A Conversation With Michele McCarthy And Ron Nemetz Of Vertical Arts
IN CONVERSATION BRINGS TOGETHER THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE HOMES, BUSINESSES, AND IDEAS SHAPING THE WEST. IN THIS ISSUE, WESTERN HOME JOURNAL SPEAKS WITH SARA MARCILLE, OWNER OF MOUNTAIN HOME COLLECTIVE, ABOUT THE FIRM’S WORK, ITS CLIENTS, AND THE THINKING BEHIND THE SPACES IT CREATES. WE ALSO SIT DOWN WITH MICHELE MCCARTHY AND RON NEMETZ, THE TEAM BEHIND VERTICAL ARTS ARCHITECTURE’S NEW BOZEMAN BRANCH, ABOUT ESTABLISHING A LOCAL PRESENCE AND APPROACHING DESIGN IN SOUTHWEST MONTANA.
A Conversation With Michele McCarthy And Ron Nemetz Of Vertical Arts
After nearly three decades leading their own firms, interior designer Michele McCarthy and architect Ron Nemetz have entered a new chapter. Earlier this year, the married collaborators became partners and owners of Vertical Arts Architecture’s Bozeman office, pairing their local experience with a multidisciplinary firm long established in Colorado.
McCarthy, an NCIDQ-certified interior designer and owner of Michele McCarthy Interiors, has led residential, hospitality, and commercial projects across the country for 27 years. Nemetz brings more than 30 years of architectural experience, a background in construction, and a longstanding commitment to historical preservation. Formerly the owner and principal of N2 Architecture & Interior Design, he has led residential and commercial projects throughout the Rocky Mountain West and across the country.
From Bozeman, McCarthy and Nemetz oversee work across Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah, backed by a team spanning architecture, interior design, planning, landscape architecture, and furnishings. The partnership gives them greater infrastructure and creative depth while leaving them in control of their office—and free to focus on design and the client relationships that have sustained their careers.
“I HAD WORKED WITH VERTICAL ARTS FOR YEARS, SO I ALREADY KNEW THE PEOPLE, THE CULTURE, THE QUALITY OF THE WORK, AND THEIR EGO-FREE, CLIENT-FIRST PHILOSOPHY. IT WAS AN EASY FIT FOR US.”
WHJ: You’ve both had successful careers. What should people understand about your new partnership with Vertical Arts and the Bozeman office?
Ron Nemetz: Michele and I both reached a point where our firms were incredibly busy, and we wanted to keep growing without losing the personal, concierge-level service our clients value. Merging with Vertical Arts gave us a way to do that. We are now partners and owners of the Bozeman office, leading the same bespoke work we’ve always been known for but with the strength of a larger team behind us.
Michele McCarthy: I had worked with Vertical Arts for years, so I already knew the people, the culture, the quality of the work, and their ego-free, client-first philosophy. It was an easy fit for us.
WHJ: So by joining Vertical Arts, you keep leading the work, but you don’t have to wear every hat that comes with owning your own firm.
Ron: Exactly. As independent business owners, we wore every hat. One day you’re the architect, the next you’re handling accounting, marketing, human resources, or insurance. Vertical Arts already has those support systems in place, which allows us to focus on architecture, design, and our clients.
Michele: And for me, the best part is the team. I love working with other talented architects and interior designers to push ideas even further. Someone sees something you didn’t, the brainstorming starts, and the project becomes better. That collaboration is exciting for me.
WHJ: Neither of you seems really set on imposing a signature style but rather helping your clients achieve their yet-to-be dream home. How do you define your approach to design?
Michele: I genuinely don’t want someone to walk into a home and immediately say, “Michele McCarthy designed this.” The design should reflect the client. We elevate their ideas and pull everything together, but it remains their space. The best compliment is when someone walks in, loves it, and then asks who designed it.
Ron: For me, my background includes historic preservation, so I have a deep appreciation for the history, context, and the stories behind buildings. Of course, I also appreciate modern architecture, and the two can work together. We don’t approach clients with a predetermined style; instead, we spend time understanding who they are and how they live before the design begins. That way, each home will always be their home.
WHJ: You’ve previously told me about how important relationships are for you, that they matter as much as the finished project, that you end up becoming friends with a lot of your clients. Tell me about that.
Michele: They really do. When clients know they’re being heard, and you communicate with them, trust follows. We attend their children’s graduations, share life events, and go camping or skiing together. I want them to love the finished home, but I also want them to love the process.
Ron: There is value in experience. After nearly 30 years, there isn’t much either of us hasn’t encountered. But confidence also comes from listening, treating people with respect, and finding a way through challenges. Most of our work comes from repeat clients and referrals, and many of those relationships have lasted decades.
WHJ: And now your journey has brought you to Bozeman. How far does your reach extend from here, and what are you currently focused on?
Ron: We’re handling projects in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and parts of Utah, with both residential and commercial work. One current project is a 28,000-acre legacy ranch with roughly 30 structures, including residences, guest cabins, staff housing, an office, and a wash house. It brings together the scale and organization of commercial work with the intimacy and character of residential design and historic preservation.
Michele: Right now, we’re focused on growing the Bozeman office as our work extends throughout Montana and the Rocky Mountain West. We have an incredibly talented team, and we’re here to build great homes that reflect each client’s vision. Most importantly, we genuinely care about the people we work with, and our ultimate goal is to create something they absolutely love.
whj IN CONVERSATION
