Mountain Livng in Lake Tahoe
An exclusive slate of experienced industry professionals making it all happen.
In recent years, the Lake Tahoe area has drawn a remarkable influx of new residents, as people sought refuge in one of the most beautiful places in the country. While things have leveled off to a certain degree, the market has remained hot for professionals across the residential design and construction industry. Discerning buyers, many seeking second or third residences, as well as those looking to renovate long-held properties, are fueling demand for tailored designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and cutting-edge sustainable technology.
Here, we introduce an exclusive slate of experienced industry professionals making it all happen. From architects, interior designers, and custom home builders who conceive and deliver exquisite homes to a luxury residential development, their exceptional and innovative work stands out. From the pristine waters of Lake Tahoe to the Sierra Nevada’s towering granite cliffs, lush forests, and miles of trails, the region’s year-round appeal makes it an unbeatable destination for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and those looking to unwind in a stunning alpine setting. Meet the visionaries behind these exceptional projects—and discover what’s possible.
VILLA RUSTICANA
Photo: Courtesy of KTG Design
Nestled among the pines of Martis Camp, Villa Rusticana is a new-construction retreat designed as a refined interpretation of a European mountain lodge. Learn how KTG Design helped shape a home that feels both elevated and relaxed: an expression of quiet luxury set within the beautiful Tahoe landscape.
How did you bring the clients’ desire for warmth and livability to life?
The clients envisioned a home that felt warm, grounded and textural—luxurious yet entirely livable. Our goal was to deliver a fully turnkey residence tailored to the way this family lives and entertains. Throughout the home, plaster walls, reclaimed wood beams, natural stone and artisanal finishes create a layered atmosphere that feels collected, timeless and deeply connected to its surroundings.
Photo: Courtesy of KTG Design
What was your approach in shaping the overall mood of the home?
While the architecture is crisp and modern, the interiors draw on Old World design, rich in patina and craftsmanship. Organic materials and a nature-driven palette of moss, tobacco, putty, charcoal and soft neutrals set the tone, while reclaimed woods, hand-formed tile, aged brass and sculptural lighting layer in warmth and soul.
What design challenges did this home present, and how did you overcome them?
The scale of the great room—with soaring ceilings and expansive glazing—called for thoughtful layering to preserve intimacy. Oversize woven pendants, richly toned rugs, plush upholstery and grounded furnishings anchor the volume while maintaining its architectural drama. Another challenge was creating a truly collected aesthetic within a new build. Incorporating reclaimed elements, artisanal materials and curated pieces introduced depth and history without compromising cohesion.
KTG Design
Katie Geresy, Founder & Principal Designer
530-448-0037 | Truckee, California
Photo: Courtesy of KTG Design
CAMP LACHMAN
Photo: MWA – Architecture, Engineering, and Interiors
At MWA – Architecture, Engineering, and Interiors, the mission is clear: responsibility to the community, the environment, the user and the soul, all while operating as a casual, down-to-earth company with a sense of humor. That vision is embodied in this project; a timeless Tahoe retreat that unfolds as a sequence of light-filled spaces, grounded in nature and defined by a quiet sense of shelter.
Share the story of this home with our readers.
Thoughtfully sited along a west-to-east ridge, this mountain home captures expansive southern views and maximizes winter solar gain. Organized around a central courtyard, the design draws sunlight deep inside while preserving privacy from neighboring sightlines.
Rather than a single mass, the home unfolds as a series of vernacular-inspired forms linked by modern glass connectors, creating a subtle dialogue between old and new, traditional and contemporary. Inside, vaulted living spaces, protected outdoor rooms and thoughtfully placed bedroom wings balance gathering with retreat, resulting in a light-filled mountain sanctuary deeply connected to nature.
Photo: MWA – Architecture, Engineering, and Interiors
What was the toughest design tension to solve and the most gratifying to experience?
The most challenging aspect was merging the traditional architecture and modern design theories through form, function and materials all while being cohesive, authentic and integrated. The reward has been experiencing the sense of ease and peacefulness each space creates. It is fascinating to watch people take a deep breath as they ground themselves upon arrival.
