A&E Design

About A&E Design

A&E Design is a Montana-based architectural and design firm founded in 1973. The company provides architecture, interior design, and historic preservation services throughout Montana and the Northwest. A&E Design has now joined forces with fellow Montana firm SMA Architecture + Design to "multiply creativity, momentum, and possibility", trading as A&E + SMA Design with five offices in Billings, Bozeman, Helena, Missoula and Kalispell.

Company History

• Founding (1973): The firm was established with the goal of providing innovative design solutions for its clients.
• Expansion: Over its 50-year history, A&E has expanded its presence across Montana, growing to a team of over 90 professionals.
• Merger: A&E Design has now joined forces with fellow Montana firm SMA Architecture + Design.

Services

The newly combined firm has expanded its range of services across multiple disciplines, connecting them to deliver integrated solutions:

• Architecture
• Interior Design
• Historic Preservation
• Environmental Graphic Design
• Landscape Architecture
• Brand Development

Historic Preservation Projects

A&E Design has been involved in several projects centered on historic preservation:

• Fort Missoula Alien Detention Barrack: A&E was involved in the restoration of the former WWII internment site at the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula. The project transformed the barracks into a memorial and exhibit space, and now features an immersive exhibit on the unjust incarceration of Japanese and Italian men during WWII. The project's impact lies in its role in preserving history and educating future generations.
• ALPS Insurance Offices, Missoula: A&E revitalized the historic Florence Building in Missoula, converting a 1980s law office into a contemporary workspace for ALPS Insurance. The project adhered to National Register standards and integrated historic qualities into the design, artfully exposing historic elements and incorporating reclaimed wood, concrete beams, and walls to maintain a rustic-modern aesthetic. It also added a new rooftop patio to connect indoor and outdoor spaces.
• Delta Gamma Sorority House: The firm restored the Pi Chapter's 1920s Tudor Revival sorority house to preserve its historic architecture and support its continued use by students.
• Stock Farm Club and Chief Joseph Ranch: A&E's historic preservation work is famously featured on the television show Yellowstone. This demonstrates the firm's ability to revitalize historic structures while retaining their character and history.

Sustainable and Forward-Thinking Design

• Northwest Pipe Fittings Facility: For this industrial mixed-use facility, A&E integrated sustainable practices, including a LEED-informed approach. The building features steel and wood elements, extensive LED lighting, and translucent wall panels that create a lantern-like effect at night, emphasizing both function and aesthetics.
• Saddle Peak Elementary School Library & Commons: This project expanded the school's facilities with a new library and commons area. Design elements, like a focus on natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, were used to create a more flexible and engaging learning environment for students.
• Mass Timber Projects: In 2024, A&E designed nearly 500,000 square feet of sustainable spaces, including mass timber innovations. These projects show the firm's commitment to using cutting-edge, eco-friendly materials and design techniques.

SMA Architecture + Design Portfolio

• University of Montana Wayfinding: In 2024, SMA completed a new 10-foot-tall sign for the entrance of the University of Montana based on a Wayfinding Study and Master Plan. The project improves campus navigation and strengthens the university's brand and visual identity for students and visitors.
• VACOM CleanFab Facility: The Lewistown facility, designed by SMA, represents an expansion of a global vacuum technology company's U.S. presence. This project showcases the firm's expertise in specialized commercial and industrial design that supports economic growth in Montana.
• Malta Vehicle Maintenance Shop: SMA was involved in the groundbreaking for a new vehicle maintenance shop in Malta, Montana. The project supports Montana National Guard operations and highlights the firm's work in the military and public sectors.

Community Engagement and Safety

The merger combines both firms' commitments to community safety. SMA regularly spoke at the annual Jeremy Bullock Safe Schools Summit, addressing school security architecture and designing safer schools. One of SMA's employees was posthumously recognized at the summit with a "Legacy of Safe Schools Award".

Goals of the Merger

The primary goals of the merger between A&E Design and SMA Architecture + Design were to combine their respective legacies, expand resources and expertise, and increase their creative impact on Montana communities. The new firm, A&E + SMA Design, aims to become a "powerhouse" by uniting the talent and vision of both firms.

• Create a powerhouse firm: By joining forces, the two firms aimed to become a larger and stronger entity with the ability to take on bigger and more complex projects.
• Multiply creativity and momentum: The merger was intended to combine the two firms' complementary expertise and "unstoppable creative energy," leading to bolder and more innovative design solutions.
• Expand resources and services: The newly combined firm has expanded its range of services across multiple disciplines, including architecture, interiors, preservation, environmental graphic design, and landscape architecture.
• Increase community impact: By combining decades of community relationships and expanded resources, the merger seeks to create a greater positive impact. This involves designing spaces that uplift identity, strengthen culture, and foster a sense of belonging in the communities they serve.
• Improve client experience: The new firm intends to deliver lasting impact for clients through deeper expertise, seamless collaboration, and a people-first approach.

Markets Served

• Commercial
• Education - K-12 and higher education
• Healthcare
• Hospitality
• Military and public sector
• Residential