Distinctly Montana Magazine

D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A • FA L L 2 0 1 6 52 YOU MAKE A STRONG CASE FOR LANDSCAPE AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF YOUR DESIGN PROCESS. DOES THIS COME AS A REVELA- TION TO YOUR CLIENTS? KYLE TAGE (PARTNER): Our clientele tends to be fairly sophis- ticated and comes to us with an articulate idea about our architecture. Understanding that our designs don't stop at the doors is a key element to our design ethos. We don't have to do much convincing with our clients that creating outside space through landscaping is as important as designing the perfect kitchen. e process really begins with us earnestly trying to learn as much about the client and their lifestyle as possible, so that we can hone in on a design that reflects each client's detailed needs. e more information we can collect at the onset, the easier the design flows for us. We have been for- tunate to work with some pretty spectacular properties, and often times our design work is more about letting the land speak more than the architecture. FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT ONCE SAID "THE MOTHER OF ART IS ARCHITECTURE." WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU? GREG DENEE: For us, there are a few sides to architecture that differentiate it from other forms of art. First is the techni- cal intensity of the work, where we have to fold in all of the practical issues like engineering, constructability, sustainability, and cost to create truly beautiful solutions. Second, the task in creating something that improves lives is a humbling chal- lenge, but connecting people's lives to others, connecting them to the outdoor landscape, and creating space for memories to be made is certainly rewarding work. Perhaps that is what Mr. Wright meant, but I still enjoy a great painting, too. HOW DOES LOCATI ARCHITECTS ASSIST ASPIRING ARCHITECTS IN THEIR EDUCATION AND CAREER CHOICE? JERRY LOCATI: We support two programs to help aspiring architects and youth. e first is the Montana State's School of Architecture, which year after year turns out remarkable

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