Mountain Living in Utah
Utah's luxury home market is defined by these industry professionals.
Photo: Go West Development
Utah has emerged as one of the Mountain West’s most desirable destinations for luxury living. Discerning buyers are fueling strong demand for custom homes that combine exceptional craftsmanship, personalized design and sophisticated technology. At the same time, existing homeowners are increasingly investing in renovations and home enhancements with the same goals in mind.
Beyond the homes themselves, Utah’s appeal lies in its thriving economy, vibrant cultural scene and extraordinary natural beauty. With 10 world-class ski resorts less than an hour from Salt Lake City International Airport and unmatched access to outdoor adventure, Utah offers a lifestyle as elevated as the homes being built. Integral to the process are the talented industry professionals making it happen.
From architects, interior designers, builders and landscape architects who conceive and deliver exquisite homes to the artisans who add the finishing touches and real estate professionals who broker the deals, their talent, vision and craftsmanship shape the homes and communities that define Utah’s luxury market.
FORM, FUNCTION AND CRAFT
Photo: Courtesy PJ Builders
Pete Olson, founder of PJ BUILDERS, credits hometown loyalty, passion for design, and attention to detail for his team’s success building high-end residential homes in the Park City area for over three decades. We asked him to share his perspective on the evolving landscape of luxury homebuilding.
Photo: Courtesy PJ Builders
What are some of today’s mountain homeowners’ most requested features?
Homeowners are prioritizing expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces, large great rooms, and entertaining areas that encourage gathering year-round. Wellness amenities such as saunas, fitness rooms and spa-inspired primary suites are increasingly common, along with custom bunkrooms, oversized mudrooms, and functional back-of-house spaces. Large walls of glass, natural materials, and covered outdoor living areas further strengthen the connection to the surrounding landscape.
How is technology shaping the modern mountain home?
Smart technology is simplifying daily living while creating a more connected homeowner experience. Integrated lighting, climate control, security systems, automated shades, and remote home management are especially valuable for seasonal residents and frequent travelers. In mountain environments, smart systems also help monitor temperature, humidity, snow melt systems, and overall mechanical performance remotely, improving energy efficiency and peace of mind.
What green building solutions are PJ Builders implementing to ensure sustainability?
Performance and durability are just as important as aesthetics. Advanced insulation, efficient HVAC and radiant heating systems, smart energy management, and durable low-maintenance materials help homes perform better in harsh mountain climates. Many homeowners are also investing in solar power, battery backup systems, EV charging, and environmentally responsible site strategies.
Photo: Courtesy PJ Builders
Pete Olson, Founder and President
435-649-7345
Park City, Utah
SET FOR GATHERING
Photo: Courtesy Roberts & Lamb
ROBERTS & LAMB founder Jana Robertson shares five dining rooms, each distinctive yet perfectly at home in the mountains, and reveals why her greatest satisfaction comes not only from designing warm, organic spaces but from creating places that invite people to gather, connect and recharge.
Photo: Courtesy Roberts & Lamb
What draws you to the dining room as a design space?
The dining room is where we slow down with those we love. A well-designed space has a way of turning small talk into deep conversations. People linger longer, old connections flourish, new bonds form. Years ago in Mexico City, I designed a table for a growing family. Crafted from wood reclaimed from a 19th-century church, it was tailored to the family and the room. More than a decade later, they still share meals and stories around that table. To me, that’s the true purpose of a dining room: creating a place that brings life to those gathered.
Your dining rooms are each so unique. What shapes the design of each one?
Before I select a single material, I need two things: to understand how my clients live and to develop a shared vision for the home. The design comes from listening carefully to the bones of the home, the setting and the clients themselves, sometimes uncovering preferences they hadn’t fully recognized. A hand-crafted white oak table beneath heavy beams in Park City, a stone table with soaring views in Deer Valley, and a walnut table nestled in the mountains above Salt Lake City may look very different, but each grew from the same thoughtful process. The result isn’t a style I impose; it’s what honest listening produces, curated specifically for each client.
