Business Details
Your Vision. Our Experience. Let's Collaborate.
Collaborative Design Architects is a client-centric architectural firm founded on the principle that exceptional design emerges from genuine collaboration. Our team of licensed architects and designers works directly with clients throughout every project phase, ensuring their vision is realized with technical precision and creative innovation. With over two decades of combined experience, our principals lead projects ranging from civic and educational facilities to commercial, healthcare, and residential developments.We prioritize transparency, client involvement, and a partner-led approach, fostering trust and delivering tailored solutions that align with each client's unique needs. Our commitment to mentorship and professional growth ensures our team remains at the forefront of architectural excellence while maintaining a culture of authenticity and community-centered design.
Services
Civic Architecture
K-12 Education
Higher Education
Commercial Projects
Healthcare Facilities
Residential Design
Master Planning
Federal Projects
Non-Profit Spaces
Ecclesiastical Design
Highlights and features
- We offer direct client collaboration with principal-led project teams.
- Our architects hold NCARB certification and AIA affiliations.
- We specialize in diverse project types across multiple states.
- Our team includes award-winning designers with decades of regional expertise.
- We prioritize transparent communication and client involvement throughout the design process.
Associations and certifications
- National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
- The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Services
Civic Architecture
We design functional, inspiring civic spaces that serve communities. Our expertise includes municipal buildings, transportation hubs, and public institutions. By integrating client needs with regulatory requirements, we create accessible, durable structures that enhance civic life and reflect local identity.
K-12 Education
Our K-12 facilities prioritize safe, adaptable learning environments. We collaborate with educators to create spaces that support modern pedagogy, sustainability, and student engagement. From classrooms to multipurpose areas, our designs foster creativity and academic success while meeting evolving educational standards.
Commercial Projects
We deliver commercial spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality. Our portfolio includes retail, office, and hospitality projects tailored to brand identity and operational needs. Through strategic space planning and material selection, we create environments that enhance user experience and support business objectives.
Healthcare Facilities
Our healthcare design focuses on patient-centered, efficient care environments. We specialize in clinics, hospitals, and wellness centers that comply with strict regulatory standards while promoting healing. By prioritizing workflow optimization and technological integration, we create spaces that improve both patient outcomes and staff efficiency.
Residential Design
We craft residential spaces that reflect personal lifestyles and site contexts. From mountain retreats to urban residences, our designs emphasize natural light, sustainable materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Our collaborative process ensures homes are both beautiful and deeply functional for modern living.
People
Jason Fitzgerald
Principal / Architect / CFO
With over 20 years of experience, Jason specializes in public use projects and mentors associates through professional licensing. He emphasizes team collaboration and code compliance.
Travis Smith
Principal / Architect / COO
A project management expert, Travis leads award-winning commercial and multi-family projects. He brings a partner-led philosophy and Midwest work ethic to every design challenge.
Brian Johnson
Principal / Architect / Director of Design
A fifth-generation Montanan, Brian focuses on client collaboration and has won national design awards. He integrates site-specific elements to create custom, meaningful spaces.
Nick Pancheau
Principal-in-Charge / Architect / President
Nick leads the firm with a vision for timeless modernity. His award-winning designs emphasize order in complexity and a balance between tradition and innovation.
Valerie Meier
Architect
Valerie combines global design experience with local insight. Her work reflects a fusion of cultural influences and a commitment to authentic, functional spaces.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in civic, educational, commercial, healthcare, residential, and ecclesiastical projects, with expertise in both new construction and renovation.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
Clients participate in every phase, from initial visioning to site visits. We prioritize open communication and transparency to ensure designs align with client goals.
Are your architects licensed and certified?
All principals hold NCARB certification and are licensed in multiple states. We maintain active AIA memberships and adhere to strict professional standards.
What regions do you serve?
While based in Montana, we work across the western U.S., including Colorado, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.
How do you approach sustainable design?
Sustainability is integrated through material selection, energy efficiency, and site-responsive strategies. We balance environmental responsibility with functional, enduring design solutions.
Can you handle complex, large-scale projects?
Yes. Our team has extensive experience managing technically challenging projects, including award-winning schools, commercial renovations, and multi-family developments.