Where did your mountain-specific expertise prove essential?
Designing for deep-snow mountain living requires complex problem-solving—from solar orientation and protected entries to structural integration and durable materials. Equally important was creating an intimate home for two, yet flexible for generations. Close collaboration across architecture, engineering, interiors and construction made that balance possible.
MWA – Architecture, Engineering, and Interiors
Kristi Thompson and Kurt Reinkens, Principals
530-587-6257 | Truckee, California
Photo: MWA – Architecture, Engineering, and Interiors
ALPINE SUMMIT
Photo: Courtesy of Altitude Design
Creating interior spaces that are aesthetically inspiring and functionally practical is second nature for designer Colette Fonseca of Altitude Design. We sat down with her to learn more about her latest mountain home design.
What vision guided the design of this cabin? The goal for this home was to build a sustainable Scandinavian Modern family cabin that honors both legacy and landscape while maintaining a modest budget. Set on a breathtaking, heavily forested lot on Donner Summit, excavation costs quickly became a defining factor. Rather than fight the site, the team worked with it.
Timber cleared during construction was milled and thoughtfully reintroduced throughout the interiors, reducing waste and grounding the home in its surroundings. Every decision prioritized efficiency, low carbon impact and smart material use, proving that sustainability and budget-conscious building can coexist beautifully.
Photo: Courtesy of Altitude Design
How did your design approach shape the final result?
We embraced restraint. Scandinavian Modern design calls for clarity and intention, so we focused on simple details executed exceptionally well. With an abundance of blue pine sourced directly from the site, the palette remained minimal, allowing the wood to take center stage. Its most dramatic expression is a three-story integrated feature wall, fully clad in blue pine and articulated with vertical LED channels that cast a warm, ambient glow. The result is understated yet striking—a cozy, light-filled cabin where craftsmanship and material honesty define the experience.
Altitude Design
Colette Fonseca, ASID, NCIDQ, Principal,
530-563-5088 | Truckee, California
Photo: Courtesy of Altitude Design
EXPERIENCE MATTERS
Photo: Courtesy of Lamperti Construction, Inc.
Custom-home builder Joe Lamperti explains how a collaborative team approach allows his firm to bring even the most complex designs to life, spanning styles from Mountain Modern to classic Tahoe and everything in between.
What role does your team play in bringing a luxury mountain home to life?
Our role is guiding the architectural vision through construction while ensuring the home performs in a demanding mountain environment. In high-snow-load regions like Tahoe, careful planning is essential to address long winters, seasonal shifts and durability. We work closely with architects and designers to translate their ideas into structures that are efficient, resilient and practical
to maintain.
Photo: Courtesy of Lamperti Construction, Inc.
How does your process keep complex projects on track?
Project management is the backbone of our work. We coordinate timelines, budgets and subcontractors so every phase progresses smoothly. Communication is especially important since many clients are second- or third-homeowners who live elsewhere. Just as critical is assembling the right team. We rely on the expertise of highly skilled craftsmen and trade professionals to bring our visions to life, ensuring exceptional quality across every detail.
What part of the process is most rewarding for you personally?
Projects often span 18-24 months and involve constant problem-solving and attention to detail. The most rewarding moment comes when homeowners move in and begin living in the space. Seeing how they enjoy and appreciate the home makes the entire process worthwhile.
Lamperti Construction, Inc.
Joe Lamperti, President
530-550-1505 | Truckee, California
Photo: Courtesy of Lamperti Construction, Inc.
SILVER FOX
Photo: Courtesy of HSH Interiors
HSH Interiors, in trusted partnership with Laney LA Architecture and In House Builders, leads this striking new build at Northstar at Tahoe, designed as a second home today and a future full-time retreat. Rooted in a long-standing collaboration, the residence blends precision, warmth and seamless indoor-outdoor living—an effortless expression of modern
Tahoe style.
What was your approach to ensuring the interiors felt cohesive with the architecture?
As interior designers, we bring our own specific perspective to every project, working alongside architects and builders to develop interior layouts of homes for maximum efficiency and usability. It’s our job to understand our clients’ needs, values and perspectives, and develop a space that is both beautiful and functional.
