Spotlight on Lake Tahoe
A closer look at Lake Tahoe's elite design professionals
KTG Design. | Photo Kat Alves
Towering granite peaks, deep blue, crystal-clear waters and sandy shores—Lake Tahoe is a paradise of nature’s beauty. With hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails, world-class golf courses, dozens of beaches, cross-country and downhill skiing and water sports galore, the Tahoe area is an all-seasons haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Add to the mix luxurious resorts, glamorous casinos, loads of restaurants, bars, art galleries and shops, and there’s something for every member of your multi-generational family to enjoy.
It’s no wonder then, that people come from all over the world not only to enjoy the area’s natural abundance and Old World charm, but to put down roots of their own. Luckily, Tahoe is home to a talented community of professionals dedicated to making people’s alpine dreams come true. Here, we’ll introduce you to architects, interior designers and builders devoted to creating and renovating incredible mountain homes. In addition, you’ll meet a father/daughter duo making exciting things happen in the art world. Get to know them and perhaps plant the seed for your own Tahoe dream.
FRESH APPROACH
Todd Gordon Mather Architect. | Photo: Vance Fox Photography
Get to know award-winning architect TODD GORDON MATHER, who has been designing extraordinary homes in the Tahoe region for over 20 years. Here, he shares the inspiration that fuels his passion for excellence in architectural design.
Your designs span a broad spectrum of styles. What’s your inspiration for keeping them fresh?
The inspiration for my architectural designs comes from a number of places, but keeping a fresh approach in my designs is directly related to keeping a fresh approach in life. I play saxophone in a band and am constantly learning to play new songs, listening to unfamiliar songs, recording music in the studio, and tuning my sax-skills—all of which keep me fresh.
While skiing has always been my go-to sport, I’ve ventured into the art of alpine snowboard carving —an exciting and fresh challenge which entails a newer, perhaps higher level of precision. Also, seeing my grown daughter get excited about her discoveries in the architecture field – she’s now been working with me for five years – encourages me to see things through a new/ fresh lens. Of course, other architects’ works inspire me. Looking through magazines, surfing social media posts on art and architecture, purchasing books on architecture around the world—I thoroughly enjoy seeing how other architects design within their cultures.
Lastly, my clients inspire me. They come from all walks of life. I get to learn about their fabulously interesting lives, which in turn inspires me to create better architecture for them.
Todd Mather, AIA, Principal
530-414-4662
Tahoe City, California
CREATIVE CONNECTION
Photo: Courtesy of Altitude Design
Meet Colette Fonseca, founder and principal of ALTITUDE DESIGN, whose design inspiration is rooted in creating both aesthetically inspiring and functionally practical spaces for her valued clients.
What was your inspiration for opening your own design firm?
Before starting Altitude Design, I worked at a prominent Tahoe architecture firm that was extremely busy and booked out for years. It was an amazing opportunity to work on incredible high-profile projects, but I always felt a disconnect due to lack of client interaction.
My design philosophy is fundamentally client-based because interior design is inherently very personal. So, in opening Altitude Design, I purposely oriented the business and design model towards the client, and this collaborative approach has yielded some amazing results.
What is your favorite type of project to work on? Do you have any recent examples?
Right now, my favorite projects are multi- generational legacy homes designed to meet the needs of families for decades to come. The design process is so rewarding as it takes into consideration multiple generations, meaning we get to have fun with youthful spaces while also creating public spaces which require more sophisticated design elements. I also love working on homes with unique architecture. We just finished a home that sits on an elongated pentagonal lot on Donner Creek, so we had the pleasure of working with angles. This allowed for the use of complementary pieces such as a curved sofa in the formal living room.
ALTITUDE DESIGN
Colette Fonseca, ASID, NCIDQ, Principal
530-563-5088
Truckee, California
EXTRAORDINARY EXECUTION
Photo: Courtesy Brink Custom Homes
Get to know John Brink, founder of BRINK CUSTOM HOMES, who has been building and renovating extraordinary custom homes in the Lake Tahoe area for over four decades, as he shares his well-earned expertise with us.
