Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding.

Nestled among towering pines, this remodeled cabin kitchen and dining space perfectly marries rustic charm with refined sophistication. Warm, honey-toned wood wraps every surface, from the vaulted ceilings with exposed beams to the custom cabinetry and handcrafted sliding barn door, each grain and knot telling its own story. Natural stone flooring grounds the space with earthy texture, while sleek stainless-steel appliances and modern lighting bring in a contemporary balance. The centerpiece: a window-framed dining nook that invites the forest inside, creating a serene connection between home and nature. Every detail whether it’s the live-edge pantry door or the polished countertops celebrates craftsmanship, comfort, and the enduring beauty of natural materials.

An empty nester couple wished to re-envision their home to be a warm and inviting destination they enjoy together and also be a place suitable to entertain friends and host their grown children and grandchildren. The existing home endured a series of additions and lacked coherence and connection to the large private yard. We rethought the house and land as a whole and as a result arrived at a series of interconnecting inside and outside rooms. This thinking led to an unexpected and beautiful reordering of the home with gardens. Reclaimed woods beams and stone walls used inside and out, limestone colored plaster, and walls of floor to ceiling glass curate environments elevated yet relaxed.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal, CEO and Principal Architect at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Interiors, great room, dining area, kitchen, living room, family room, stone fireplace, hallway, tray ceiling, staircase, stairway, stairs.

A modern cabana along the Hudson River Set just above the waterline, the Hudson Pool Cabana is a quiet architectural retreat designed for effortless summer living. This modern pool house embraces its riverside setting with a warm, minimalist material palette and an open connection to the surrounding landscape. With pergolas constructed of cedar that will naturally silver over time, the structure nestles into the terrain with quiet confidence. At its heart is a streamlined kitchen that opens wide to the pool terrace, thanks to custom lift-up glass panels that transform the façade and dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. This gesture invites conversation, movement, and hospitality to flow freely between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the cabana is grounded in simplicity—clean lines, natural finishes, and purposeful details. A full bath and changing area support long days in and around the pool, while pergolas offer shelter and shade when the sun begins to dip over the Hudson River. At once practical and poetic, this riverside cabana elevates the everyday into something serene and enduring—a modern companion to the water's edge.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

Set on a narrow lakefront parcel defined by tight setbacks and limited hardscape allowance, this modern cabin demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform restriction into possibility. Carefully composed to preserve privacy while opening fully toward the water, the home feels both expansive and intimate—an elevated retreat grounded in its landscape. Though modest in footprint, the residence lives generously. Four bedrooms are tucked efficiently within the plan, including a light-filled quilting studio that reflects the homeowners’ creative life. Each bedroom opens onto its own private balcony, offering moments of pause and perspective with views stretching across lake and countryside. The upper level also includes a family room, providing a quiet gathering space removed from the activity below. From here, the home’s vertical volume becomes apparent, as daylight pours down through a dramatic two-story space framed by glass facing the lake. At the center of the home, a custom steel-and-wood plank stair acts as both circulation and sculpture. Rising through the double-height volume, it leads the eye upward to a tall Nelson cigar lamp suspended above—an intentional moment of drama and delight. The main floor is designed around connection and flow. Kitchen, dining, and living areas exist as one continuous space, unified by light, views, and material warmth. A 12-foot-long island anchors the kitchen, serving as the natural gathering place for morning coffee, family meals, and summertime buffet-style entertaining. When fully opened, large folding accordion glass doors dissolve the boundary between inside and out, allowing the screened porch to become a true extension of the living space. Function is carefully layered throughout the plan. A mudroom entry from the tucked-under two-car garage includes a powder room and utility closet, while a generous entry closet provides essential storage and has been dimensioned to accommodate a future elevator. Designed intentionally for aging in place, the home incorporates zero-threshold access from the garage, wide halls and doorways, reinforced wall blocking for future grab bars, and infrastructure for a future elevator—ensuring long-term comfort without compromising design. Clad in dark painted board-and-batten siding, the exterior minimizes visual scale and allows the home to recede quietly into the landscape. Recessed balconies and façade elements are wrapped in warm wood-look siding, adding depth and contrast while bringing warmth into the interior. At night, light spills softly from within, and the cabin glows along the shoreline—welcoming, calm, and enduring.

