Built Bill Gates’ home, then his own dream bunk-studio

He designed Bill Gates' 66,000-square foot home and a 139-million-dollar Portland federal building, but James Cutler was just as inspired building an 8-by-10 shed/studio with his daughter in their backyard.

“Everything in this world has a nature - institutions, people, places… There are things that land will accept and other things it will not accept and stay whole. The bottom line of that is I felt that our job once we decided to work with the nature of things was those things take on a will. And our job is to reveal that will, that spirit, and amplify it if we can.”

Using the same footprint as the old tool shed they razed to make way for the cabin, Cutler and his 12-year-old daughter spent eight months pouring a concrete foundation and building the structure from rough-sawn Douglas fir.

The dwelling is both kids’ hangout/sleepover space and Cutler’s design studio where he spends 12 hours per day designing award-winning buildings around the world. For Cutler design isn’t about size or cost, but about listening to the spirit of a space or place.

Photo credits:

[nata]

What I love about your videos, Kirsten, is how you let the home owners do all the talking and share their thoughts and visions for their home. No music, no narration, it's simple and I really appreciate it.

[zmacllc]

You can tell he has a profound love for nature as well as architecture, all while maintaining humility and showing each one the ultimate respect.

[victoryveshinojosa]

Got to study his work in college and I still refer to his work to this day. An amazing Architect to say the least.

[jakob]

Kirsten, every 2-3 months you upload a video which becomes my new favourite video of yours - and that's impressive considering the high standards of my old favourite videos of yours. Fantastic fantastic stuff, thank you

[pierrerossouw]

He has such a metered and relaxed way of speaking, yet he commands full attention. When he says something it has substance.

[knittingdoula]

I think that Mr. Cutler, with his close knit family and 40+ year poke game friends, has truly figured out the secret to a well-lived life. And it ain't a huge house. Bravo.

[EVM]

That slideshow of his work....wowzers. Each one looked nicer than the last.

[johnferraz]

Restraint is so much more powerful than reaction. Tha calm with which one speaks says a lot of one's humility. Thanks for sharing the experience of simplicity.

[RadarScreen]

This is Kirsten's finest work. Like Bolero, this story starts simply and then keeps crescendoing until the end.

[paulaneary]

It's the long term relationships that I notice. Plays poker with the same group for 40 some odd years. Totally awesome!

[chrispenney]

I like this guy a lot. All talent, no ego.

[sososanchez]

Imagine having him as your Dad/ Grampa creating bonds building something ..
Amazing..❤

[rjv_mntn]

The work he does and where he does it from. That's pure life goals.

[jeanlucturbo]

I would like more of him talking about anything, anything at all...please.

[lathcarlson]

We own one of his early houses on Vashon Island, and this makes me appreciate him even more! Really sweet.

[noahvargas]

I’ve been friends with another one of his daughters for at least 15 years. She told me her dad was an architect but damn, I didn’t know it was like that. I clicked on this video randomly and was like, wait, I’ve met that guy

[otosjvantolerbok]

The last part is stunning! His philosophy unroles, from big architecture to watering a tree. Simple and so clear.

[MrMakabar]

Rich, creative guy and living in a small house. Shows what matters in live.

[lat]

So beautiful! I mean, everything he built, the landscape, the respect for nature, the elevator!
Thanks Krysten, amazing vd, as always.

[vlatkodr]

He is wise, calm and rooted into his surrounding, and the whole world. His way of living and values resonate with me so deeply.