What is the advantage of working with a boutique firm like Brink Custom Homes?
A key advantage is that we only take on a limited number of projects at one time, which enables us to provide a very personalized customer experience. It takes commitment and focus on our part to execute the building process. Every project is unique and requires us to understand what our clients value and view things from their perspective. That commitment of time and energy only happens when we can direct our efforts towards delivering a one-of-a-kind home that is fun and rewarding to create.
You have been in the business for over 40 years. In that time, how has the industry and your company culture evolved?
In 1979 cell phones were as far-fetched an idea as Star Trek space travel. It’s incredible to think about how much has changed since the company was founded. We’ve seen Old Tahoe architecture on blueprints transform into Mountain Modern designs shown through virtual 3D software. With every generation represented in our company, it’s exciting to see the craftsmanship of a seasoned master carpenter be inspired
by the new ideas of an apprentice.
Overall, I feel we have the most talented team across the board. It doesn’t get any better than being able to build amazing homes that families can enjoy for generations to come and have fun doing it.
BRINK CUSTOM HOMES
John Brink, Founder and Principal
530-583-2005, Tahoe City, California
775-357-8131, Incline Village, Reno, Nevada
JOYFUL HOMECOMING
Photo: Courtesy of Latham Interiors
Get to know Sarah Latham, founder and principal of LATHAM INTERIORS, a homegrown designer who is expanding her business to bring her team’s thoughtful, innovative designs to the Tahoe area.
What does it mean to you to be returning to your home turf?
We’re thrilled to be returning to the environment we’ve known and loved since childhood. Lake Tahoe holds a special place in our hearts and in our opinion, there’s nowhere else in the world that matches the feeling and beautiful environment of the Tahoe area. Getting to showcase our talents in a community we love is a treasure.
Would you say Latham Interiors has a signature look?
Our work is always customized to reflect our clients’ personalities and spaces. With a passionate force of designers, our staff knows how to integrate traditional and modern styles to create the perfect blend for each project. Our designs are limitless and focused on utilizing natural materials and bespoke elements in order to provide quality, high-end designs each and every time.
How do you help your clients achieve their vision?
We really get to know our clients! Developing long-term relationships based on trust is personally rewarding and also helps us understand their needs. Through a series of meetings with their architect, contractor and other team members, we work in collaboration to beautifully and efficiently achieve our clients’ goals.
LATHAM INTERIORS
Sarah Latham, Principal
208-928-6366
Ketchum, Idaho
CULTURE OF SUCCESS
Photo: Courtesy of MWA, Inc.
Upholding the highest standards of integrity, the diverse team at MWA, INC. combines artistic talent, expertise and dedication to providing a high level of service to their clients to create enriching places for happy people.
How does the team at MWA customize the homebuilding/ renovating experience for their clients?
The Lake Tahoe region is a highly competitive market for design services. MWA stands out by tailoring our approach to match the expectations of our discerning clientele. Our process begins with a detailed client interview which allows us to gain valuable insight to their goals, priorities, functionality, and aesthetic preferences, and incorporates technology to provide visualizations throughout the design process. We want our clients to trust our team and feel genuinely cared for and we tailor our level of service and involvement, from pre-design all the way through construction, to meet their individual requirements.
How does this customization translate to a successful process for your clients?
Our team operates as a one-stop-shop that integrates architecture, engineering, interior design, and furnishings into our projects.
Success in navigating the complex regulations of the Tahoe region, addressing heavy snow, and meeting elevated client expectations hinges on our collaborative approach and integration across disciplines. Early, frequent, and comprehensive collaboration throughout
the process results in an exceptionally cohesive end product.
MWA, INC. ARCHITECTURE, ENGINEERING, INTERIORS
Kristi Thompson and Kurt Reinkens, Principals 530-587-6257
Truckee, California
TIMELESS ELEGANCE
Photo: Courtesy of HSH Interiors
Full-service interior design firm HSH INTERIORS has been transforming their clients’ dreams into realities for over 20 years in the Bay Area, Lake Tahoe and beyond.
