Mountain Living in Montana

Photo: Courtesy Locati Architects

More than a destination, Montana represents a way of life—one shaped by freedom, beauty and a deep, enduring connection to the land. Drawn by sweeping mountain ranges, clear rivers and vast open terrain, people are relocating in record numbers, seeking a daily relationship with nature rather than an occasional escape.

Practical considerations reinforce the appeal. The rise of remote work has freed many to choose where they live based on quality of life, while Montana’s lack of a statewide sales tax and relative freedom from congestion make the transition more sustainable. Layered with a rich cultural heritage and a quietly creative spirit, the state continues to attract those looking not just to relocate, but to live well—with intention and authenticity.

Here, we introduce the industry professionals who help bring that vision to life—accomplished architects, interior designers and builders whose work defines excellence in residential design. Together, they shape homes that reflect Montana’s spirit while elevating modern mountain living at its finest.

ENDURING DESIGN

Photo: Courtesy of Montana Expressions

Shaped by Montana’s landscape and a long-standing commitment to craftsmanship, MONTANA EXPRESSIONS has built a reputation for interiors that feel grounded, refined and personal. From Bozeman to Big Sky and beyond, the firm offers a thoughtful approach to home furnishings and interior design.

It seems there is a tendency to associate Montana interiors with a single look. How would you define the broader spectrum of styles that make up the Montana vernacular? 

Montana interiors are far more nuanced than a single rustic aesthetic. The vernacular spans refined mountain modern, heritage ranch, contemporary lodge and clean-lined Western minimalism—often layered with global influences. It balances craftsmanship, natural materials and a strong sense of place while allowing for restraint, sophistication and personal expression beyond clichés.

What inspires your team and helps shape your creative direction?

Our team is inspired by the Montana landscape, light and seasons as well as by art, architecture, fashion and travel. We draw equally from historic references and emerging design voices, letting context, client lifestyle and materials guide each project rather than a fixed style.

Photo: Courtesy of Montana Expressions

After more than 25 years in business, how does Montana Expressions continue to evolve—keeping both its interiors and curated inventory feeling current?

Montana Expressions stays current by remaining curious and selective. We continually refine our point of view, seek out new makers and evolve our inventory to reflect shifts in design, sustainability and how people live today—while maintaining the timeless quality and craftsmanship our clients expect.

Building on a long and successful history, what does the future hold for you? 

The future is about thoughtful growth: deeper creative collaboration, continued exploration of global and regional design and interiors that feel enduring, personal and relevant. We remain committed to honoring our history while embracing change with intention and clarity.

MONTANA EXPRESSIONS
Addi Sires, Owner, Principal
406-585-5839  |  Bozeman, Montana

Photo: Courtesy of Montana Expressions

EVOLVING WITH ELEGANCE

Photo: Courtesy of Hunter + CO

For 25 years, Whitefish-based interior design firm HUNTER + CO has been at the forefront of Montana’s design culture. Here, the firm shares what has fueled their longevity, how the region has evolved and what continues to define their work.

As your firm celebrates its 25th anniversary, what do you see as the key factors behind your continued success? 

We’ve never designed the same project twice. Twenty-five years in, and we’re still designing to push boundaries, to inspire our clients and to evolve. The design world moves fast and we move with it, but never at the expense of what matters: relationships built on trust, thoughtfulness and a consistent commitment to getting the details right the first time. Our showroom filled with home goods shows we’re invested in the full experience—we’re there from concept to the final on-site touches. We’re not just designers; we’re our clients’ partners and advocates, the people who ensure their homes feel like theirs.

Photo: Courtesy of Hunter + CO

Looking back over two and a half decades, how has the design landscape in Montana evolved?

The Flathead Valley exploded—what was once a quiet mountain town has become a destination, and the design industry had to evolve with it. We’ve seen every type of design: rustic lodges, stark modern, mountain contemporary and now this beautiful return to warmth with New Traditional. But through every shift, one thing remains constant: Every project we touch carries that original heart of design—rooted in place, elevated by craft, and made unforgettable through what is unique. That’s our signature. That’s the next 25 years.

HUNTER + CO
Hunter Dominick, Principal
406-862-1402  | Whitefish, Montana

Photo: Courtesy of Hunter + CO

ARCHITECTURE WITH INTENTION

Photo: Courtesy Locati Architects

For the accomplished team at LOCATI ARCHITECTS, architecture is an art form—one that connects people to the landscape through thoughtful design, blending innovative materials with classic style. Each custom home is layered with refined, personalized elements that elevate everyday living.

