Olson Kundig is well known for its support for the arts and its knack for creative collaborations. Now, the American firm is launching its own residency programme. Pictured: ’Underbelly’, a past collaboration between the Degenerate Art Ensemble and Olson Kundig, at the Seattle Center. Photography: Bruce Clayton Tom

Looking for your next challenge? American architecture office Olson Kundig has just launched its very first residency programme, in a quest to find the next new talent to instigate change and promote collaboration at their home base of Seattle.

The ‘Creative Exchange Residency Program’ project was conceived by the Olson Kundig Think Tank team. Inviting creative professionals from all corners of the earth to take part, the firm is offering a grant of $10,000 and space at the practice’s headquarters to the resident, who is expected to spend between two-to-four weeks working on their concept.

’We ask our collaborators, "What can we do together that we cannot do apart?"’ says Olson Kundig principle Alan Maskin. ‘This spirit is not only part of how we work with our collaborators, but also part of our fundamental office culture of critique and community.’

Olson Kundig has a long tradition in creative collaborations and supporting the arts. Previous projects range from collaborations at the firm’s own Seattle pop-up, the [storefront] creative space, and a competition win for a storytelling and illustration contest.

Meanwhile, past collaborators have included artists, choreographers, writers, chefs, scientists, fashion designers, and horticulturists – and this new stage in the firm’s history is aiming to see even more disciplines getting involved in the architecture and product design firm’s daily work.

The call for applications will remain open until 1 August. The winner’s name will be announced later that month, with a view for them to kick-start their residency by the end of the year.