Spotlight on Montana

SBC has a long standing tenure in the area. What’s the key to your firm’s longevity?

We have been building custom residential homes in the Gallatin Valley and Big Sky for 25 years now – we just passed this milestone this past May. I would say the key to our longevity is that the principles our company was built on have not changed since we started. We treat each of our clients the way we would want to be treated – essentially the Golden Rule. This leads to a foundation of openness and honesty through the process.

Building can be an overwhelmingly stressful experience. How do you coach homeowners through the process?

The key is to not rush the process. There are so many decisions that must be made to help a project come together efficiently, but it can all be done if you approach it thoughtfully, one decision at a time. We understand the time it takes to process decisions and interaction between those decisions. If a homeowner feels rushed, the process starts to lose its luster—which is the last thing we want.

How has the building landscape changed in Montana in recent years?

Business is booming and people from all walks of life are discovering what we have known for quite some time—Montana is a special place. The good news is the people we’ve encountered who are choosing to move here have a similar mindset to the residents that already call Montana home. They are eager to be a part of the community and contribute as good neighbors. We appreciate the opportunity to work on great projects and work with great people. It allows us to be proud of what we do and what we are able to create.

CANTY BOOTS
Nikki Edmundson, Owner
406-498-4043 | cantyboots.com
Harrison, Montana

How does GVDG achieve their signature “full service interior design with an architectural edge.”

Our team consists of nine talented team members, ranging from senior interior designers to rendering specialists to interior architects. With a Masters in Architecture, I can “speak the language” to clients, assist with the big decisions throughout the design and build process, and help problem-solve the schematic design phase of the process. This provides a fully integrated and seamless approach between architect and interior designer, which truly benefits both the homeowners and the general contractor.

What advantage do clients gain from working with your firm?

We start by taking a deep dive in the plans, elevations and details. Our goal is never to change the design but to enhance it. The team is highly involved in every detail of the home and our set of organized deliverables speak for themselves. We are our clients’ advocate throughout the entire process.

What tools do you use to help clients envision the final result?

Our clients are kept up-to-date every step of the way with a “visual lookbook,” a living and breathing document that hones in on the details for every space of the home. In addition, we provide a full ID drawing set, three-dimensional renderings and video fly-throughs which make it easy for clients to envision their space. Finally, we make sure to keep our clients as informed as possible, by sharing weekly progress calls and updates in order to make sure we all have the same priorities and goals in mind.

Tell us about the journey you’ve taken to get where you are today.

When I was little you could always find me hiding away with my sketchbook or in the barn spending time with my horses. After college, I worked for over a decade in the fashion industry as a designer and buyer. I loved it, but I always knew I belonged in the mountains. When I finally moved to Montana, I wanted to create something that pulled from my background in fashion and design, combined with my love for art and the American West. I wanted to commit to something that was rooted in and inspired by Montana.

Walk us through your creative process.

I make each hat by hand, one step at a time.The antithesis of the recent trend towards fast fashion and planned obsolescence, these hats are made to last a lifetime. Montana’s rich history and the beauty of the wild landscape inspire designs that represent a life well lived.

What is the philosophy behind what you create?

I believe in product that feels like art. Classic designs, quality construction, thoughtful details, built with a sense of pride and purpose. Something inspired by the past, to be lived in and loved today, and passed onto future generations. My hats represent the preservation of a place, a culture, and a way of life.

What is the philosophy behind Cou Cou Studio?

Good design makes life beautiful. We love telling stories and capturing this beauty in every shoot. Photojournalism taught both of us how to be nimble and think on our feet while also capturing visual narratives. Photos capture the hard work and thousands of decisions that go into each project. We work closely with architects, interior designers and builders to highlight the design and details that make every project memorable.

How did you develop such keen insight about the process?

We recently remodeled our own home with the help of an outstanding architect and builder. At the end of that project, we photographed our house for the team. The whole experience gave us broader insight into the building and renovation process from start to finish. It’s so important to capture the story of each project and we felt lucky to be able to document our own home for the team and our family. It will be so special to look back on those photos in years to come.

What projects are you currently working on?

We are busy photographing everything from kitchen remodels and home renovations to brand new builds. Every project is unique and we feel lucky to capture the story in each home.