Missoula Montana Airport came to A&E Design with a very specific goal in mind: to enhance the passenger experience through “Montana Modern” design. The exterior architecture speaks to flight with its flat, modern roofline gradually rising to the West while the new terminal enhances passenger experiences, optimizes energy efficiency, and accommodates future growth. Prominent wood and wood-like finishes combine with a “river wall” behind the ticketing counter to showcase the area’s topography.

The expansive glass wall of the front façade allows unobstructed views of the Bitterroot Valley and an outdoor patio offers a place of respite during summer layovers while indoor fireplaces create a cozy ambiance in winter. Intuitive wayfinding, ample charging ports, new 3D scanners, and local restaurants and bars cater to the modern traveler. A public observation lounge provides sweeping panoramic views of the airfield with floor-to-ceiling windows maximizing daylighting. Designed to LEED standards, the cutting-edge facility features geothermal heating and cooling, automatically tinting glass, and durable, sustainable materials. To avoid disruptions to air service during construction, our team used strategic phasing and sequencing to ensure the existing terminal could remain operational.