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By Cassidy Mantor
Ask any expert in our industry and they will tell you good design goes beyond aesthetics. It also must feel good, function well for its people, and endure the test of time.
At its core, good design creates elevated experiences that are both functionally and emotionally resonant. It is based on an understanding of the relationships that exist between people and the site, between materials and light. Good design may be subtle but it is highly intentional. It is the result of thoughtful decisions that shape how we live and connect with the world around us.
Over the past few months we have been curating responses to the question, “What does good design mean to you?”
We asked leading architects, interior designers, builders, and photographers, and we shared their thought leadership on our social media channels. Their insights were so valuable that we wanted to share some of them here.
You can see more images and tours of their work on our social media channels. Find us on Instagram @westernhomejournal & Facebook.
WK PHOTOGRAPHY {Bozeman, MT}
WHAT DOES GOOD DESIGN MEAN TO YOU AS A PHOTOGRAPHER, AND HOW DO YOU CAPTURE IT IN YOUR IMAGES?
“I appreciate all styles of design, but the most important aspect of a well-designed home is how it functions and feels—it should be a space people want to live in. Good design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about how materials, light, and layout work together to create something both beautiful and functional. When I photo-graph a home, I focus on capturing the details that make a space visually striking and inviting.
A big part of that comes from working closely with my clients and understanding the story behind the space. I take my time observing how light moves through a room, interacts with textures, and shapes the overall design. Whether it’s soft morning light accentuating natural materials or deep shadows adding contrast, I use these elements to highlight the architecture and craftsmanship.
For me, good design is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about how a space comes together through materials, structure, and light to create a sense of comfort and purpose. My goal is to highlight those elements in a way that not only showcases the design but also captures how the home feels—because a well-designed home should look beautiful, but more importantly, it should feel like home.”
– WK Photography
45 ARCHITECTURE {Bozeman, MT}
WHAT DOES GOOD DESIGN MEAN TO YOU?
“At 45 Architecture & Interiors, we believe good design is more than aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that harmonize with their natural surroundings and embody the unique stories of those who inhabit them. Every site we visit has an inherent character, from its topography and climate to its historical context. By embracing these elements, we create organic, connected designs for our clients.
Equally important is the personal narrative of each project. A well-designed space reflects the values, lifestyle, and aspirations of those who use it. Through thoughtful material selection, connection to its site, and bespoke details, we ensure every project comes together as a blend of place and personality.”–45 Architecture & Interiors
L INTERIORS {SUN VALLEY, ID}
WHAT DOES GOOD DESIGN MEAN TO YOU?
“Good design is honest and involves listening. We thrive on understanding our clients, their projects, and their needs. By learning more about them through discussion and experience we can then translate their projects into the language of design.
Good design is also the product of a well-thought-through process. By understanding the space, the materials, the architecture, the environment, and building elements, we bring long-lasting, sincere, and thorough design to the forefront of our projects. Good design should oddly involve as little design as possible. It should be obvious yet innovative.
People instinctively know when something is designed well at first glance and immediately have an understanding of the thought and care that went into creating it. There is nothing more satisfying as a designer to see a client walk into a room and feel in awe of the design they didn’t know was possible but are so clearly grateful for.” –Latham Interiors
FARMER PAYNE {JACKSON HOLE, WY}
WHAT DOES GOOD DESIGN MEAN TO YOU?
“Good design means everything to us. Designing cus-tom homes and curating spaces for clients to live their lives with loved ones in tranquility is extremely rewarding. We look at our projects with life cycle cost, so sustainability is at the forefront of our designs.
One of our favorite technological innovations is how windows and doors have vastly improved in efficiency over the years. Glass homes are actually becoming energy-efficient and maintenance-free.
Blurring the boundaries and transforming spaces with the use of operable glass is one of our favorite design elements. Additionally, with improvements to technology and energy efficiency, newer windows and doors contribute to the overall lifespan of a building.” –Farmer Payne
Blanchford Landscape Group {Bozeman, MT}
Custom homes have a presumption of good design –they’re made for the people who are building them and are tailored to their tastes and life style. We talk about timeless design, but we also asked our experts what makes a custom home truly unforgettable. Their answers did not disappoint.
HOW DO YOU APPROACH LANDSCAPE DESIGN FOR ALPINE ENVIRONMENTS?
I use this Venn diagram. It’s three circles: one is the client’s needs, one is what the architecture is asking for, and the third is what the site is asking for. I don’t tell clients their needs are only one-third of the equation, but we can steer them that way, since most of them want the project to be appropriate to the site. If you have nice stone-work on the exterior of the house, we’re going to pull that out in the landscape; it creates a seamless indoor to outdoor experience. It would be inappropriate to put in a bunch of turf grass in a natural mountain setting; we want to pull in that native meadow with native trees and plant species. In general people here in the Rockies are receptive; they want to do it right.
–Blanchford Landscape Group
PAYNE COLE DESIGNS {WHITEFISH, MT}
WHAT DOES GOOD DESIGN MEAN TO YOU?
“At Payne Cole, we bring your future home to life—before the first stake hits the ground. Our proprietary process delivers hyper-realistic, to-scale renderings from day one, giving clients and builders unmatched clarity and confidence. No vague sketches. No surprises.
With an in-house team of architects, designers, engineers, and animators, we streamline every step—accelerating budgets, eliminating change orders, and setting a new standard in luxury design. Led by Architect Nic Cole and Co-Founder Eric Payne, and with offices across the Northwest, we’re not just designing homes. We’re reshaping an industry.” – Payne Cole Designs
whj SOCIAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHT
