaily editor Eric Baldwin, Alan discusses the role of narrative in the studio, as well as what it means to design with a collective spirit.
