# Self-Financed Architecture Saunders and Wilhelmsen Build Their Own Plans By Marissa Brassfield | Published 2008-08-26 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-financing-for-new-architects-saunders-and-wilhelmsen-build-own-plans References: [apartmenttherapy](http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/ny/travel/tiny-norwegian-summer-house-by-todd-saunders-and-tommie-wilhelmsen-060860) & [saunders.no](http://www.saunders.no/pro_01_01.html) You might think an architect's job is relatively simple -- create building designs and then sell them, rinse and repeat. That process works best for established architects, however, who've built up a network of clients. It can be incredibly difficult for young, inexperienced architects to find a client willing to take a chance on their enthusiasm alone. [Norwegian architects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hytte-riverview) Todd Saunders and Tommie Wilhelmsen faced this dilemma head on by building their own designs. This [summer house](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sommarhus-e) is found in Hardanger and is completely self-initiated and self-financed. We've seen Saunders and Wilhelmsen's work before at TrendHunter. Their design for a [wooden lookout](http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heart-stopping-views-award-winning-lookout-design-in-norway) in Aurland, Norway features a daring slope over fjords, forests and a tiny town. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Self-financed Architecture:** Opportunity for young architects to take control of their own projects and financing, bypassing the challenges of finding clients. - **Entrepreneurial Architecture:** Architects building their own designs and taking the initiative to bring their ideas to life. - **Alternative Funding in Architecture:** Exploring unconventional methods of financing in the architecture industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Disruptive innovation opportunities for architects to break free from traditional client-based models and create their own projects. - **Construction:** Opportunity to collaborate with self-financed architects and implement unique and innovative designs. - **Real Estate:** Potential to invest in and market self-financed architecture projects as alternative and cutting-edge options. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Prefabricated Exposed Structural Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-unfinished-house.md) - [Dynamic Y-Shaped Glazed Houses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-y-house.md) - [Dedicated-Space Holiday Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/two-sisters.md) - [Off-Grid Self-Sufficient Island Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/earth-house.md) - [Self-Designed Evolving Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/six-columns.md) - [Architectural Tranquil Cabin Retreats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bolder-londges.md) - [Creative Work-Encouraging Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silver-lining-house.md) - [Salvaged Material-Made Saunas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upcycled-sauna.md) - [Log Cabin-Inspired Minimal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restua.md)