Architecture - Saunders and Wilhelmsen Build Their Own Plans

You might think an architect’s job is relatively simple—create building designs and then sell them, rinse and repeat. That process works best for established architects, however, who’ve built up a network of clients. It can be incredibly difficult for young, inexperienced architects to find a client willing to take a chance on their enthusiasm alone.

Norwegian architects Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen faced this dilemma head on by building their own designs. This summer house is found in Hardanger and is completely self-initiated and self-financed.

Their design for a wooden lookout in Aurland, Norway features a daring slope over fjords, forests and a tiny town.
A self-initiated and self-financed project. The main dilema [sic] for emerging architects is finding clients willing to take a chance with young, enthusiastic architects that have limited experience? When we first started our firm, instead of looking for clients we went looking for plots, to build an experimental structure. Doing this, we could pursue our architectural vision in line with our convictions: uncomprimising, original and respect for the landscape. (saunders.no)