Kirsten Ring Murray, Faia

As principal and owner of Olson Kundig, Kirsten Ring Murray (Envd’86) creates architecture grounded in a residential framework. Since joining the firm in 1989, she has applied these foundational principles across diverse typologies, locations, populations, and economies, producing designs that resonate deeply with their context. Kirsten views her practice as an opportunity to directly impact those who inhabit these spaces while also expanding the scale and reach of Olson Kundig’s work. Her cross-disciplinary approach drives high-impact projects across North America, Europe, and Asia, encompassing residences, mixed-use buildings, galleries, museums, and urban designs.

Guided by her ethos, "bloom where you're planted," Kirsten has overseen the evolution of Olson Kundig into an internationally acclaimed design firm with over 350 team members. She has steered a multi-generational culture of continuous learning and mentorship, co-founding initiatives that earned the firm the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Firm Award in 2009. Kirsten’s contributions to architecture led to her elevation to the AIA College of Fellows in 2016. She has also served as chair, trustee, treasurer, and vice-chair on the National AIA Trust Board and as Treasurer of AIA Seattle.

Over the course of her career, Kirsten's projects have been recognized by local, regional, and national AIA awards across typologies, from commercial and multi-family projects like 800 5th Avenue Repositioning and 8899 Beverly Boulevard, to housing projects like Art Stable and Outpost, and museum projects like Seattle Office of Arts & Culture. Her work has also been recognized by the Architizer A+ Awards, LIV Hospitality Design Awards, and the Chicago Athenaeum, and more. Additionally, Kirsten appears on podcasts and contributes to design publications like Architectural Digest and Metropolis. She has been profiled by Madame Architect, and her work featured in outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Interior Design, Architectural Record, Architecture, and more.