Our Team

Eric Payne, co-founded Payne Cole Designs, alongside his partner Nic Cole, in 2021. Eric was born and raised in Maryland, relocating to Montana in early 2000's. Having completed over one billion in luxury projects, over a two decade period, he saw the tremendous opportunity with Cole to create an entirely new focused Architecture firm, one whose goal was to only produce the most accurate and inclusive building plans the industry has ever seen, while showing them to the client in the most visual method possible.

As the Founder of one of the largest luxury General Contracting firms in Montana, his vast knowledge of building is one of the core foundation pieces to Payne Cole's approach to to creating a better solution to the lack of true collaboration between the Architect and the Contractor. He is known for bringing a new level of construction knowledge that is simply not found in architecture design firms. With an eye always focused on luxury, Eric's ability to keep the Architecture focused both on visionary design, as well as buildability, has become a key component to Payne Cole's tremendous success.

Beyond building and design, Eric is known for the strong, positive relationships he has with his clients. He finds this aspect to be one of the most gratifying parts of every project. Because of his tech savvy upbringing, Eric has a passion for bringing technology to a sector that has had little to changes in the past several decades. 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. When not at work, Eric enjoys spending his time with his eight year old daughter on their true Montana horse ranch in Whitefish, as well fly fishing and boating.

Nicholas Cole is a Founding Principal and Architect at Payne Cole Designs, bringing 25 years of experience and a deeply considered approach to architectural design. A licensed architect and AIA member, Nicholas believes every residence should be entirely bespoke, shaped by the individual needs of its owners and thoughtfully integrated into the landscape it occupies. 

From a young age, Nicholas was drawn to architectural design and the enduring construction practices of generations before him. That appreciation continues to influence his work today, inspiring an approach rooted in permanence, authenticity, and respect for place. Rather than imposing architecture upon a site, Nicholas strives to create structures that feel deeply seated within their surroundings, as though they have always belonged to the landscape. 

At the heart of his philosophy is the belief that architecture should be thoughtful, purposeful, and centered on the people who experience it. For Nicholas, the greatest reward is seeing an early pencil sketch evolve into a living, timeless structure, one that enhances the lives of its owners while remaining inseparable from its setting for generations to come. 

Outside of work, Nicholas enjoys backcountry dirt biking, downhill mountain biking, and skiing.

Scott Friend is a Lead Designer at Payne Cole Designs, bringing 13 years of experience and a strong foundation in both architecture and construction. With a Master of Architecture from Montana State University, Scott plays an integral role in the early stages of each project, developing the initial design language and floor plans from original concept sketches and helping establish the architectural vision from the start. 

With a background in the construction industry, Scott approaches design with creativity, innovation, and an openness to explore new ideas. Having worked alongside Nic Cole for 13 years, he brings a deep understanding of the design process and finds the greatest reward in watching an initial concept evolve from an idea on paper into a completed home. 

Outside of work, Scott enjoys hiking, running, and spending time at the beach.

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.

Michael Bond is a Project Architect at Payne Cole Designs, bringing 25 years of architectural experience to the team. With an extensive background in construction documentation, construction administration, and permit coordination, Michael brings a strong technical understanding of the architectural process and the experience necessary to help guide complex projects from design through construction. 

Throughout his career, Michael has developed a comprehensive understanding of how thoughtful design translates into successful execution in the field. His work at Payne Cole spans the many technical phases of a project, from producing detailed construction drawings and coordinating permitting requirements to supporting projects throughout construction. His depth of experience helps ensure that design intent is carried forward with clarity, accuracy, and careful attention to detail.As part of the Payne Cole team, Michael brings a seasoned architectural perspective to each project, helping bridge the relationship between design, documentation, and construction to create residences that are as thoughtfully executed as they are envisioned.

Douglas Forschino is a Project Manager at Payne Cole Designs, bringing eight years of experience in residential design and project delivery. Managing projects from initial schematic design through construction administration, Douglas specializes in translating ambitious design concepts into precise, actionable construction documents. His technical expertise spans structural coordination, bidding, permitting, and construction documentation, helping ensure design intent is carried seamlessly from concept into the field. 

Douglas’s connection to the built environment began long before his professional career. Growing up around job sites with a father who worked as a construction superintendent, he developed an early fascination with how buildings come together. That hands-on exposure continues to shape his approach today. He views complex details, regulatory requirements, and unexpected field conditions as opportunities to problem-solve, approaching each with the goal of protecting the integrity of the design while keeping projects moving forward. 

For Douglas, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing years of planning, coordination, and problem-solving ultimately come together in a finished home. His experience includes work on notable projects such as 355 Exterior Street in Mott Haven, The Bronx. 

Outside of work, Douglas enjoys trail running, riding and working on motorcycles, and woodworking.

Kevin Mena is an Architect at Payne Cole Designs, bringing five years of experience across construction documentation, design development, conceptual modeling, rendering, and CAD drafting. A licensed architect and AIA member, Kevin combines strong technical expertise with a collaborative approach, helping transform ambitious design ideas into thoughtful, buildable solutions. 

