Guest blog by LAND+SHELTER’s own Kendra Oester
This is the story of how I, along with my family, built our modern, custom tiny home—a “Skoolie”.
First things first, what is a “Skoolie”? A Skoolie is a school bus that has been converted into a mobile living space— it’s essentially a tiny home on wheels. Skoolie enthusiasts are part of a growing movement of people embracing minimalist, nomadic lifestyles. Unlike traditional RVs, Skoolies are built on the sturdy chassis of a school bus, making them durable and road-ready .
We partnered with a well-known builder, a niche Skoolie YouTube star named Chuck Cassady, to help with the build. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to find the right team of craftspeople.
After a detailed search, we found a bus which had a former life as a Utah school activity bus. The bus number was 303, which inspired the name for the rig– Route 303. Newborn baby in tow, we flew to Denver, toured the build shop and, voila! We bought a 40’ long gutted school bus. What now?
As an architect, I took on the design challenge with enthusiasm, dreaming up many concepts, modeling and drawing them, and drafting the final design drawing set. My husband was my partner in this and proved to be an excellent collaborator, giving balance to our plans.
I was inspired by Scandinavian modern design principles that emphasize simplicity, functionality, efficiency, and a connection with nature. Our goal was to create spaces that were both cozy and aesthetically pleasing. Key elements included a focus on natural light, natural materials such as light woods, earthy textiles, a muted color palette, and uncluttered spaces —a “less is more” philosophy. The small footprint pushed me to get scrappy and inventive.
My view is that design constraints force creative problems solving and result in some of the most interesting architecture.
I designed custom Baltic birch cabinetry and furniture to make every inch of the tiny home work harder. Space optimization was key, and nearly every element had to be convertible or offer hidden storage. One standout example: a bench and table system that housed a shoe rack and concealed compartments and could be reconfigured to serve as either a dining table or an eating bar, depending on the arrangement. These multifunctional pieces weren’t just practical — they were central to the home’s identity. The built-in couch featured hidden storage in both the base and arms and was equipped with integrated seatbelts for four passengers — including car seats. A concealed television cabinet rose at the push of a button, adding a touch of luxury to the compact space. Sleeping comfort was a top priority; a king-sized bed was cleverly built over the engine compartment, while twin bunks for the boys included built-in bookcases, hidden storage, night lights, and a custom-welded ladder and guardrail for the kiddos’ safety. Every element of the built-in cabinetry and storage was designed to keep belongings secure and stable — whether barreling down the highway or bouncing along rugged back roads. For visuals of these elements check out LAND+SHELTER’s Instagram grid.
With young children in mind, I also prioritized features that supported daily routines — including a deep bathtub you could actually soak in, which was carefully fit into the layout despite the tight footprint. I also carved out space for a compact laundry nook with a European-style washer/dryer combo and pull-out drying racks, making it possible to handle laundry on the road. Rooftop solar powered all the electrical essentials — from the washer/dryer to the water heater — while other systems, like the propane stove, forced air diesel heater, and generous water storage ensured comfort in all conditions.
While the builder executed the construction and provided subject expertise, I led the design — creating a comfortable and beautiful home that was also functional, secure, and road-ready. My hands-on contributions included the hand-sewn blackout drapery, the sunset door mural, and exterior painting.
Our on-wheels adventure lasted two years, and we visited most of the American West searching for our new home off-wheels. From waking up to a winter sunrise over the Gulf of Mexico, to parking our home beside the red rocks of Zion, to sipping coffee by the tranquil waters of Lake Powell—these unforgettable moments all happened without ever leaving my front door. I’m so grateful I took the leap and embraced the magic of tiny, mobile living.
If you’re curious about designing for small spaces or dreaming up your own compact lifestyle, I could talk about it all day — and would love an excuse to do just that. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
PS. For more picture of our build and adventure you can check out Route303Bus on Instagram.
Plan. Build. Wander.
Kendra Oester, AIA
