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Business Details
9 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Partner in Missoula, MT
At GAVIN-hanks Architecture Studio, we believe exceptional design strengthens communities. Our collaborative approach fosters trust and shared goals among all stakeholders, ensuring projects reflect collective input rather than individual egos. With a focus on client needs, we deliver architecture that enhances local environments. Our team combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving, guiding projects through schematic design, development, and construction administration. We prioritize transparency, integrating value engineering to optimize budgets while maintaining quality. By involving contractors early, we address cost challenges proactively, ensuring efficient outcomes.

Our phased methodology emphasizes adaptability, allowing iterative refinement to align with evolving project requirements. Recognized for community-centric designs, we serve residential, commercial, and institutional clients across Montana. Founded in 2017, our principals bring decades of combined experience in sustainable and functional architecture. We partner with trusted consultants to deliver comprehensive solutions, from initial concept to final construction oversight. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our portfolio, spanning schools, residences, and civic spaces that enrich their surroundings.
Services
Architectural Design Construction Documentation Value Engineering Project Management Consultation Services Schematic Design Design Development Bidding Assistance Construction Administration Community-Focused Planning
Details
  • Year established: 2017
Highlights and features
  • We offer a collaborative design process focused on community impact.
  • Our team includes AIA-certified architects with expertise in sustainable design.
  • We integrate value engineering to optimize project budgets without compromising quality.
  • We work closely with trusted local contractors to ensure project success.
  • Our phased approach ensures transparency and client involvement throughout the design process.
Associations and certifications
  • American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Services
Architectural Design
We create tailored architectural solutions through a collaborative process, focusing on functionality, sustainability, and community impact. Our designs integrate client needs with regulatory requirements, ensuring spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and operationally efficient. By involving stakeholders early, we develop buildings that serve their intended purposes while enhancing local environments.
Value Engineering
Our value engineering services identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality. By analyzing materials, systems, and construction methods early in design, we help clients achieve budget goals while maintaining structural integrity and design intent through proactive contractor collaboration.
Construction Administration
We provide comprehensive construction phase services, including site visits, progress monitoring, and issue resolution. Our team ensures adherence to design specifications while facilitating communication between owners and contractors, minimizing delays and ensuring final deliverables match approved plans.
Schematic Design
During schematic design, we translate client goals into spatial concepts through diagrams and preliminary drawings. This phase establishes project scope, budget parameters, and regulatory compliance, creating a foundation for detailed development while allowing flexibility for iterative improvements.
Consultation Services
Our consultation services guide clients through pre-design planning, feasibility studies, and regulatory navigation. We provide expert advice on project viability, zoning compliance, and sustainable practices, helping clients make informed decisions before committing to full-scale architectural development.
People
Vince Gavin
Principal Architect
Vince Gavin, AIA, leads architectural projects with a focus on community impact. With over 15 years of experience, he specializes in sustainable design and regulatory compliance, ensuring projects meet both client needs and environmental standards.
Aaron Hanks
Principal Partner
Aaron Hanks, Assoc. AIA, contributes expertise in project management and construction coordination. He emphasizes early contractor collaboration to optimize budgets and timelines, bringing technical precision to complex architectural challenges.
Katherine Foley
Architect
Katherine Foley, AIA, specializes in educational and institutional design. Her work focuses on creating functional spaces that enhance user experience while adhering to strict regulatory requirements and sustainability goals.
Jon Giffin
Drafting and Production
Jon Giffin manages technical documentation and production drawings. With expertise in BIM software, he ensures construction documents accurately reflect design intent while maintaining coordination across all project phases.
Cory George
Design Professional
Cory George contributes to residential and commercial projects, focusing on material selection and spatial optimization. He bridges creative concepts with practical implementation, ensuring designs balance aesthetics and functionality.
Questions
What architectural services does GAVIN-hanks offer?
We provide full-service architectural design, including schematic planning, construction documentation, value engineering, and construction administration for residential, commercial, and institutional projects.
How does your collaborative design process work?
Our process involves clients and contractors early to align goals, using iterative phases that allow design adjustments while maintaining budget and schedule constraints.
Do you work outside Missoula, Montana?
While based in Missoula, we serve clients across Montana and the Northern Rockies region, with experience in diverse geographic and regulatory environments.
Can you help with budget-constrained projects?
Yes, we employ value engineering techniques to optimize costs without sacrificing quality, working closely with contractors to identify savings during early design stages.
What project types do you specialize in?
We specialize in community-focused designs including schools, residential developments, commercial buildings, and civic spaces that enhance their surrounding environments.