For a family putting down lasting roots in Park City, this 10,000-square-foot estate within the gated enclave of Quarry Mountain Ranch is conceived as both sanctuary and legacy. Designed to evolve alongside its owners, the home balances permanence with a deep sensitivity to the land it inhabits. Thoughtfully positioned within an alpine meadow shaped by the gentle flow of McLeod Creek, the residence embraces its setting. The waterway threads through the property, sustaining native grasses and drawing elk, deer, and migratory birdlife, grounding daily life in the rhythms of season and landscape. Broad planes of glass and sheltering rooflines frame uninterrupted views of ski slopes and distant ridgelines, while long sightlines pull natural light deep into the interior. Terraces and covered outdoor rooms mediate between house and meadow, creating spaces for gathering, reflection, and year-round connection to the outdoors. A restrained palette of wood and stone echoes the textures of the terrain, lending warmth and durability to the home’s contemporary expression. A separate guest house extends the architectural language, forming a discreet compound that supports family life, hospitality, and the enduring cadence of alpine living. Architecture: Advanced Design Interior Design: Erin Brewer Design

Nestled among towering pines, this remodeled cabin kitchen and dining space perfectly marries rustic charm with refined sophistication. Warm, honey-toned wood wraps every surface, from the vaulted ceilings with exposed beams to the custom cabinetry and handcrafted sliding barn door, each grain and knot telling its own story. Natural stone flooring grounds the space with earthy texture, while sleek stainless-steel appliances and modern lighting bring in a contemporary balance. The centerpiece: a window-framed dining nook that invites the forest inside, creating a serene connection between home and nature. Every detail whether it’s the live-edge pantry door or the polished countertops celebrates craftsmanship, comfort, and the enduring beauty of natural materials.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Interiors, great room, dining area, kitchen, living room, family room, stone fireplace, hallway, tray ceiling, staircase, stairway, stairs.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.

A modern cabana along the Hudson River Set just above the waterline, the Hudson Pool Cabana is a quiet architectural retreat designed for effortless summer living. This modern pool house embraces its riverside setting with a warm, minimalist material palette and an open connection to the surrounding landscape. With pergolas constructed of cedar that will naturally silver over time, the structure nestles into the terrain with quiet confidence. At its heart is a streamlined kitchen that opens wide to the pool terrace, thanks to custom lift-up glass panels that transform the façade and dissolve the boundary between indoors and out. This gesture invites conversation, movement, and hospitality to flow freely between interior and exterior spaces. Inside, the cabana is grounded in simplicity—clean lines, natural finishes, and purposeful details. A full bath and changing area support long days in and around the pool, while pergolas offer shelter and shade when the sun begins to dip over the Hudson River. At once practical and poetic, this riverside cabana elevates the everyday into something serene and enduring—a modern companion to the water's edge.

This gracious home was designed with comfort, livablity and timeless style in mind. The thoughtuful finishes, interesting designer lighting and wood tones make it a beautiful, easy space to be in. A traditional Craftsman home exudes warmth and character, characterized by its handcrafted details and use of natural materials like stone, wood, and tile. The design features exposed beams, custom woodwork, and built-in furniture, creating a sense of craftsmanship that prioritizes architectural integrity. A wide front porch with overhanging eaves welcomes visitors, while low-pitched roofs and shingle siding provide a classic, timeless look. Inside, cozy interiors are enriched by wrought iron accents, casement windows, and stained glass, reflecting the home’s deep connection to the Arts and Crafts movement. The thoughtful combination of functional elegance and charming details creates a comfortable, family-friendly space full of enduring beauty and practicality.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Interiors, master bedroom suite, vaulted ceilings, natural lighting.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials. Interiors, great room, dining area, kitchen, living room, family room, stone fireplace, hallway, tray ceiling, staircase, stairway, stairs.