How do you design a dining room that feels at home in the mountains?
Materials and textures that connect the space to its surroundings are essential. Timber, stone, wool and richly grained wood, paired with a palette drawn from the landscape beyond the windows, help create a sense of place. I gravitate toward furnishings that balance art and function, pieces that are meant to be used, enjoyed and lived with. Scale matters too, whether it’s a cozy cabin tucked into the woods or a soaring mountain retreat. The goal is always the same: an inviting dining room that feels authentic to its setting.
Mountain Living named Roberts & Lamb a Top Designer for 2026.
Photo: Courtesy Roberts & Lamb
Jana Robertson, Principal Designer and Owner
801-441-3615
Salt Lake City and Park City, Utah
PARADISE FOUND
Photo: Courtesy Red Ledges
Nestled in the heart of Heber Valley, RED LEDGES offers a rare combination of natural beauty, year-round recreation and easy access to Park City. Residents enjoy a longer outdoor season thanks to the valley’s milder climate, along with numerous exclusive amenities. With exceptional lifestyle benefits and enduring appeal, it’s easy to see why Red Ledges remains one of the Mountain West’s most sought-after communities.
Artisan Series-Ladera Model. Photo: Courtesy Red Ledges
Two exciting new additions are enhancing Red Ledges’ already impressive offerings. Tell us about them.
Red Ledges is designed for four-season living, with an exceptional collection of amenities that support both recreation and connection. Members enjoy championship golf, tennis, pickleball, wellness facilities, dining venues, pools, equestrian experiences and an extensive trail network, along with private ski-in/ski-out access at Deer Valley Resort.
And now, two recent developments have made the community even more appealing: the expansion of Deer Valley East Village, which brings additional skiing, dining and amenities closer than ever, and our new state-of-the-art indoor Racquet Center, currently under construction, which will provide year-round tennis and pickleball. Just as important as the amenities themselves is the dedicated team behind them, creating meaningful experiences and fostering a strong sense of community among our members.
In addition to its stellar location and world-class amenities, what’s the best thing about living in Red Ledges?
What often surprises people is how quickly it feels like home. While the amenities may initially draw people in, it’s the relationships that keep them here. Through member events, clubs, recreational programs and everyday interactions, genuine connections form naturally.
Nearly two decades after launching, Red Ledges has evolved into a vibrant, established community where neighbors become friends and families create lasting traditions together.
Your Artisan Series has attracted significant attention from homebuyers. What makes this program so appealing?
This series was created for buyers who want the best aspects of custom homebuilding without many of the challenges that traditionally accompany it. Each residence begins with thoughtfully designed architecture and professionally curated finishes, while offering homeowners the flexibility to personalize their home to suit their lifestyle and taste.
Combined with fixed pricing and a streamlined construction timeline, the result is a more predictable and enjoyable path to homeownership without sacrificing quality, individuality or craftsmanship.
Photo: Courtesy Red Ledges
Jenna Polychronis, Vice President of Marketing
435-657-4040
Heber City, Utah
WORLDLY PERSPECTIVE
Photo: Courtesy GSThree Works
After arriving in Park City five years ago, Claudia Sanchez and Javier Galindo of GSTHREE Works have quietly built a reputation for delivering highly personalized homes through a hands-on, design-driven approach. Combining international experience, development expertise and meticulous project management, they offer clients a true one-stop-shop for luxury renovations and new construction.
Photo: Courtesy GSThree Works
What is your philosophy when it comes to designing a home?
A home should reflect the story of the people who live there, not the trends of the moment. We spend a great deal of time getting to know our clients so the finished home feels individual, comfortable and timeless. Our appreciation for art, history and travel influences our work, but every decision is guided by the homeowner’s vision. Through the thoughtful use of materials, texture, light and contrast, we strive to create homes that resonate with character and warmth.
What do you hope clients experience throughout the process?
