Spotlight on Design: Montana

Courtesy of Adobe Stock

Mother Nature doesn’t play favorites, but if she did, Montana would surely be her most beloved. Spanning from the majestic Rocky Mountains in the west to the Great Plains in the east, the spectacular beauty of the Treasure State radiates throughout its snow-capped peaks, pristine alpine lakes and rivers, and 17 million acres of national forest land including Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

Big adventures in Big Sky Country range from unparalleled outdoor sports and activities, year-round festivals and a thriving arts culture to a rich history steeped in a diverse heritage of Native American culture with glimpses of yesterday’s Wild West. One of the fastest-growing states in the country, it’s no wonder that Montana has captured the hearts of visitors and residents alike.

Perhaps that’s why it’s also home to a thriving community of talented designers, architects, artists and artisans.  Here, we introduce you to a few of the dedicated professionals inspired by the natural beauty of the landscape and the easygoing, live-and-let-live lifestyle of Montana and dedicated to contributing to its future with creative energy and innovation.

INTRINSICALLY CONNECTED

Courtesy of Locati Architects

For the accomplished team at Locati Architects in Bozeman, Montana, connecting people to the landscape through architecture with an innovative approach and classic style is their art form. Read on to learn more about what matters most to them.

What is your firm’s philosophy around the concept of home?

Our work spans a broad aesthetic range, from historically rustic to mountain contemporary. So the concept of home is less tied to a specific look and more about an artful construct of spaces that support a lifestyle. By and large, our clientele seeks a connection with the natural world, and our work reflects this desire by connecting to the setting in unexpected ways. We believe that the feeling of home should be lasting, so our work incorporates natural materials in durable ways to create a sustainable place to call home for generations.

What makes your design team’s approach unique?

The design process we lead starts by simply listening and learning. Each homeowner is different in various ways, and we work to understand how they live and how they aspire to live in this new home. We research the property and begin to fold in regional influences, climatic considerations, view and light opportunities, and, perhaps as important as anything, budget parameters before a pencil is ever put to paper. When all of these things are understood, inspiration strikes, and the design is created with the wisdom of place and as a reflection of the owners. We enjoy each opportunity to design, and we hope it shows in our work.

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

WILD LOVE

Plain Song, Approx. 30” x 24”, painted on hardboard. | Photo: Courtesy of Kirsten Kainz

Meet Bozeman modern artist Kirsten Kainz, an accomplished sculptor and painter who transforms her great love and respect for the natural world into striking found-item sculptures and breathtaking Western landscapes.

The influence of the American West on your work is striking. Is your personal history rooted in the region?

I grew up in the Midwest, profoundly influenced by my outdoorsmen father and grandfather, and have always been connected to nature; playing in ponds, marshes and woods, turning over stumps to discover worlds living below. These creatures were where I began drawing and creating at an early age.

The epic beauty and power of the Rocky Mountains is now my daily inspiration. I‘ve lived in Montana for 25 years, and the impact of the landscape does not fade. I conjure that inspiration into my work—­my landscapes and my animals are all charged with nature’s powerful beauty.

How do you move from inspiration to process? And do you have a favorite medium?

My process evolves from the feeling I get when I encounter something beautiful; needing to re-create it in order to celebrate and share it; to promote its impact and statice in our society.

One of my favorite things to work with is found objects. The creative process is so dramatic because the objects all have prior meaning, which inform the shape, tone and overall vibe of the piece. I’ve developed an internal process of acceptance, tolerance and directive when it comes to using found objects, and I appreciate how this power has evolved over the years.

KAINZ ART STUDIO
Kirsten Kainz, Modern Artist
406-579-9845
Bozeman, Montana

MELDING THE OLD WITH THE NEW

Photo: Whitney Kamman Photography

The team at Montana Expressions believes that home decor and interior design are the finest expressions of what matters most— how we live, how we feel, and how we gather with those we love.

How does Montana’s rich Western heritage factor into your designs?

The history of Montana is storied, expansive and charming, yet dark. Each town has its own unique terrain, history and influences. For example, Bozeman history is mired in French-Canadian fur trappers, cattle and agriculture. On the other end of the spectrum, Butte has a rich history of mining, with Italian, Irish and French immigrants. They’re ultimately different versions of the West, and each comes with its own unique interpretation.

Most importantly, the land we live on statewide was originally inhabited by Native American cultures, and we truly wouldn’t be us without their influence and impact. Encapsulating this history and heritage in our designs is something we treat with as much care and reverence as possible.

Another element we always consider is our client’s own history. It’s no secret that Montanans have long taken pride in being fiercely independent, and this independence is arguably part of the allure of moving here. That said, we always meet our clients where they’re at, whether local or newcomer. In either scenario, we carefully consider each client’s background, influences, and their vision of what their life will look like in Montana.

We start every project by examining their lifestyle—whether predominantly focused on outdoor activities, seeking a retreat from city life, or building a place to gather with their loved ones. This helps us design a home that is both aesthetically and functionally in line with their vision. And, of course, the one constant is the stunning, natural beauty of the area. We strive to make these landscapes the focal points of our designs wherever possible. Factoring all of these elements in is what makes Montana Expressions unique. Pushing ourselves to incorporate these varied layers is the design challenge we relish.

What is one significant trend you are seeing in interior design right now?

One of the most exciting trends at the moment is the resurgence of color. While neutral palettes have long dominated, clients are now showing a keen interest in injecting vibrant hues into their living spaces. Whether through eye-catching art, colorful textiles, or striking decor items, homeowners are embracing the bold and the beautiful.

This shift towards color is closely tied to the growing popularity of organic modern design, which celebrates natural materials and earthy elements. As part of this aesthetic, there’s a notable preference for rich, warm tones that evoke a sense of coziness
and sophistication.

MONTANA EXPRESSIONS
Addison Sire, Owner
406-585-5839
Bozeman, Montana

AUTHENTIC VISION

Photo: Courtesy of Camp Martini

The mission behind full-service interior design firm CAMP MARTINI is finding harmony between nature and living spaces while creating spaces that nurture the soul not only in Montana, but across the country and around the world.

We love your firm’s name! Explain the “Camp” angle.

In my humble opinion, bringing in as many creative minds and talented individuals as possible is critical for a well-rounded and innovative design process and outcome. To me, “camp” means a collective of people working together side by side to develop a truly inspired design.

Tell us more about the three pillars of your design philosophy and how they each contribute to a successful result.

Our philosophy is centered around three pillars: innovation, collaboration and integrity. Innovation comes into play in the way we approach the fundamentals of any design. It’s how the selections, layouts and execution come together that brings innovation to even the simplest of spaces.

Secondly, we embrace collaboration between new talent, artists, clients and our team. In doing so, we truly bring together the most amazing team and find that everyone involved really enjoys the process.

Finally, I am a firm believer in not leading with ego in design, and I think integrity is directly correlated to this. Coming into each project with open minds, open communication, and open reception towards the outcome results in a beautiful final product. Not only that, it builds long-standing, trusting relationships with our clients and colleagues.

CAMP MARTINI
Colton S. Martini, Principal Designer, Owner
406-480-2375
Whitefish, Lakeside and Missoula, Montana