For this project, we collaborated closely with the Laney LA team to develop the gorgeous exterior wood siding that wrapped to the interior plus wood flooring and millwork. We also custom-designed the terrazzo for the fireplace, bar and powder room.
Photo: Courtesy of HSH Interiors
What was the biggest hurdle during construction, and what made it all worth it in the end?
Our biggest setback was the snow. In Tahoe, winter brings a dig moratorium, and despite racing to pour the foundation, the season hit before we could get the structure framed in and closed. The clients chose to pause construction until spring, adding time but avoiding the cost and hassle of constant snow removal. The most rewarding moment is always the final walk-through, when clients see their finished home and respond with pure emotion and joy.
HSH Interiors
Holly Hollenbeck
415-702-6460 | Truckee, California
Photo: Courtesy of HSH Interiors
INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS
Photo: Courtesy of Spadi Custom Homes
Built on a foundation of honesty, trust and quality craftsmanship, Spadi Custom Homes was born from a lifelong connection to the jobsite. Rooted in hard work, clear communication and creativity, the business is about relationships built with integrity among clients, employees and trade partners alike.
What part of the building process lights you up?
It’s the moment a client or designer brings forward an ambitious idea without knowing how it can be built. That spark when vision meets possibility is what drives us. Custom homes are rooted in collaboration, and the most rewarding projects are those where the entire team rallies around creative problem-solving. Translating imagination into structure, while honoring budget, physics and performance, is where craftsmanship truly shines.
Photo: Courtesy of Spadi Custom Homes
In your work, how do you balance form and function?
We believe function should feel effortless. The best solutions are often hidden behind thoughtful detailing; integrated storage, tailored millwork, carefully selected woods and hardware that serve quietly but beautifully. Our role is to listen closely, then apply research, engineering and creativity to deliver something that looks refined while working hard behind the scenes.
What are a couple examples of behind-the-scenes design moves that made a big impact on daily life?
In one home, unused attic space became a balcony library overlooking the great room, adding warmth and architectural interest. In another, we designed a fully custom mudroom and garage system for a family with 4 kids complete with personal lockers, ski and bike racks, motorized ceiling storage and boot heaters, proving that mountain living can be both elevated and exceptionally practical.
Spadi Custom Homes
Brett Spadi, Owner and Lead
530-212-0208 | Tahoe Vista, California
Photo: Courtesy of Spadi Custom Homes
ON TREND
Photo: Courtesy of ID.3
The top-notch team at ID.3 has been a trusted presence in the Tahoe design community for decades. Their experienced team brings a distinctive perspective to vision, process and communication, carving out a unique niche in the Tahoe and Truckee area and across the West Coast.
As a longtime Lake Tahoe resident and design professional, you’ve seen styles and fads come and go. How do you “trend-proof” your designs?
Experience helps us recognize the lifespan of ideas. Rather than chasing trends, we anchor homes in timeless architecture, authentic materials and proportions that feel right in the landscape. Tahoe itself has evolved, so flexibility matters. When the foundation is classic and well-executed, a home can adapt gracefully over time without feeling dated.
Photo: Courtesy of ID.3
What’s the key to a successful homeowner/designer partnership?
It starts with connection. We often collaborate with clients for years, so trust and mutual respect are essential. Clear, consistent communication keeps expectations aligned and challenges manageable.
Equally important are the systems behind the scenes. We are not only innately creative and articulate, we’re also meticulous about project management, budgeting and documentation so clients aren’t burdened by the minutiae. When the relationship is strong and the process disciplined, projects are timely and enjoyable from start to finish.
What features are your clients most frequently requesting these days?
Wellness is front and center. Clients want pools, salt saunas, steam rooms and hot tubs that support everyday health. Thoughtful lighting plays a role as well. And with remote work here to stay, dedicated home offices that truly function have become essential.
ID.3 Interior Design (Osnap Inc.)