Building a home should be enjoyable. We believe positive energy, open communication and collaboration lead to better results. We work hard, hold ourselves to high standards and go the extra mile for our clients, but we also strive to make the process fun. Nothing leaves our desk unless we’re proud of it and would be happy to live with it ourselves. Ultimately, our goal is to create a residence that feels uniquely tailored to our clients and remains relevant for years to come.
What makes your approach different from a traditional builder or design firm?
We don’t fit neatly into any one category. Depending on the project, we’ve served as builders, designers and even developers, giving us a unique perspective from start to finish. Claudia’s background in architecture and Javier’s experience managing large-scale infrastructure projects in Mexico have shaped a highly organized, hands-on approach to construction
and project delivery.
We offer a true one-stop-shop model, handling everything from design and permitting to project management and construction. Throughout the process, we work closely with contractors, trades and vendors, maintaining a constant presence on-site to ensure quality, efficiency and value. Our goal is to create residences that feel authentic, distinctive and enduring.
Photo: Courtesy GSThree Works
Javier Galindo and Claudia Sanchez, Principals
435-800-7691
Park City, Utah
CUTTING-EDGE LUXURY
Photo: Courtesy Go West Development
For nearly 25 years, GO WEST DEVELOPMENT has helped shape the luxury home landscape in Park City. By combining technological innovation with timeless mountain architecture, the firm continues to redefine what modern luxury living can look and feel like.
Photo: Courtesy Go West Development
Mountain homes today demand more than beauty alone. How has your approach evolved to meet that expectation?
Luxury today goes far beyond finishes and square footage. Homeowners are thinking more deeply about wellness, performance and longevity. We build homes with the client’s long-term well-being in mind by investing in the systems people experience every day: advanced insulation, waterproofing and fresh air systems that create healthier indoor environments while reducing maintenance over time. In mountain climates, durability and performance matter just as much as aesthetics. We create homes that feel comfortable, resilient and deeply connected to the outdoors.
After nearly a quarter century in the industry, what continues to set your firm apart?
Early innovation has always differentiated us. Many of our clients are not full-time residents, so invest heavily in technology that allows them to stay connected throughout the building process and beyond. We have a fully transparent, open-book system focused on the three things clients care about most: quality, timing and cost.
Equally important is the network of local craftsmen, subcontractors and suppliers we have built over the years. Park City has become one of the country’s most exciting architectural markets, and we are fortunate to work with artisans who execute every detail to an exceptionally high standard.
Photo: Courtesy Go West Development
Preston Campbell, Founder and Lead Builder
435-901-1854
Kamas, Utah
RAISING STANDARDS
Photo: Courtesy Viotell Metal Concepts
As with any exceptional custom home, the difference is in the details. At VIOTELL METAL CONCEPTS craftsmanship and precision come together in the design, fabrication and installation of custom metal roofing, fascia and wall panels that give mountain homes a distinctive, refined presence. Read on to discover how the team partners with architects, builders and designers to help elevate luxury residential projects across Utah.
Photo: Courtesy Viotell Metal Concepts
How does Viotell help protect the design intent of complex roof and façade projects?
We get involved early and stay focused on the lines architects care about most. We study the concept, then engineer roof and façade assemblies that keep slim profiles, crisp shadow lines and clean terminations intact while still handling snow, wind and movement in high-altitude Utah. Our detailing work happens behind the scenes so the visible architecture looks exactly as designed and performs for decades.
Tell us about your niche as a collaborative team member.
We work best as a technical partner, not a last-minute bidder. Our team reviews drawings, flags risk areas and brings buildable options that respect both the design and the schedule. In the field, our shop, installers and project managers operate as one unit. This means fewer change orders and more predictable inspections for the entire project team.
How does your work outshine the competition?
Many contractors can install metal; we specialize in architect-driven envelopes where design, building science and constructability all have to win. Our experience in high-snow, high-UV environments means we constantly pressure-test details for ice dams, expansion and long-term service life, helping architects protect both the project’s aesthetics and their own reputation long after the home is complete.
