--- title: "StoneHorse Design, Inc. — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/stonehorse-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1417684449 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1417684449.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "StoneHorse Design, Inc." category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/da83977701632cfd_6615-w400-h400-b1-p10--.jpg address: "201 South Wallace Street, Suite B1A, Bozeman, Montana 59715, United States" latitude: 45.6693 longitude: -111.0431 phone: "(406) 586-8428" website: http://www.stonehorsedesign.com rating: 4.7 review_count: 15 followers: 2 last_updated: 2026-08-17 --- # StoneHorse Design, Inc. > Montana/Bozeman, Madison & Ruby Valleys Custom Home Design Original Houzz profile: [StoneHorse Design, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/stonehorse-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1417684449) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Bozeman, MT - **Houzz rating:** 4.7 out of 5 (15 reviews) ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves \*National Chrysalis Award Winner for the Southside Park Residence in the category of Whole House Remodel Under $300,00\* Your Voice, Our Vision StoneHorse Design, Inc. is a full-service architectural design and planning firm devoted to integrating built work into their landscape and, in some cases, historical context. We are involved in a range of project types including rustic and contemporary custom residences, residential remodels and historic ranch restoration. Recent work has focused on restoration of ranch buildings using reclaimed materials, sustainable building strategies and contemporary technologies. Our work reflects a range of aesthetics and styles, from rustic to contemporary. We are often called on to design the projects from the ground up – including landscape, building and interiors. Additionally we put together a team of professionals where it is appropriate. Not given to a particular style, each project resonates with the voice of each client. StoneHorse Design, Inc. specializes in rustic custom residential work as well as historic and ranch restoration work. The most recent projects have been contemporary. ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 1.5 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | StoneHorse Design, Inc. | | Address | 201 South Wallace Street, Suite B1A, Bozeman, Montana 59715, United States | | Phone | (406) 586-8428 | | Website | http://www.stonehorsedesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 2 | ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [StoneHorse Design, Inc.](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/stonehorse-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1417684449) - **Website:** http://www.stonehorsedesign.com - **Phone:** (406) 586-8428 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - -Montana Preservation Alliance (2015) - -Certificate of Appreciation - Friends of the Story Mansion (2012-2014) - -National Chrysalis Award Winner for the Southside Park Residence in the category of Whole House Remodel Under $300,00 **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.7 out of 5 — 15 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 10.0 - Communication: 10.0 - Value: 10.0 ### Reviews **★ — cocobean235, June 2021** > We had the worst experience with Mara-Gai. After signing a contract with her in October 2020, enduring delay after delay on even conceptual sketches, dealing with her inability to communicate through modern means, and her not listening to the most basic of our inputs (e.g., we want a CONTEMPORY design), we received no useable work product after more than 6 months and had to fire her. Our project, as a result, is delayed, and we may not even be able to build this year. I have never encountered a more unprofessional "professional." **★★★★★ — Jon Menezes, Feb. 2019** > I've had the pleasure to work with Mara-Gai on multiple projects. Here work is extraordinary, and I love every time I get the chance to be a part of her projects. **★★★★★ — Dan & Kathy Wetstein, May 2018** > We highly recommend Mara-Gai and StoneHorse Design to anyone who is looking for professional, smart, experienced, and very personal architecture. She was a true partner ... listening, internalizing, and executing. She truly understood the comfort, warmth, and hospitality that we working to achieve in our new home. We have owned and transformed many homes on our own, so we had a good idea of the values we were targeting for our new home. Mara-Gai was very quick to turn those visions into first class results; building and expanding on our ideas to create the amazing Craftsman that is now our dream home and a real center for our family and friends. **★★★★★ — Dana Strazza, April 2018** > It was a pleasure to work with StoneHorse Design on our bonus room remodel/garage addition. Mara-Gai and her team were on-schedule and always available for clarifications or if questions came up during the construction process. We really appreciated that Mara-Gai provided creative, yet practical ideas for our project and that her fees were very fair. We are very happy with how well our remodel fits-in with the “old construction” and are thrilled with our new space. **★★★★★ — Jeni Fleming, June 2017** > They say that divorce, losing your job, and renovating are among the top 3 most stressful events in one's life. A colleague once described being a self-employed musician as "losing your job every Saturday night." So, having experienced all 3 my advice to anyone embarking on the latter is to make sure you've got a kickass architect in your corner. In the 3 years it took to bring to