Architectural Design Big Sky

Building a home from the ground up is a journey, and at drinkwineDESIGNS, we make it seamless, rewarding, and even exciting. Our full-service process is designed to bring clarity and confidence, allowing your vision to shine while we handle the complexities. Flexibility and collaboration are at the heart of our approach, ensuring your preferences guide creative decisions while we maintain a cohesive, professional design standard. Here’s how we guide you through each phase:

Client Onboarding: Laying the Foundation

Everything begins with a conversation. In our initial consultation, we dive into your goals, budget, and timeline. Are you envisioning a primary residence for family gatherings or a vacation retreat for ski weekends and summer escapes? We listen to understand your lifestyle, draft a proposal, align on scope, and establish a partnership built on trust and shared excitement.

Pre-Design and Conceptual Assessment: Understanding Your Site

A great home is rooted in its surroundings. We conduct a thorough analysis of your Big Sky property’s topography, views, orientation, and zoning to maximize its potential. For locals, this might mean optimizing for privacy in a bustling resort area like Spanish Peaks; for those near Big Sky Resort, it’s about framing Lone Mountain vistas or ensuring ski access. This phase ensures your home feels connected to Montana’s landscape, setting the stage for a design that’s both functional and inspiring.

Schematic Design: Shaping Your Vision

In this phase, we sketch the big picture, laying out key spaces, circulation, and massing. Think of it as the blueprint of your home’s personality. We collaborate closely to align the design with your lifestyle—open-concept layouts for entertaining, cozy nooks for relaxation, or expansive windows to bring Montana’s outdoors in. This is where your ideas take shape, guided by our expertise in new construction architectural services. At the end of this phase, we produce a set of drawings to solicit contractor bids, incorporating material concepts and structural, mechanical, and electrical outlines for early pricing estimates.

Design Development: Adding Detail

We refine the schematics and work closely with your selected general contractor to maximize cost-saving measures while achieving your design goals. We navigate compromises as needed to align the design with your vision, selecting finishes like natural stone or sleek metal accents that nod to Big Sky’s mountain modern aesthetic. Working with contractors, we verify feasibility to keep your design on track without compromising quality. This phase is where your vision becomes tangible, with every detail feeling intentional.

Construction Documents: Ready for Permits

We prepare permit-ready drawings that cover every aspect—structural, architectural, and code-compliance. Our deep knowledge of Big Sky’s permitting process, from resort community regulations to rural Montana codes, ensures a smooth path to approval. Whether you’re building in the Yellowstone Club or a remote meadow near the Gallatin River, we handle the technicalities so you can focus on the excitement of your project.

Construction Observation: Bringing It to Life

As your owner’s representative, we observe the construction process to ensure flawless execution. From coordinating with contractors to resolving on-site challenges, we’re your advocate, reducing stress and ensuring the design is realized as intended. Our hands-on approach means your home will match your vision, down to the smallest detail, delivering a space that feels both personal and professionally crafted.

We understand—building a new home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re unclear about an architect’s role or the scope of work involved. Let’s address some common misconceptions to put your mind at ease.

Some assume architects only draw plans, but at drinkwineDESIGNS, we’re your partners from start to finish, managing complexities and bringing your vision to life. We guide you through design, coordinate with contractors, and ensure every detail aligns with your goals, saving you time and stress. Others worry a smaller firm like ours can’t handle large projects, but our experience proves we deliver high-end results with the personalized care larger firms often lack.

By educating you early and maintaining open, approachable communication, we ensure you feel confident, informed, and excited throughout the journey.

Big Sky’s unique blend of world-class recreation and serene natural beauty makes it the perfect canvas for custom homes that stand out. Our clients—whether Big Sky locals proud of their Montana roots or newcomers drawn to the resort lifestyle—seek homes that reflect their individuality and enhance their surroundings. Imagine designing a ski-in/ski-out retreat in Moonlight Basin with sleek modernity and natural wood accents, elevating the area’s aesthetic. Or picture building a sprawling estate near Meadow Village that prioritizes views and sustainability, contributing to Big Sky’s reputation for thoughtful architecture.

Our mountain modern aesthetic, defined by clean lines, natural materials, and open spaces, resonates with Big Sky families, professionals, and retirees who want homes that feel contemporary yet timeless. Our adaptability ensures each project is uniquely yours, whether you’re building in the vibrant Yellowstone Club, the serene Spanish Peaks, or a quiet meadow near Big Sky Resort. We design homes that not only meet your needs but also uplift the communities around them, adding value and beauty to Montana’s landscape.