Photo: Courtesy Viotell Metal Concepts
Gonzalo Tellez, Founder and CEO
801-808-9652
Salt Lake City, Utah
BESPOKE LUXURY
Photo: Courtesy Kent Construction
Set against the dramatic landscape of Park City, this thoughtfully designed mountain home was created by KENT CONSTRUCTION as both a private retreat and a welcoming gathering place for family and friends. Seeking a space that embraces outdoor living, the residence blends expansive entertaining spaces, authentic mountain materials and customized details into a home that feels both sophisticated and deeply personal.
Photo: Courtesy Kent Construction
How was this magnificent home tailored specifically for your clients?
With the homeowner taking the lead on interior design, the home is designed around a wide-open floor plan, with everyday living centered on the main level. Included are a well-appointed primary suite, two offices, comfortable gathering spaces and a separate guest wing for visitors, while several additional guest suites and living areas on the lower level provide privacy for extended family and friends.
What are some of the truly standout features?
The home is filled with highly customized details that reflect both craftsmanship and personality, from a turret bar with a gold-leaf ceiling and a custom leather fireplace surround to a hidden golf simulator tucked behind a discreet bookcase. Wellness amenities include a deck-top spa and full steam shower, while one of the home’s most dramatic architectural moments is the free-floating curved staircase adorned with Malibu tile risers, dark wood treads and custom wrought-iron railing.
How did your expertise play a key role in bringing the project to life?
On a project of this scale, communication and coordination are everything, particularly with out-of-state homeowners and a highly detailed design. Over 30 years of experience building some of Park City’s most technically complex custom mountain homes allowed us to manage the process seamlessly. Additionally, we collaborated closely with Upwall Design and an exceptional team of tradespeople, including custom cabinetry specialists, stonemasons, metal fabricators and tile artisans whose craftsmanship elevated every detail of the home.
What principles do you follow to achieve extraordinary results on any project?
Delivering a world-class building experience begins with putting clients first. Through clear communication, transparent project management and deep local partnerships, our team guides every detail with care, making the process seamless, informed, stress-free and exciting whether clients are building nearby or from afar.
Photo: Courtesy Kent Construction
Jason Groscost, Owner
435-649-9394
Park City, Utah
THE ART OF HOME
Photo: Courtesy Leslie Schofield Studio
Get to know designer Leslie Schofield of LESLIE SCHOFIELD STUDIO, who views design through a lens of beauty, meaning and joy. Combining creative expertise with a highly collaborative approach, she designs homes that foster connection, reflect individuality and tell a deeply personal story.
Photo: Courtesy Leslie Schofield Studio
What role does artwork play in the scope of a design?
Artwork does far more than fill empty walls: it helps tell the story of a home. Thoughtfully curated pieces add personality, create emotional connection and often become the element that ties a design together. In many ways, art is one of the most impactful layers in a space because it brings depth, character and meaning that furnishings alone cannot achieve.
How would you describe your approach to working with clients?
Working with clients is a passion-driven pursuit. I love collaborating, asking questions and discovering what truly excites them. Understanding what sparks joy helps us assemble the details that tell their story. When design decisions are made together, the result is a home that feels authentic, personal and meaningful. At the same time, my role is to bring expertise and perspective to the process, elevating the design in ways that not only reflect the client’s vision but exceed their expectations.
What sort of an impact can a beautiful custom home have on its inhabitants?
As designers, we can be engineers of joy! What happens when someone wakes up each day in a beautiful, personalized environment? When thoughtful design is paired with functionality, people genuinely love where they live. That sense of comfort and happiness extends beyond the home, creating a ripple effect that positively influences how they move through the world and connect with others.
Photo: Courtesy Leslie Schofield Studio
Leslie Schofield, Founder and Principal
801-901-6633
Salt Lake City, Utah