fruition, our renovation-addition took an inordinate number of unexpected turns, pushing us to emotional and physical limits. I dare say if StoneHorse Design Inc. (Mara-Gai and Nathaniel) hadn't been there to "drive the bus" this project would've crashed and burned. > > An unusually small and narrow lot in a historically contributing subdivision meant there was a list of codes and regulations long enough to choke a horse. Figuring out what could be built was a puzzle that alone I would still be working on. Anticipating that this was likely my sole chance to create a home I could live in for the foreseeable future, I asked for a lot on an impossibly tight budget; update 80-year old electrical and plumbing, modernize and expand the kitchen, create an energy-efficient envelope (windows and appliances), add a master bedroom and en suite bath (that would someday accommodate aging parents), add a 2-car garage with ADU above (passive income). I was determined to respect the Minimal Traditional style while building something that reflected my lifestyle and Mara-Gai helped me stay on that path throughout the design process. As well she took the time to learn my aesthetic, which abbreviated our conversations, streamlining a part of the process that can typically drag on. > > If there's one quality I appreciate most about Mara-Gai it's her ability to empathize; I am a single, female, self-employed artist. That is a specific kind of vulnerability and I understood from our first phone conversation that this woman would go to the mats for me, which is exactly what she did. Beyond being a brilliant designer, Mara-Gai far surpassed what was expected of her, ferreting out better bids from reliable subcontractors, calling in favors and giving advice on > how to satisfy the entire programme on such a restricted budget. She directed my focus to things that needed attention, anticipated obstacles, gave solid advice, often calling upon personal experience regarding contractors and vendors. And during all of this she brought pumpkin cheesecake to Thanksgiving dinner, floated some time-sensitive purchases on her credit card, accommodated my crazy musician's schedule by holding late-night (cocktail) meetings on my deck, attended my concerts (!), sent us beautiful Christmas cards and gifts, lent us moving boxes, and became a cherished friend. > > While helping to design this project was a creative joy and pleasure, the truth is that building a house can be rife with heartache, disappointment, bad luck, frustration and mishaps. For all of those things there is Nitroglycerin. But thanks to StoneHorse Design Inc. we are living in our "forever" home, and Mara-Gai will be forever invited to Thanksgiving. **★★★★★ — Gordon Gregory Photography, Feb. 2016** > I have photographed many projects for StoneHorse Design. I am constantly impressed with the quality and level of detail in their work whether the home is a renovation or new construction. Their level of experience in the architectural and building industry shines through on every project. Mara-Gai is a very creative person and really listens to her clients' needs. All the homeowners I've met on our photo shoots are always so happy to see her and speak so highly of her warm personality and professionalism. **Comment from StoneHorse Design, Inc.:** > Thanks for your kind words, Gordon, we feel very fortunate to have such great clients to collaborate with ... and they are always taken with your work! **★★★★★ — shootnotlane, Nov. 2015** > Mara-Gai helped me design outbuildings in harmony with the existing house she originally desgined and built in 2007/08. She was able to place the additional buildings without cluttering the property and made sure the design included space for today's needs and some for tomorrow's. Aside from my residence Mara-Gai asssistd me in finding a rustic cabin that I had restored for use as an office/welcome station for a local non-profit. She knew exactly where to locate such a cabin worthy of restoration. > T.L. Reeves **★★★★★ — Hennessy Properties, Nov. 2015** > We hired StoneHorse to design our main house and garage/ADU in 2013. We were very pleased with the results. Mara-gai worked hard with us to deliver exactly what we wanted. The lot in town that we built on was challenging, as it's very narrow, but our home and the ADU were designed very open and airy. Anyone who comes into our house oohs and ahhs, seriously. Thanks Mara-gai! **★★★★★ — carpest1, Oct. 2015** > We are so pleased with the design outcome from Stonehorse. Design and build may be so stressful. Mara-Gai really helped. **★★★★★ — ccolnar, May 2014** > StoneHorse Design provided excellent service throughout the nearly two-year home-building process, from the initial questionnaire and interviewing prospective contractors, until the home was completed....and even years beyond! Mara-Gai Katz has a very positive, can-do attitude and if she is confronted with a challenge, she embraces it, engages her brain and figures it out. She actually listens to what her client wants and designs accordingly. > > Mara-Gai used her imagination and drew on her knowledge of Japanese architecture to design a beautiful Japanese country home that completely suits me as well as the setting. She met all deadlines and budgets. She and I worked well together, which was of prime importance as I was living in Tokyo at the time and had to direct everything from there. Mara-Gai has a keen sense of aesthetics and if you look at the StoneHorse website, you'll immediately see that for yourself. I recommend her for your project without hesitation! **★★★★★ — bcrhouse, May 2014** > We found StoneHorse Design to be not only knowledgeable, but also willing to listen to our needs. We