Tom Kundig is principal/owner of the Seattle-based firm Olson Kundig Architects - and is perhaps best known for his isolated cabins, some elevated on poles, others jutting out of hillsides with stunning views of the American wilderness.
The former mountaineer is visiting New Zealand as a judge for the Home of the Year contest.
He is the winner of 18 national design awards from the American Institute of Architects.
Kundig talks to Kathryn Ryan.