Our Team

Eric Payne, co-founded Payne Cole Designs, alongside his partner Nic Cole, in 2021. Eric was born and raised in Maryland, on a smaller farm with his father, who was an early founding engineer for IBM, so at an early age, Eric became quite tech savvy. After his older sister visited the Flathead Valley area in 1995, Eric made a visit and fell in love instantly. He is known for bringing a new level of construction knowledge that is not typically found in architecture design firms. With an eye always focused on luxury, he has taken his own private construction firm to one of the largest in the State of Montana. Beyond building and design, Eric is known for the strong, positive relationships he has with his clients. He finds them to be one of the most gratifying parts of the project. Because of his tech savvy upbringing, Eric has a passion for bringing technology to a sector that has had little to none in its history. Payne Cole Designs offers full digital renderings on every detail before they are built for clients. Eric has been leading the building and design world in the Flathead Valley and surrounding areas for over 20 years. Even during the most challenging economic period in 2008-2012, Eric and his team had a growth rate of nearly 300% during those years, bringing in more than half a billion in projects since 2008. When not at work, Eric enjoys spending his time fly fishing, boating, ranching and horseback riding on his property – more specifically, team roping.

Nic Cole, a 5th generation Montanan, was born and raised in Missoula. After graduating from Montana State University with a bachelor and master’s in architecture, Nic moved back to Missoula where he would soon start his own architect and design firm. He’s been a leading architect, both in residential and commercial projects, for over 15 years in the Bitterroot and surrounding areas. Nic is the creative genius that drives all designs for Payne Cole, creating some of the most notable landmark luxury style designs in the Bitterroot and Flathead Valley. His attention to detail, focus on client’s visions, while creating projects that are both timeless and luxurious to the smallest details, is the lifeblood of Payne Cole Designs. Between hours of designing, Nic loves spending time in outdoors: skiing, kayaking, yachting, and aviation. He’s also very passionate about local charity work.

Rooted, now in Hawaii, but recently from Montana, Scott Friend's architectural journey began with a passion for transforming the natural world into functional art. He received his degree at Montana State University, graduating with a BA in Environmental Design followed by a Master of Architecture degree. With over a decade of professional experience, Scott's expertise spans the realms of residential construction, where he effortlessly merges functionality and aesthetic appeal. His focus lies in the intricate dance between initial design concepts and their seamless implementation, a process he approaches with unparalleled dedication. Beyond the drafting board, Scott finds solace in the great outdoors, exploring the wilderness through invigorating hikes. In the warmth of his family, he discovered his greatest joy, married with two children, Kira and Ian. This bond fuels his passion for creating spaces that resonate with the essence of family and belonging. Scott Friend's story is one of purposeful design, where his love for architecture harmoniously intertwines with his appreciation for nature, resulting in spaces that inspire and elevate the human experience.

Dustin is a graduate with a Masters of Architecture from Montana State Universities (MSU) School of Architecture. He has also completed his bachelors in Environmental Design at MSU. Dustin has spent most of his adult life working to advance his knowledge of the many aspects of the building and planning processes. With nearly five years of onsite construction experience he has developed an understanding of building techniques and values that positively influence his approach to design and planning.

As a practicing architect his interests have expanded to include systems thinking, building information modelling, leadership, and a growing sense of aesthetic. He believes in an integrated and holistic approach to design, one that navigates and utilizes our allied professional’s expertise as intrinsic to our projects potential, and empowers us as designers to make the most educated design choices for our clients.

He believes his greatest asset is his ability to learn new skill sets and quickly identify how they can add value, and be adapted into professional practice.

Mike has 14 years of experience in Architecture. He takes pride in being an architect, with a strong interest in building construction and architectural technologies. He has played an integral role in design, production and management of a variety of high-end residential, and multi-family projects. In addition to working on residences, Mike has also worked on commercial and medical projects around the State of Montana. Mike has contributed to a number of projects that have received awards, including Montana AIA Honor Awards, Historic Preservation Awards, and LEED Accredited projects. He has considerable expertise in the management of complex projects and working with community groups and local government, including projects for the City of Missoula, University of Montana, Montana State University, and several Hospital Boards. Mike holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois.