hired this company to help us in a strategic and phased plan for the work we want to do on our house, which not only is our home, but also is part of the building envelope of our historic working ranch. My husband and I wanted to make sure that our home would be accessible for us as we grow older, while at the same time fulfilling the needs of being the center of ranch operations. We were not interested in having, for example, a designer kitchen, but instead need a working kitchen in which food can be prepared for a crowd. Our home is a modular that was installed in 1995, and so it needed to be a plan that on the exterior would fit in with the rest of the buildings, yet fit within our budget and meet our needs for use and future accessibility. A tall order. However, StoneHorse (led by MaraGai Katz) listened carefully and patiently guided us in making the necessary decisions for them to create the final design plans. We are looking forward to working with them in the plan's implementation and then enjoying the results into the future! **★★★★★ — margiereeves, April 2014** > StoneHorse Design, inc. designed our primary residence. We requested a small cabin/cottage to fit in a rural setting located in Montana. The house is the perfect size for two while providing separate spaces for each of us. Because of the small size the plan utilizes spaces in decks and screened porch. > Margie Reeves **Comment from StoneHorse Design, Inc.:** > Thanks so much for taking the time to comment - very much appreciated! > Always enjoy working with you both...! ## Selected projects - [Awards & Distinctions](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/awards-and-distinctions-pj-vj~3010395) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Historic Shotgun Style Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-shotgun-style-renovation-pj-vj~4537040) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: Winner of 2017 National Chrysalis Award for Whole House Remodel under $300,000. - [Craftsman Residence at West Meadows](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/craftsman-residence-at-west-meadows-pj-vj~2911248) - Location: Bozeman, MT - Photos: 19 - [Historic Shotgun Style Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/historic-shotgun-style-renovation-pj-vj~2787598) - Location: Bozeman, MT - Photos: 23 - [Blackwood Settlement - Bozeman, MT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blackwood-settlement-bozeman-mt-pj-vj~397504) - Location: Bozeman, MT - Photos: 33 - Description: Blackwood Settlement Bozeman, Mt The Blackwood Settlement is located on an historic agricultural parcel in Bozeman, MT. The 5 acre parcel features panoramic views of the Spanish Peaks, Gallatin Range, and the Tobacco Roots. The house is located on property adjacent to the family ranch buildings. The residence consisting of 3 bedrooms and 2 baths and completed in 2008, was built to accommodate a family of four, at 4000 sf. A covered front porch faces a century old tree stand. The craftsmanship th… - [Trailsend](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/trailsend-pj-vj~210987) - Location: Twin Bridges, MT - Photos: 13 - Description: These two guest buildings sit on a stunning ranch property with panoramic views of the Ruby Valley. The two buildings, both predominantly stone, comprise the guest area that sits below the larger main residence. These new buildings, unlike the main residence in it's form, follow the forms in a barn that had previously been on that site. The larger of the two buildings, the guest house, utilized a range of sustainable strategies; these were integrated into the project from the conceptual stage; g… - [Southside Residence - Bozeman, MT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/southside-residence-bozeman-mt-pj-vj~397515) - Location: Bozeman, MT - Photos: 16 - Description: Bozeman, Mt This 3000 sf new residence is located in the heart of Bozeman, adjacent to the MSU campus. Sited to take advantage of the south facing orientation, as well as mature growth trees on the lot, a south courtyard allows tremendous light into the residence, and the 1 bedroom Accessory Dwelling Unit above the garage. A range of materials is used on the exterior including ledge stone, cedar rain screen and c-channel cedar. Inside, the living room features a 14’ wide nano-wall and a full-hei… - [Ruby River Cabin - Alder, MT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ruby-river-cabin-alder-mt-pj-vj~1261924) - Location: Alder, MT - Photos: 14 - Description: This 1500 sf cabin sits on 45 acres of agricultural land, set in Montana’s Ruby Valley. Designed for Owners who spend 10 months of the year there, the cabin extends to the outdoors with an east facing screened-in porch and 2 generous porches facing south and west. These outdoor living spaces capture far mountain vistas as well as close in views of the nearby wetlands. The interior features an open and integrated Kitchen, Dining and Living space with easy access to the screened-in porch. Adjoinin… - [Springhill Residence - Bozeman, MT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/springhill-residence-bozeman-mt-pj-vj~430203) - Location: Bozeman, MT - Photos: 11 - Description: This stone dining room was added on to an existing log home. A sitting room and a master closet were also added. Collaboration: Firm of Record: StoneHorse Design Role: Project Designer & Construction Observation Builder: JDL Construction www.jdlconstruction.us Photography - Lark Gilmer Smothermon - www.woollybugger.org - [Bridger Mountain Residence - Bozeman, MT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bridger-mountain-residence-bozeman-mt-pj-vj~211567) - Location: Bozeman, MT - Photos: 15 - Description: This 6,000 sf residence sits high above Bozeman, with views to the Spanish Peaks, Tobacco Roots and Bridger Mountains. Conceived to take advantage of the sloping site with a walk-out basement guest suite, there are adjacent patios on the north off the dining area, west off the sunroom, and on the south off the lower level. On the main level is the Great Room with an upper den loft looking over it, as well as the master suite which opens up onto the wrap around porch. At the upper level are dorme… - [House on the Pond - Sheridan, WY](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-on-the-pond-sheridan-wy-pj-vj~210929) - Location: Sheridan, WY - Photos: 24 - Description: This 3000 sf residence is located just south of town, and features views to the east south and west. The home site sits near a pond on the property, and stretches out along the bench overlooking the pond all on one level. Designed for a couple who spent many years in Japan, the house reflects ideas found in the Japanese folk houses, in aesthetic, proportion and proximity of materials. Many of the spaces in the house serve more than one function such as the office serving a second function as a m… - [Sun West Ranch - Cameron, MT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sun-west-ranch-cameron-mt-pj-vj~1261929) - Location: Ennis, MT - Photos: 25 - Description: This 3450 sf residence is a second home to a family who enjoy fly-fishing and the outdoors. The Creekside home is built into the hill, with the kid’s bunk room and guest quarters, located on the lower level by the creek. The main level features decks and screened-in porches that capture creek cooled breezes and western sunsets. Living, Dining and Kitchen all enjoy the main southern view. A 2nd story loft opens to the gathering spaces below. Tucked into the west corner is the Master Bedroom. A la… - [House in the Woods - Wellfleet, MA](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/house-in-the-woods-wellfleet-ma-pj-vj~211638) - Location: Wellfleet, MA - Photos: 18 - Description: This 2800 sf house is nestled in the woods on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Designed to accommodate the full-time needs of its Owners, two university professors, and the part-time needs of their children's families during the summer months, the living areas are designed to extend into their forested site with decks and informal patios and gardens. Materials which fare well in the coastal region have been used, and the naturally steep slope offered a walk out lower level. Collaboration: Firm of Record… - [Walkin P Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/walkin-p-ranch-pj-vj~77810) - Location: Jeffers, MT - Photos: 23 - Description: The first building of this multi-building complex sits on a historic ranch along a pristine creek in a small hamlet in the Madison Valley, home to some of Montana’s best fishing areas. This larger parcel encompasses the creek as well as the site of a 1910 cabin/farmstead that was added on to three times prior to its sale to the present Owner. Sitting at the foot of mature willows, the farmstead had been modified so often that little of it’s historic fabric remained. In the first phase, it was ho… - [Creek House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/creek-house-pj-vj~211622) - Location: Gallatin Gateway, MT - Photos: 16 - Description: This house sits alongside a creek in Gallatin Gateway. Nestled up against cottonwoods, it stretches along the creek with small exterior spaces along both sides of the house, as well as porches facing the southern mountain views. This small, 1600 sf house is designed to take in light from both sides, and to be able to see both the creek and mountains from all of the rooms. Built primarily on one level, a small upper dormered room for exercise and sanctuary sits over the entry and kitchen. Decks a… - [Art Studio - Bozeman, MT](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/art-studio-bozeman-mt-pj-vj~1261923) - Location: Bozeman, MT - Photos: 6 - Description: Located on a ridge overlooking Bozeman, this 1000 sf art studio enjoys compelling views of the Bridger Mountains. Designed for a printmaking artist and Professor, cabinetry, work tables, work surfaces and storage were all custom designed. Maple cabinetry, large stainless steel sinks, and soapstone counters re-claimed from a nearby school are the dominant materials. Photography: Gordon Gregory - [Walkin P Ranch - Play Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/walkin-p-ranch-play-cabin-pj-vj~2018703) - Location: Ennis, MT - Photos: 7 - Description: A local craftsman in Ennis makes one small cabin each year, and sets it out by the main route into town. Both the Owner and I, separately, saw this cabin and thought it would make a great play cabin for the Owner’s grand kids. We moved it over to the site, put in a new foundation, and fitted it out as a play cabin. We added a bathroom to the back, as well as an outdoor shower, and chose a site on the property below the massive willows. We had looked at designing and building a bunkhouse for seve… - [On the Boards](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/on-the-boards-pj-vj~1191918) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - [Models - Unbuilt](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/models-unbuilt-pj-vj~1624635) - Location: Bozeman, MT - Photos: 12 - [Renderings](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/renderings-pj-vj~1692272) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 [See all 21 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/stonehorse-design-inc-pfvwus-pf~1417684449) --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-17.*