Paul Duncker, AIA

At HandsOn Design, we are a creative firm dedicated to blurring the distinction between art and craft. As a licensed architect in Wyoming, Colorado, and New York, I, Paul Duncker, AIA, have spent my career merging the process of designing buildings with the art of creating unique custom cabinetry, furniture, and architectural componentry. With over 30 years of experience in the field, our philosophy is rooted in the idea that designing a building is not just about creating a structure, but about crafting a work of art.

Our Story

I was inspired to become an architect by watching my cabinetmaker father work on projects in his study. I loved seeing the transformation of his designs come to life in the workshop. This passion for combining art and craft led me to pursue a career in architecture. With my degree in hand from New York City in 1985, I obtained my professional license in 1988. In 1999, I established HandsOn Design in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Our Services

At HandsOn Design, we offer a comprehensive range of services, including:

• Residential Architecture: From humble homes to majestic mansions, we design structures that not only provide shelter but also reflect the personalities of their owners.
• Commercial Architecture: Our expertise extends to designing offices, corporate headquarters, and other commercial spaces that foster productivity and efficiency.
• Componentry: We craft bespoke cabinetry, furniture, and architectural components that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
• Conceptual Planning: We offer comprehensive planning services, from community planning to project management.

Our Approach

Our approach to architecture is rooted in the idea that the various parts of a building are like the human body - bones, skin, muscles, organs, and circulatory systems. We believe in exposing these components and expressing the logic behind how they're put together. This philosophy is reflected in our designs, which often juxtapose different geometries and articulate multiple roof forms.

Our Portfolio

Our portfolio includes a wide range of projects, from public restrooms and affordable housing to corporate headquarters and private homes. We've had the privilege of working on the public restrooms for the Teton County Parks and Recreation Department and have designed affordable homes for the Housing Trust. Our firm's size has varied between one and five staff members, and we take pride in our hands-on approach, with the principal of the firm responsible for all design and project management work.

Awards and Publications

Throughout our tenure, we've been recognized for our outstanding design work. We've received the Wyoming AIA Award of Honor, the AIA Center for Communities by Design Certificate of Recognition for Design Excellence, and have been featured in publications such as Architectural Record, Fine Homebuilding, and Builder.