Big news for Big Sky Country! Two of Montana’s most trusted design firms—A&E Design and SMA Architecture + Design—have officially joined forces to form one dynamic, people-first firm: A&E + SMA Design.
This merger isn’t about getting bigger, it’s about getting better. With a shared belief that great design starts with great relationships, the combined team is all about serving communities and clients with more creativity, collaboration, and heart than ever before.
But it’s not just the work that’s aligned—it’s the people. Both firms have long celebrated strong culture, curiosity, and care for one another. Now united, A&E + SMA Design is blending those strengths to create an even better place to work, grow, and design together. A team that loves what they do builds places people love to be.
“We’ve always designed for Montana’s people and places,” said Jason Davis, CXO and Helena Chamber Board Member. “Now, together, we can do even more—helping our schools, businesses, and communities dream big and build boldly.”
From classrooms to courthouses, campuses to community hubs, A&E + SMA Design is here to create spaces that bring people together and make Montana stronger. With offices in Helena, Bozeman, Missoula, Billings, and Kalispell, the team’s roots run deep, and their passion for this place runs even deeper.
About A&E Design
A&E Design blends architecture, interiors, historic preservation, landscape architecture, branding, environmental graphic design, and construction project management to create meaningful, people-centered places across Montana and the Northwest.
About SMA Architecture + Design
Founded in Helena in 1981, SMA has long championed thoughtful, community-driven design that reflects what makes each Montana town unique.