We’re excited to announce that A&E Design and SMA Architecture + Design are joining forces.
Built on shared values, a people-first approach, and decades of creative excellence, this merger unites two of Montana’s most respected design firms into a forward-thinking powerhouse. With aligned missions, complementary strengths, and a deep commitment to our communities and clients, we’re not just merging – we’re building something stronger: a firm driven by the belief that design should serve people, strengthen communities, elevate our clients’ visions, and shape a better future.
As we integrate our teams, our priorities and our client-centered approach remain unchanged – ongoing projects will move forward seamlessly, with the same trusted team and processes you already know.
Together, we offer expanded capabilities, seamless collaboration across disciplines, and bold solutions that reflect the people and places we serve. We are united by purpose, driven by design, and committed to creating places that make life better – for our clients, our communities, and our team.
Our Executive Team includes four leaders bringing equal voices from both legacy firms:
Dusty Eaton, CEO – Setting the vision and driving our people-first culture, Dusty ensures our firm continues to grow with purpose while staying true to the communities we serve.
Tim Meldrum, COO – Leading day-to-day operations, Tim keeps our teams aligned and our projects on track, ensuring seamless collaboration from concept to completion.
Brad Doll, CDO – As the creative force behind our design direction, Brad advances innovation, design excellence, and mentorship across every project.
Jason Davis, CXO – Championing client, community, and team experience, Jason shapes how we engage, communicate, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our partners.
The combined leadership team blends strengths, experience, and perspectives from both legacy firms. Together, they guide strategy, design excellence, operations, and client experience — ensuring our unified firm delivers projects that are creative, efficient, and deeply rooted in community.
Together, we offer expanded expertise across architecture, interior design, historic preservation, environmental graphic design, branding, landscape architecture, and construction project management. We’re combining our complementary strengths in education, healthcare, commercial, military, hospitality, and residential design—giving clients more comprehensive, innovative solutions.
We’ll continue operating from our existing offices across Montana—including Bozeman, Helena, Missoula, Billings, and Kalispell—creating a stronger statewide presence and more opportunities for collaboration.
Yes, A&E Design and SMA Architecture + Design will unify under a shared brand that reflects our shared mission, values, and vision. We will operate under the name A&E + SMA Design with a co-brand to best reflect our individual identities but demonstrate the collaboration and unification.
During this transition, you may see both names referenced. Feel free to use A&E + SMA Design as we work toward our unified identity.
Our Montana roots run deep—and this merger only strengthens them. We’ll continue to engage locally, support community causes, and invest in relationships with regional contractors, consultants, and partners.
This merger brings both teams together. All staff and leadership are joining under one umbrella, combining experience, creativity, and energy. It’s a partnership built on growth, opportunity, and shared purpose—not consolidation.
Visit our website, ae-sma.design, or connect with your project manager for updates. We’ll share more as the integration unfolds—including brand updates, leadership news, and stories from our teams across the state.