Design, Craftsmanship, and Collaboration: The Gateway Farm Project

At Kootenia Homes, every custom home begins with a partnership. Great design happens when architects, builders, designers, and homeowners work together with a shared vision. One project that exemplifies this collaborative process is the 2022 Gateway Farm residence, a thoughtfully crafted home that blends architectural clarity, timeless interiors, and exceptional craftsmanship.

The home was designed and built by Kootenia Homes, with interiors created in collaboration with O’Hara Interiors. The finished project was recognized nationally with a feature in Architectural Digest—a reflection of the design excellence and teamwork behind the home.

A Unified Vision from the Start

For the Gateway Farm project, architecture and construction were led by Kootenia Homes’ integrated design-build team. Having the architect and builder under the same roof allowed for a seamless process where design ideas could evolve naturally alongside construction expertise.

This approach offers several benefits for homeowners:

• Strong alignment between design and construction

• Greater efficiency in decision-making

• Clear communication throughout the project

• Creative solutions that balance beauty and practicality

Rather than separating design and construction, the design-build process allows each stage of the project to inform the next, resulting in a more cohesive and refined home.

Architecture Inspired by Its Setting

Located in the scenic community of Grant, the Gateway Farm home was designed to reflect the rural character of the surrounding landscape. Large windows, natural materials, and carefully proportioned rooflines allow the home to feel connected to its setting while maintaining a refined architectural presence.

The broader Gateway community itself was designed around expansive estate homesites surrounded by preserved greenspace, offering privacy and views of ponds, wooded areas, and rolling terrain.

The architecture responds to this environment by prioritizing:

• Natural light and expansive views

• Indoor–outdoor living connections

• Classic forms with modern detailing

• A sense of quiet elegance that complements the landscape

The result is a home that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in its surroundings.

Interior Design that Elevates Everyday Living

To bring warmth and personality to the architecture, Kootenia Homes partnered with O’Hara Interiors, a nationally recognized design firm known for creating refined yet livable interiors. The firm’s philosophy centers on designing spaces that are both elegant and comfortable, tailored to the lives of the people who live there.

For Gateway Farm, the interior design approach focused on:

• Layered materials and textures

• Timeless color palettes

• Custom cabinetry and millwork

• Carefully curated furnishings and lighting

Rather than competing with the architecture, the interiors complement it—creating a cohesive environment where each room feels intentional and inviting.

The Power of True Collaboration

One of the defining aspects of the Gateway Farm project was the collaborative relationship between builder, architect, interior designer, and homeowners.

Throughout the project:

• Architectural planning informed interior layouts

• Interior selections guided custom millwork and detailing

• Construction expertise ensured each design idea could be executed beautifully

This level of coordination helps avoid common challenges in custom home projects and allows every element of the home—from structure to finishes—to work together harmoniously.

Recognized for Design Excellence

The success of the Gateway Farm project was recognized when the home was featured in Architectural Digest, one of the world’s most respected publications covering architecture, design, and luxury homes.

Being featured in such a publication highlights not only the beauty of the finished home but also the collaborative design process behind it.

For Kootenia Homes, the recognition reinforces an important philosophy: exceptional homes are built through partnership.

Building Homes Through Partnership

At Kootenia Homes, our goal is not simply to build houses—it’s to create homes that reflect the vision and lifestyle of the families who live in them.

Projects like Gateway Farm demonstrate what’s possible when architecture, interior design, and construction come together through thoughtful collaboration. By working closely with trusted design partners like O’Hara Interiors and maintaining an integrated design-build approach, we’re able to deliver homes that are both architecturally distinctive and deeply personal.

Every custom home begins with a conversation—and from there, a partnership that brings a vision to life.

Project Partners

• Interior Design: O’Hara Interiors

• Builder: Kootenia Homes

• Architect: Kootenia Homes