Shannon Barter, President and Principal Designer
530-581-2895 | Tahoe City, California
Photo: Courtesy of ID.3
TAHOE BEACH CLUB THE HELM
Photo: Courtesy of Tahoe Beach Club
Set along one of Lake Tahoe’s most coveted stretches of shoreline, The Helm represents a final, exclusive chapter at Tahoe Beach Club . Here, privacy and polish meet panoramic meadow and mountain views, all wrapped in a true lakefront resort experience. It’s an offering that is both rare and remarkably refined.
Tell us about The Helm. What makes this project so special?
The Helm is the most private and coveted release within Tahoe Beach Club. Inspired by timeless brownstone architecture, each private residence feels like its own alpine retreat, complete with a spacious balcony overlooking open meadows and East Peak. Refined touches like collapsible balcony doors, high-end appliances and elevated finishes deliver effortless luxury, all framed by sweeping Sierra views that feel both intimate and expansive.
Photo: Courtesy of Tahoe Beach Club
How would you describe Tahoe Beach Club’s signature resort lifestyle?
It’s lakefront living at its most indulgent. Members enjoy a private beach and clubhouse with umbrellas, loungers and beachside service bringing beverages and lunch straight to your chair. Paddleboards, kayaks and water toys await, along with a refreshing lakefront pool. The social calendar is equally compelling: guest chefs, wine tastings, member events, ski club outings and outdoor adventures. Add to that a full-service spa, fitness center and lakeside dining at the Starboard Bar and Grill, and you’ve got the perfect getaway.
Anything else buyers should know?
Less than two miles from the California state line, Tahoe Beach Club offers Nevada tax advantages along with extraordinary access to the lake. Opportunities like The Helm rarely come along—this is legacy lakefront living at its finest.
Tahoe Beach Club
Shayla Hope, Director of Sales
775-434-4892 | Stateline, Nevada
Photo: Courtesy of Tahoe Beach Club
RAISING THE BAR
Photo: Courtesy of Talie Jane Interiors
With a growing portfolio of successful projects, Talie Jane Interiors’ reputation for excellence is creating a powerful ripple effect throughout Lake Tahoe. Last year, their firm underwent an ambitious expansion. Here, we sit down with them to hear about the momentum of their newest initiatives.
What sort of impact is your luxury furniture showroom making on the Tahoe community?
Our showroom provides a unique opportunity for our clients to truly see, touch, and experience the exceptional quality of the pieces we source from our trusted vendors, showcasing the level of craftsmanship and refinement we bring to every project.
In addition, the showroom has quickly become a vibrant hub for design inspiration and community through our curated Design & Wine evenings. Each month we explore a new topic, guest speaker or interactive experience. From styling coffee tables and bookshelves to creating holiday tablescapes, designing spa-inspired bathrooms, exploring stone and tile trends, and more, each event is thoughtfully designed to educate, inspire, and elevate. We’re proud of the strong and growing following these events have cultivated.
Photo: Courtesy of Talie Jane Interiors
How is the construction arm of your business progressing?
Talie Jane Construction has experienced remarkable growth! With a growing portfolio of successful projects, our reputation for excellence expands. What truly sets us apart is our seamless, design-forward approach as a one-stop firm offering construction, interior design, custom cabinetry, window treatments and closet organization systems all under one roof.
By integrating every element of the process, we provide a cohesive vision while saving our clients both time and money. Our design-centric philosophy ensures that every detail is considered from concept through completion. We’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead and look forward to continuing to raise the bar in both design and construction.
Talie Jane Interiors
Talie Jane, Principal Designer and Owner
855-825-4352 |Stateline, Nevada
Photo: Courtesy of Talie Jane Interiors
SPLIT GABLE HOME
Photo: Courtesy of Sierra Sustainable Builders
With deep respect for Tahoe’s fragile alpine environment, Sierra Sustain Builders embraces high-performance building as a sustainable solution: reducing energy demand, improving durability, and delivering occupant health in a demanding mountain climate. Here, they share the results of their latest exceptional build.
Give our readers an overview of this exceptional property.