Does HSH Interiors have a signature look?
Our projects are quite diverse, ranging from respectfully remodeling historic late 1800s-era homes, to concrete, steel and glass new construction homes. What our projects share is a commitment to excellence in design, as well as our flair for blending new pieces with vintage or antique pieces, selecting showstopping lighting and creating a one-of-a-kind environment.
What’s your favorite part of the creative process?
Although I like every stage of the design process, I particularly love the very beginning of projects; learning about the client’s lifestyle, their families, and their way
of living, which informs the design alongside the location and the architecture. I love to pull together initial imagery, physical materials and specific pieces to form the seed of what will grow into the full project.
How does your experience enhance the client’s experience?
With over 20 years of experience in designing large-scale remodels and ground-up construction projects, we’ve developed a clear process to make what can be a daunting experience easier to navigate. We help clients select the right team, guide decisions and refine processes step-by- step to make the project as time and cost-efficient and enjoyable as possible.
Holly Hollenbeck, Principal 415-702-6460
San Francisco and Truckee, California
ART EXTRAVAGANZA
Photo: Courtesy of The Reno Tahoe International Art Show
For Briana Dolan and her partner/father Kevin O’Keefe, THE RENO TAHOE INTERNATIONAL ART SHOW has been a true labor of love. Founded in 2022, the annual fine art fair has become the premiere art fair of the West.
Since its inception, the RTIA Show has experienced exponential growth. Why do you think that is?
The fair has doubled its footprint from its inception in 2022 to 2023, making it the fastest-growing fine art event, and the largest indoor/outdoor presentation of sculpture, in the country. Inspired by successes like SXSW in Austin and Art Basel Miami, our ultimate goal is to see Reno Tahoe recognized as an arts and culture destination, propelling our regional talent onto the national stage.
Overall, there’s been great enthusiasm around our innovative balanced mix of independent artists, galleries and sculpture, along with short film programming, live music, a music festival, panel discussions and ongoing hospitality.
What do you have planned for this year’s show?
The 2024 RTIA Show will include a multi- million-dollar Salvador Dali exhibition coming to Reno via Paris and Shanghai and an extensive Basque art exhibition coming from Spain and France. This year we’ll feature more Burning Man art and a new immersive feature showcasing lit sculptural works.
Major features include a focus on First Nations, Design Vignettes presenting bespoke furniture alongside rare cars and curated 2D and 3D artworks. The Art City Invitationals will feature invited artists, sculptors and galleries from nationally and internationally recognized art- rich cities around the world.
RENO TAHOE INTERNATIONAL ART SHOW
Briana Dolan, COO
Reno, Nevada
RESPONSIVE DESIGN
Photo: Courtesy Dale Cox Architects
Founded in 1979, DALE COX ARCHITECTS brings the exuberance of youth and the experience and wisdom of age to every one of their unforgettable projects. Read on to find out how they tackle the architectural challenges of building in the Tahoe area and beyond.
What approach does your firm take to creating unique homes?
Our goal for each project is to design it to our clients’ needs and wishes, whether it is a mountainside home in the Yellowstone Club, or a lakefront home at Lake Tahoe. Challenges presented by the site or climate can be opportunities for creative responses that coalesce into a stimulative and unique home. Whether it’s along Lake Tahoe or on a large ranch in Montana, we are designing each project to enhance the surrounding features and views for each person in that space.
Dale Cox, Principal and Founder 530-550-9144
Truckee, California
COHESIVE APPROACH
Photo: Courtesy of KTG Design
The team at KTG DESIGN believes that creating harmonious spaces requires a thorough approach, blending creativity that pushes boundaries with meticulous planning to bring a vision from concept to fruition.
How do you define timeless design?