Set on a narrow lakefront parcel defined by tight setbacks and limited hardscape allowance, this modern cabin demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform restriction into possibility. Carefully composed to preserve privacy while opening fully toward the water, the home feels both expansive and intimate—an elevated retreat grounded in its landscape. Though modest in footprint, the residence lives generously. Four bedrooms are tucked efficiently within the plan, including a light-filled quilting studio that reflects the homeowners’ creative life. Each bedroom opens onto its own private balcony, offering moments of pause and perspective with views stretching across lake and countryside. The upper level also includes a family room, providing a quiet gathering space removed from the activity below. From here, the home’s vertical volume becomes apparent, as daylight pours down through a dramatic two-story space framed by glass facing the lake. At the center of the home, a custom steel-and-wood plank stair acts as both circulation and sculpture. Rising through the double-height volume, it leads the eye upward to a tall Nelson cigar lamp suspended above—an intentional moment of drama and delight. The main floor is designed around connection and flow. Kitchen, dining, and living areas exist as one continuous space, unified by light, views, and material warmth. A 12-foot-long island anchors the kitchen, serving as the natural gathering place for morning coffee, family meals, and summertime buffet-style entertaining. When fully opened, large folding accordion glass doors dissolve the boundary between inside and out, allowing the screened porch to become a true extension of the living space. Function is carefully layered throughout the plan. A mudroom entry from the tucked-under two-car garage includes a powder room and utility closet, while a generous entry closet provides essential storage and has been dimensioned to accommodate a future elevator. Designed intentionally for aging in place, the home incorporates zero-threshold access from the garage, wide halls and doorways, reinforced wall blocking for future grab bars, and infrastructure for a future elevator—ensuring long-term comfort without compromising design. Clad in dark painted board-and-batten siding, the exterior minimizes visual scale and allows the home to recede quietly into the landscape. Recessed balconies and façade elements are wrapped in warm wood-look siding, adding depth and contrast while bringing warmth into the interior. At night, light spills softly from within, and the cabin glows along the shoreline—welcoming, calm, and enduring.

Set in the heart of Sarasota’s historic Cherokee Park, Watersound sits on a premier corner lot, blending timeless architectural design with contemporary elegance. Embodying a relaxed Florida vernacular style, the home wraps around an interior courtyard, drawing in natural light and breezes. The layout fosters a connection to nature, with the home tailored to its surroundings as though it had been in the family for generations, yet feeling vibrant and fresh. A welcoming porch defines the entry, while the guest house and pool loggia frame the auto court. The living room opens to a spacious screened porch through expansive folding glass doors, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The grand screened porch, designed for living, dining, and cooking, features a summer kitchen and coral stone flooring, making outdoor living central to the home’s design. Inside, vaulted ceilings, a precast firebrick-lined fireplace, custom cabinetry, and a Lacanche range anchor the living and kitchen areas. Thoughtful details such as herringbone wood flooring, terra cotta tile, rich hues, whimsical wallpaper, and vintage-inspired penny round tiles bring charm and character throughout. A bespoke Gulf Coast modern color palette and decorative lighting crafted from brass, blackened bronze, and white enamel unify the vintage and modern elements. Designed to stand the test of time, Watersound will remain just as timeless and relevant 100 years from now, reflecting thoughtful craftsmanship and enduring grace.

Modern Montana in Afton Minnesota by James McNeal & Angela Liesmaki-DeCoux, Architects and Designers at JMAD - James McNeal Architecture & Design. Detailed, creative architecture firm specializing in enduring artistry & high-end luxury commercial & residential design. Architectural photography, architect portfolio. Dream house inspiration, custom homes, mansion, luxurious lifestyle. Rustic lodge vibe, sustainable. Front exterior entrance, reclaimed wood, metal roofs & siding. Connection with the outdoors, biophilic, natural materials.Outdoor living spaces, outdoor dining area, grilling area, outdoor kitchen, backyard pool, trout pond, fishing pond, dream backyard, patio, deck, indoor-outdoor living.