Jarrod moved to Montana in 2001 to pursue new opportunities in building industry. He was raised by his grandparents in southern California. His grandfather was a structural and mechanical engineer. This influence played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for his future career. In Montana, he started his own construction company and then transitioned into the banking industry. He held the title of Head of Construction at Glacier Bank for 3.5 years before taking on his current role at Payne Cole. He also enjoys giving back to the community. He has helped build and train a team to construct over 100 homes for the USDA Mutual Self Help Housing Program.

With roots running deep in the Big Sky State, Laney brings her adventurous spirit and creative energy to the team at Payne Cole. After exploring the lakes and mountains of her Montana youth, she headed to the west coast to pursue her college education at The Art Institute of Seattle. Her passion for culture and travel took her around the world before eventually calling her back to her home state. She began her notable career in the architecture and interior design industry in 2007. Now as the Director of Business Development at Payne Cole, Laney draws on her natural leadership abilities and diverse experience to create meaningful professional relationships and lay the foundation for the firm’s expansion across the United States

Colton grew up in Eastern Montana, on a horse ranch, near the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers. After studying Architecture at Montana State University, Martini went on to the University of Montana to study Anthropology, Native American Studies, and Psychology. His appreciation of the natural landscape, passion for other cultures, and world travel have led to his unique and diverse understanding of design. A fourth-generation Montanan, with three generations of building and design in his background, Martini has worked with some of the largest projects in the west.

As a passionate 3D artist, I have dedicated myself to the captivating worlds of architectural visualization and game development. My journey in the realm of visual arts began at the University of Montana, where I graduated in 2022 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Media Arts, with a specialization in game development.

During my academic journey, I honed my creative and technical skills, combining artistry with cutting-edge technology. The immersive experience of game development and the precision of architectural visualization immediately captured my imagination. This dual fascination has driven my pursuit of excellence in 3D artistry.

My work as a 3D artist is characterized by a commitment to detail, a deep understanding of spatial design, and an unwavering dedication to bringing the virtual to life. Whether I'm crafting realistic architectural renderings that breathe life into a client's vision or designing game environments that transport players to new and captivating worlds, I strive for art that tells a story and evokes emotions.

I am committed to staying on the cutting edge of the ever-evolving 3D art world, continuously expanding my skill set and embracing new technologies to deliver the highest quality of work. My ultimate goal is to create immersive experiences that inspire and engage, whether within the architectural realm or the dynamic world of video games.

In the intersection of architectural visualization and game development, I find a unique blend of creativity and technicality that fuels my passion for 3D art. I look forward to the challenges and opportunities that the future holds.

Jael is a seasoned marketing professional, who has made significant strides in the industry over the past eight years. Born in Houston, Texas, Jael graduated with a degree in marketing and quickly established herself as a pivotal force in rebranding hospital systems and steering diverse marketing campaigns. She began her notable career at Payne Cole Designs in 2022 focusing on expanding into new markets and forging strong business relationships. Today she serves as Head of Marketing, where she is responsible for maintaining a cohesive brand identity and enhancing the company's presence across various social platforms. Her leadership and innovative strategies continue to elevate Payne Cole's market position, exemplifying her expertise and commitment to excellence in the field of marketing.

Meet Ian, a visionary 3D artist dedicated to bringing architects' intricate visions to life with unparalleled realism. Hailing from Whitefish, Montana, Ian earned his degree in Media Arts and Animation from the Art Institute of Portland. Over 9 years in various studios, he honed his 3D skills, pushing the constant growth of himself as a 3D artist and reaching new heights as Junior 3D Technical Director on NBC's Grimm.

Ian seamlessly transitioned into the world of apparel design, collaborating with industry giants like Nike and Adidas for five years, shaping the 3D dimensions of cutting-edge sportswear. Always eager to contribute to 3D artistry, Ian engaged in diverse projects, from modeling characters to crafting innovative products.

Passionate about the architectural visualization (archviz) aspect of his work, Ian finds joy in translating architectural concepts into immersive experiences. He is grateful to be doing what he loves, creating realistic and captivating visuals that showcase the beauty of design.

Beyond his digital canvas, Ian finds solace outdoors with his family, embodying the perfect balance between professional dedication and personal fulfillment. His journey is a testament to relentless artistic evolution, constantly pushing the limits and contributing to the constant growth of himself as a 3D artist, creating immersive, realistic experiences in the dynamic world of 3D artistry.

