The San Francisco architectural community is mourning the unexpected loss of Olle Lundberg, a visionary architect whose work helped define the aesthetic landscape of the Bay Area. Lundberg, best known for designing the iconic “wavy” Muni bus stop shelters that have become a symbol of the city’s public transit system, passed away on October 31, 2025, at the age of 71. His death was announced by his firm, Lundberg Design, where he had built a reputation as a pioneer of craft-driven, material-focused architecture.
Lundberg founded Lundberg Design in 1987, and quickly earned recognition for his unique approach to design, blending artistry with practicality. His work emphasized the tactile beauty of raw materials and an intimate understanding of structure and form, setting him apart from other architects of his time. In 1996, he moved his growing firm to the Dogpatch district in San Francisco, transforming a former mattress factory into an architectural studio and maker’s workshop. This space, located on Third Street, became not only the headquarters of Lundberg Design but a landmark in itself, embodying the principles of creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation.
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Beyond his famous Muni bus shelters, Lundberg’s influence can be seen in many notable projects throughout the Bay Area. His work on restaurants such as Flour + Water, Mourad, and The Slanted Door, as well as his interiors for the former Twitter headquarters, left a lasting mark on the city’s culinary and tech spaces. His portfolio also includes luxury residential projects that demonstrate his mastery of blending design and materiality.
Tributes to Lundberg have poured in from colleagues, friends, and members of the design community. His firm described him as “larger than life,” noting his ability to communicate the importance of design in both grand and intimate settings. “He had a unique take on the profession of architecture and the ability to describe important ideas about the significance of design at any scale,” the tribute read. “His legacy of craft and material-focused architectural design work has made an indelible imprint on the practice of architecture, which will be carried on by his firm.”
Lundberg was also a self-made innovator with a relentless drive for fabrication and craft. His hands-on approach to architecture inspired generations of designers and builders. In 2015, he published An Architecture of Craft, a book that detailed his design philosophy and passion for craftsmanship. At the time of his death, he had been preparing a series of book talks and events that will now be held in his memory.
Olle Lundberg’s legacy as an architect who merged creativity, craftsmanship, and design will continue to shape the Bay Area and the architectural community for years to come. His contributions to the profession, and his ability to inspire those around him, will not be forgotten.