Drawn to architecture by the balance between creative design and the realities of construction, Kevin enjoys working through each project with both perspectives in mind. His work is driven by the opportunity to create designs that excite clients while contributing to a more thoughtful 

built environment. With a passion for sustainability, he is continually interested in how architecture can improve the relationship between people and the environments they inhabit. 

Outside of work, Kevin enjoys skateboarding, snowboarding, and mountain biking.

Ryan Swentik is a Project Manager at Payne Cole Designs, bringing 27 years of experience in architectural design, construction, and project management. With a well-rounded understanding of the entire design and construction process, Ryan helps guide high-end residential projects from early concepts through completion, balancing thoughtful design with the technical knowledge required to bring each vision to life. 

At the center of Ryan’s approach is collaboration. He believes the strongest projects are shaped by the collective expertise of everyone involved and works to create an environment where architects, designers, consultants, builders, and clients contribute to a shared vision. His extensive experience allows him to understand projects from multiple perspectives while keeping teams aligned throughout the design and construction process. 

Ryan’s interest in architecture began at an early age, building structures with Legos and discovering a love for creating things. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Design with an emphasis in Architecture. Throughout his career, his work has included projects such as Bitterroot Health’s Oncology & Infusion Center, the Deer Lodge Oncology & Infusion Center, and Kent Plaza Shopping Center in Missoula. For Ryan, few things are more rewarding than seeing a design become a completed building and experiencing the lasting impact it has on the people and communities it serves. 

Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors, from mountain biking and running in the summer to skiing and playing hockey in the winter.

Ryan Kiefer is a Project Architect at Payne Cole Designs, bringing a decade of experience across residential and hospitality design. Licensed in both Montana and Arizona and holding an NCARB Certificate, Ryan manages and coordinates projects with a comprehensive approach, considering each decision as part of a larger architectural vision. His work has been recognized twice with the annual Kalispell Architectural Award for Best New Building. 

Drawn to architecture by a passion for designing spaces that shape the way people live and experience their surroundings, Ryan believes the built environment should be approached with care and intention. He finds the greatest reward in navigating complex challenges and transforming them into thoughtful, elegant solutions that strengthen the project as a whole.

Outside of the studio, Ryan enjoys skiing, sailing, hiking, and camping.

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.

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.

Ian Mull leads Payne Cole Designs’ 3D visualization team, overseeing the creation of photorealistic architectural renderings that allow clients to experience a project long before it is built. With nearly eight years at Payne Cole, Ian has helped develop the firm’s rendering department alongside Nic Cole, continually pushing the team toward greater realism, detail, and quality. 

After studying 3D arts and animation in Oregon, Ian began his career working in television and film before turning his focus toward architectural visualization. Today, he brings that artistic background together with technical expertise and a constant drive to improve. For Ian, the most rewarding work is creating an image so realistic it becomes difficult to tell where rendering ends and reality begins. As new technology and AI continue to reshape the industry, he believes the tools may evolve, but the artist’s eye remains essential to creating exceptional work. 

Outside of the studio, Ian enjoys spending time with his family, snowboarding, and driving his Beetle around Montana.

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 Minden is an Interior Designer at Payne Cole Designs, bringing four years of experience across space planning, material selection, client relations, project management, and budgeting. With a strong understanding of textiles and hard finishes, Sophia approaches each project with a creative eye and an emphasis on creating cohesive interiors where materials, functionality, and architectural character work seamlessly together. 

Design has been a part of Sophia’s life from an early age. Growing up with a mother who is an architect introduced her to the industry and ultimately inspired her to pursue a career of her own. While studying architecture abroad in college, Sophia gained an expanded perspective on design that continues to influence her work today, bringing a thoughtful appreciation for different architectural styles, materials, and approaches to the spaces she creates. 

For Sophia, the most rewarding part of interior design is knowing that the spaces she helps create become part of her clients’ everyday lives. She enjoys transforming ideas into environments that are not only beautiful, but intentional, functional, and meaningful to the people who experience them. 

Outside of work, Sophia enjoys riding horses and traveling.

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.

Summer Swanson is an Interior Designer at Payne Cole Designs, bringing 23 years of experience and a lifelong passion for art and design to the interiors team. With a strong background in fine arts, Summer brings an artistic perspective to each project, with particular expertise in color theory, textiles, pattern, and art. Her creative eye allows her to thoughtfully layer these elements to create spaces that feel cohesive, distinctive, and deeply personal. 

Drawn to interior design through her love of art, Summer finds the greatest reward in bringing beautiful and unique spaces to life for clients. A true people person, she values the relationships formed throughout the design process and enjoys getting to know each client, translating their personality and vision into a home that feels entirely their own. Her fine arts background brings an added depth to her approach, allowing creativity and individuality to guide each project. 

Outside of work, Summer is an artist, painter, and prolific quilter who enjoys spending time with her family. Her love of creativity extends well beyond the studio and continues to influence the thoughtful, artistic perspective she brings to her work at Payne Cole Designs.