Brooke was born in the small town of Polson, Montana. At age 8 she moved with her family to Sandpoint, Idaho. Brooke and her sisters grew up snow skiing, swimming and enjoying the outdoors. In 1998 she made the move to Missoula to attend the University of Montana where she received her bachelor’s in business marketing and management. Upon graduation, she moved back to her hometown where she obtained her real estate license and then transitioned into healthcare and casino marketing.  In the summer of 2023, Brooke moved to Whitefish with her two daughters and now is the office manager of Payne Cole Designs.

Sophia’s passion for fashion and design began as a little girl, leading her to attain a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design and printmaking from the University of Arizona. An innovative thinker, she rounded out her education with a Streetwear Design Certification from Parsons and a Spanish Minor. An adventure seeking Libra with a love for fashion and design, Sophia is a creative thinker who thrives on balance. She brings her creative spirit and adventurous attitude to every project. This West Coast native has called many places home, drawing inspiration from the sights and cultures she’s experienced in her travels around the world.

Rachel grew up in the beautiful Whitefish, Montana. After high school, she relocated in Santa Barbara, California for two years then eventually made her way back to the Flathead Valley and started a family. Her love of design originated from building multiple personal homes. Her focus with clients is to design in an organized and strategic manner that captivates the fun in the design process. When she’s not at the office, you can find her spending time with my family and enjoying all that Montana has to offer.

Sophia grew up in a small town in Northern Idaho under the wing of her mother, a partner of her own architecture firm. Years of design talk at home led her to attend architecture and design school at the University of Idaho where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in interior architecture and design with a minor in architecture. After three summers of interning at an interior design firm, countless conversations with her mother dissecting architectural plans, and a semester studying abroad in Italy, Sophia came back with a unique outlook on design and a desire to further her knowledge. She joined the Payne Cole Team in 2023. When not in the office you can find Sophia spending time outside hiking, fly fishing, or traveling the Northwest competing with her equine partners.

Renee's career path as a Real Estate Broker in Resort New Construction seamlessly progressed to offering interior Design services for her clients. She was accepted to the prestigious Interior Designers Institute in New Port Beach, California. Shortly after she launched her own Interior Design business in Aspen, Colorado. Renee has worked with world-class construction firms and assisted clients in design from the ground up. She also provides exquisite furniture installations, covering every detail to meet the client's expectations. She is now living the best of both worlds and splits her time between Dallas, Texas and Whitefish, Montana.

Growing up in Chicago, Claire was immersed in the arts from a young age. She went on to study art, and dance choreography at the University of Montana, where she fell in love with performing and the great outdoors. After graduating, Claire moved to Portland to further explore her lifelong passion for interior design. She attended the Heritage School of Interior Design and worked as an interior stylist, bringing her unique background in performance art and production to the trade. Fueled by personal connections with clients, Claire values learning about how different people live and incorporating those insights into aesthetically pleasing yet functional spaces. With interests ranging from architectural history to vintage textiles, she draws design inspiration from a diverse array of experiences and creative influences.

Jason was raised on the East Coast in Northern Virginia. His passion for athletics led him to earn a swimming scholarship at the University of Duquesne in Pittsburgh. Jason’s love of discipline and hard work, instilled by his military father, motivated him to become a paratrooper in the U.S. Army serving at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. After Medically retiring in 2017, Jason brought his meticulous attention to detail to a logistics coordinator role at a San Francisco-based company where he worked remotely in Montana. Presently immersed in the construction and Interior Design world, Jason utilizes his work ethic, organizational skills, passion for the outdoors, and relationship-building strengths to connect our team, clients, and builders.

A native Montanan with wanderlust in her veins, Chelsea always finds herself drawn back to the Big Sky Country she calls home. After traversing the globe from Alaska to the Caribbean, she settled in Western Montana to pursue her true passion: jewelry design. A energetic spirit guided by curiosity, Chelsea draws inspiration from the world around her - the scenery, the smells, the people, everything she touches. She studied Fine Arts at the University of Montana, where her creativity first took shape. Chelsea brings her artistic flair to the local Chamber of Commerce as an active board member, believing in community participation. Since 2015, she has written and styled for Flathead Living Magazine, capturing experiences and their essence. Chelsea's travels and the characters she's met along the way shape her chaotic yet creative personality.