In a profession rooted in technical precision, where does artistry enter your work—and how do you balance creativity with function? 

Architecture has always required a careful balance—creating functional art within the constraints of a site, a budget and real-world performance. That balance is never simple. While recent advances in technology and design software can generate visually striking concepts, they don’t replace artistic judgment, an understanding of individual clients and their lifestyles, or the fundamentals of thoughtful, functional design. We’re fortunate to work with clients who recognize this distinction and value architecture that is both expressive and deeply livable.

Photo: Courtesy Locati Architects

How does the distinction between where a client lives and how they live influence the homes you design? 

One of our core responsibilities in designing a custom home is to respond to lifestyle as much as aesthetics. In many cases, that lifestyle is aspirational, which means part of our role is helping clients envision how their future home can support the way they want to live. It goes beyond simply providing space to store belongings. Instead, it’s about creating a thoughtful sequence of spaces that reflect daily rhythms, social interaction and meaningful connections to the surrounding landscape. More often than not, the how of living is deeply informed by the where—the specific place a client has chosen to build.

LOCATI ARCHITECTS
Greg Dennee, AIA, Senior Partner
406-587-1139 | Bozeman, Montana

Photo: Courtesy Locati Architects

RAISING THE BAR

Photo: Courtesy of Northern Heritage Builders

With uncompromising standards and hands-on leadership, NORTHERN HERITAGE BUILDERS brings a refined level of craftsmanship to Montana’s residential landscape. With decades of building experience, the firm offers not just a strong fit for the region, but an elevated option for clients seeking a luxury home builder in Whitefish and beyond.

Tell us a bit about your background in the building industry. 

Growing up within New England’s long-established building culture meant learning the craft through hands-on experience and time-tested tradition in a region known for rigorous inspections and exacting construction standards. After founding a large framing company in his early twenties, founder Conor Watson learned the business from the ground up—building not only structures but discipline, accountability and respect for the process.

Over a 25-year career working alongside highly skilled craftsmen who took pride in doing things right, he developed a deep appreciation for precision, durability and long-term performance. That foundation ultimately drew him west to Montana, where those same principles now guide homes designed to withstand demanding climates, endure for generations and feel deeply connected to the land.

Photo: Courtesy of Northern Heritage Builders

What sets your firm apart when it comes to the client experience and quality of execution? 

Northern Heritage Builders is a private-client, principal-led firm that works with a select number of clients each year. The focus remains firmly on craftsmanship, construction quality and execution rather than growth or volume. Every architect, craftsman and trade partner is carefully selected and aligned with Montana’s climate and cold-weather building demands.

Work is bespoke and relationship-driven, without layers of staff. Clients collaborate directly with decision-makers from concept through completion, resulting in a smoother process, confident decisions and homes that perform exceptionally well while feeling intentional in every detail.

NORTHERN HERITAGE BUILDERS
Conor Watson, Principal
406-909-0503 | Whitefish, Montana

Photo: Courtesy of Northern Heritage Builders

IN HIS ELEMENT

Photo: Courtesy of Reverence Architects

With over two decades of experience, architect Daryl Nourse established REVERENCE ARCHITECTS as his long-envisioned dream to create luxury custom homes blending landscape and lifestyle. Read on to learn how he and his team put their passion to work.

Photo: Courtesy of Reverence Architects

What is it about architecture, as both a creative discipline and a problem-solving process, that inspires your work?

What I love best is the way architecture balances imagination with rigor. Every project begins as a problem to be solved—layered with client priorities, site conditions, climate and environmental impact—but the solution is never purely technical. It requires creativity, curiosity and a willingness to explore. That interplay keeps the work engaging and ever changing. Each design is a fresh challenge, and within that challenge is the opportunity to create something meaningful, beautiful and lasting.

What benefits does a boutique firm like Reverence bring to the table? 

As a boutique practice, we bring a highly personal, engaged approach to every project. Respect—for our clients, the land and the process—guides our work, while curiosity and inspiration keep the design dialogue active and evolving. We are deeply involved from start to finish, fostering genuine relationships built on trust. That foundation allows us to create thoughtful, exceptional spaces that seamlessly align lifestyle and landscape through inspired, intentional design.

REVERENCE ARCHITECTS
Daryl Nourse, Principal
406-219-2240  |  Bozeman, Montana

Photo: Courtesy of Reverence Architects

ML promotion seen in Mountain Living’s March/April 2026 issue.