Olson Kundig
by Civilization
Award Level: Webby Nominee
Category Name: Architecture, Art & Design
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“The new site includes complex engineering for video content and interactivity. WP Engine’s support team was always available and helpful throughout our QA process.”
—Shaun Kardinal, Lead Web Developer, Civilization
Watch
When a principal owner at Olson Kundig said they wanted the new site to feel “cinematic,” it was a light bulb moment for the team at Civilization. They were able to use that idea as the through line during the build, ensuring every creative decision honored the visual acuity Olson Kundig hoped to achieve.
The challenge
Reimagine and extend a digital experience that tells the story of Olson Kundig’s evolution over the last five years, a period marked by significant growth, expansion of its offices and leadership, and refinement of its guiding principles.
Demystify Olson Kundig’s enigmatic reputation by giving users a deeper connection to the people and culture behind the firm’s projects.
Express the firm’s evolution while dramatically expanding capabilities for the types and volume of content it publishes in a way that’s visually appealing and does not hinder performance or user experience.
The solution
Civilization built a new digital solution using WP Engine’s platform that lifts the curtain, transforming mystery into meaningful transparency.
They collaborated closely with Olson Kundig to craft an experience that mirrors the warmth, sophistication, and bold experimentation of the studio culture. A dynamic timeline traces 60 years from the firm's origins through today's leadership.
The "Play" section reimagines the user’s discovery of multimedia content on the site as a streaming experience, where visitors can intuitively browse podcasts, interviews, home tours, and speaker series, making the firm's thought leadership as accessible as its architectural portfolio.
The results
The new website successfully transforms Olson Kundig's digital presence into an interactive, story-driven platform that authentically reflects their culture and creativity.
The new, Webby-nominated site invites curiosity and exploration rather than admiration from a distance, allowing visitors to connect not just with the firm's extraordinary work, but with the people, principles, and 60-year journey behind it.
The storytelling and content are delivered through a cohesive experience that balances cinematic visuals with exceptional performance.
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