Careful selection of materials that balance new, modern aesthetics and Old World elements. Our mission is to create spaces that feel curated and complete in which every element has a purpose and meaning. Seamlessly blending natural materials and textures with modern elements of furniture design enables spaces to transcend trends for a timeless aesthetic that lasts.
What is the key to achieving outstanding results?
A comprehensive design from architecture through furniture design. We’re fortunate to work with incredibly talented teams of architects and contractors that work to bring spaces, and our visions, to life.
We’re constantly striving to push design boundaries, so working with teams that support and encourage unique solutions is crucial to our overall process.
Katie Geresy, Principal 530-559-9124
Truckee, California
LIVABLE LUXURY
Elizabeth Hamill Interiors. | Photo: vancefox.com
The talented team at Scottsdale, Arizona-based ELIZABETH HAMILL INTERIORS works hand-in-hand with clients to design classic, elegant decor catered specifically to their personalized vision.
When it comes to interior design, what’s the key to an outstanding result?
Creating beautiful spaces starts with combining
classic design practices with an artistic approach to composition. Mixing texture, color, and pattern in materials creates beautiful spaces. When selections are carefully curated, they make a space feel aesthetically pleasing. Authenticity to inspired design is a focused practice in creating spaces that are singularly unique.
How do you work with clients to achieve this?
Transparency, honesty and trust throughout the design process with the design team is imperative. Luxury interior design isn’t a straight path, and it’s the designer’s job to always lead clients back to the goal
in hand. When the design team is in sync, the creative process has endless boundaries.
What exciting trends are you seeing in mountain home design?
Continued use of organic materials, but in a more refined state. Clean grained woods, natural stains, and allowing the exterior views to be part of the interior story. Minimalist use of layering multiple materials. Simply using materials to support architectural forms become a strong foundation in interior design. Warmer color palettes that include brown, creams and soft greens are being embraced as foundation neutrals to create a relaxing harmonious space.
ELIZABETH HAMILL INTERIORS
Elizabeth Hamill, Founder and Principal Designer 480-748-4052
Scottsdale, Arizona
BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE
Photo: Courtesy of Elise Fett & Associates, LTD
Meet Elise Fett, founder of award-winning architecture/engineering firm ELISE FETT & ASSOCIATES. Licensed in California, Nevada and Hawaii, Fett and her team pride themselves on working closely with clients to create beautiful, efficient homes.
What’s one important lesson you have learned in your 30 years as an architect?
While it’s gratifying to have clients hire us because they respect our judgment, the process is a team effort and most efficient when the clients and I work together to design at the site from inception through refinements, including consideration for furniture layout and finishes.
Each person brings ideas and vision to the table, but we realize the preferred aesthetic must come from the client’s perspective, as this is their home. It’s a priority for us that THEY love the finished product. We also suggest the design be respectful to adjacent homeowners so they can live in harmony with their neighbors-not just nature.
ELISE FETT & ASSOCIATES, LTD
Elise Fett, Principal Architect and Engineer 775-833-3388
Crystal Bay, Nevada
ARTISTIC INTERPRETATION
Photo: Courtesy of Aspen Leaf Interiors
Marcio Decker, principal Interior Designer at ASPEN LEAF INTERIORS and creator, has been designing timeless, elegant homes throughout the Lake Tahoe area and beyond since 2004. Here, he shares the secret to his success.
Congratulations on your 20th anniversary! What do you think has led to your longevity in a somewhat crowded field?
Our team creates timeless designs using high- quality materials, finishes, furnishings and art that truly endure the test of time. I love incorporating favorite elements in my designs without limiting the vision based on trends, particularly. All of our designs are created specifically for each unique client and include the latest innovations: modern appliances, smart technology, surfaces and green products. Marcio’s distinctive style is evident in the details, characterized by effective open spaces and the overall cohesion of the entire interior envelope. This is how we truly stand out.
ASPEN LEAF INTERIORS
Marcio Decker, Founder and Principal Designer 530-338-1088
Reno, Nevada