This primary residence is a study in quiet mountain modernism. The homeowners envisioned a calm, comfortable home guided by a restrained palette and subtle detailing. A Scandinavian sensibility shapes the design: a moody, dark exterior leading to a lighter interior layered in warmth and texture. The result is a contemporary retreat grounded in its setting, durable for Tahoe’s seasons and refined for everyday living.
Photo: Courtesy of Sierra Sustainable Builders
What priorities shaped the way this home was built and performs?
Indoor air quality was of utmost importance. By carefully air-sealing the building envelope, the homeowners control the circulation of filtered fresh air throughout the home. A robust insulation package, including exterior mineral wool insulation, enhances fire resistance and wraps the structure in a continuous thermal blanket. Durable exterior cladding, paired with a rain screen assembly, promotes proper drying and ensures the long-term performance of the siding.
Which features make the home uniquely suited to the homeowners’ lifestyle?
Designed for an active Tahoe lifestyle, the home features an outdoor wellness area with a cedar hot tub, cold plunge and sauna, plus a greenhouse just off the kitchen for fresh herbs and vegetables. An oversized garage offers gear storage and a ski and bike tuning workspace, while a private guest suite above provides cozy accommodations for visitors.
Sierra Sustain Builders
Cory Hannaford, Partner
530-318-2084 | South Lake Tahoe, California
Photo: Courtesy of Sierra Sustainable Builders
THE LUCKY SEVEN LODGE
Photo: Courtesy of Joanna Branzell
Since launching her own design firm in 2018, Joanna Branzell has specialized in creating beautiful, inviting livable spaces. Working on some of the most stunning, award-winning homes in Lake Tahoe and beyond, Joanna understands how to bring each client’s unique vision to life. This striking Nevada home captures the essence of mountain living with elegant warmth and cozy restfulness.
What was the inspiration for this impressive project?
The inspiration came from both the surrounding landscape and the client’s deep love of Nevada’s rich history. We leaned into natural textures and heritage-driven materials that feel rooted and authentic, incorporating reclaimed wood, layered textiles, and warm leather accents to evoke the spirit of the region while keeping the overall palette fresh and refined.
Photo: Courtesy of Joanna Branzell
What was the team’s proudest moment upon completion?
Achieving harmony between rugged and contemporary elements was both the project’s greatest challenge and its greatest triumph. The result is a cohesive environment that feels effortlessly livable. With Joanna’s expertise in spatial planning and material coordination, the expansive architecture remains inviting and intimate—a true gathering place that speaks to the character, comfort, and enduring spirit of Tahoe living.
Joanna Branzell Interior Design
Joanna Branzell, Founder and CEO
775-622-2680 | Reno, Nevada
Photo: Courtesy of Joanna Branzell
LUXURY REAL ESTATE MARKETING
Photo: Courtesy of KR Squared
Get to know KR Squared, a modern marketing firm specializing in luxury hospitality and real estate. Through data-driven strategy and cinematic storytelling, their full-service creative team develops campaigns that inspire emotion and deliver
lasting value.
What does luxury mean in Tahoe and the Mountain West today?
Luxury has evolved into something more intentional. It used to be defined by scale and finishes—and yes, those still matter. But today, they’re just the baseline. What buyers care about now is how a home lives. It’s waking up connected to the landscape, experiencing indoor-outdoor flow, and design that supports life after a ski day or summer on the trails. Plus, turnkey matters more than ever, as seen with residential success like Tahoe Beach Club. In fact, the question across the entire Mountain West isn’t “Is it impressive?” but “Does it fit the life I’m building?”
Photo: Courtesy of KR Squared
In the mountain market, are you selling a home or a lifestyle?
It’s more than the house, but it’s not an Instagram fantasy either. Tahoe buyers are smart; they see through fluff. Think about it—people choose to be here, which makes their decision personal. The same home can mean a lake day with friends to one buyer or a quiet reset to another. Our job isn’t to create a story; it’s to recognize it and tell the narrative clearly. That philosophy guided our work with Clear Creek, where sales just surpassed $1 billion. So it works.
KR Squared
Katy Rhamey, Founder and CEO
775-580-7752 | Stateline, Nevada
Photo: Courtesy of KR Squared
