Designing and building a home in Jackson Hole or Teton Valley is a process shaped as much by the environment as it is by the client’s vision. With long winters, seismic activity, steep slopes, and stringent regulations due to the region’s topography, every step of the design process here requires careful planning, creativity, and collaboration.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Jaubert, Principal Architect and Founder of A43 Architecture, a boutique firm in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, to discuss his approach to designing in the Tetons. The firm’s mission states, “A43 Architecture delivers thoughtful designs inspired by unforgettable landscapes, focusing on creative solutions while developing long-term client relationships.” Throughout this blog, you’ll notice Jaubert’s creativity and meticulous attention to detail working in harmony with the environment, which are advantages of working with an experienced local firm with regional expertise.
Goals and Budget
The design journey begins with conversations, not drawings. Architects meet with clients to understand what they want in a new build or what they hope to change in a remodel. Which elements of the home no longer work? What are the must-haves, and what can be compromised?
Equally important is the budget conversation—aligning vision and finances early prevents frustration later. Sometimes that means trimming the wish list; other times, it opens the door for additional features.
Industry-wide data backs up the importance of these early conversations. The AIA Home Design Trends Survey (HDTS) shows that clients nationwide are increasingly focused on functionality and efficiency, with many asking architects for aging-in-place features, multi-purpose rooms, and better integration of natural light. These priorities echo what local architects like A43 see daily and reinforce the value of having a professional guiding those decisions early.
Site Documentation and Assessment
If it’s a remodel, the existing structure is carefully documented and modeled in 3D to serve as a digital foundation for design. If it’s a vacant lot, architects study the land: view corridors, tree cover, water sources, slope, wind, and sun patterns. These site-specific elements influence everything from window placement to rooflines.
Chris Jaubert of A43 Architecture advises, “It’s critical to recognize the specifics of your land early to ensure the design will fit the location.” Even before you finalize your land purchase, it’s helpful to consider the design elements that will come into play based on the property’s characteristics.
The HDTS notes a growing demand for outdoor living features like patios, fire pits, and covered spaces that extend the home into the landscape. These national trends take on even greater significance in mountain environments like the Tetons, where views and connection to nature are central to lifestyle.
During initial property viewings, an architect can help evaluate key factors like view corridors, natural resources, sun and wind patterns, and even how snow will behave on the site. “We’re looking at questions like: Where will the sun be? How can we design the house to maximize views while still embracing the sunlight? What happens when the snow melts?” says Jaubert. These site-specific elements will heavily influence the design process, so starting these conversations early can save time later.
Design Challenges
One of the biggest challenges when designing in the Tetons is balancing the desire for a stunning view with practical considerations like sun exposure. Most people want to orient their home toward the Grand Teton, but that means turning away from the sun—a critical resource in a region with long winters.
Jaubert explains, “In a place with long winters, you want to embrace the sun as much as possible to take advantage of the heat. But when your windows face north, it’s a contradictory design approach. With clever design strategies, though, you can manage this to get the best of both worlds.”
The environment itself also shapes design. “We have long winters, heavy snow, and seismic activity, which all have to be factored into the building design to ensure safety,” Jaubert says. “Managing snow—where it goes when it melts and falls off the roof—is a major design challenge. We’re always considering how to handle precipitation and ensure it doesn’t disrupt the usability of the house.”
The Tetons demand resilient design. Rooflines are shaped to manage snow loads and prevent dangerous shedding near entries and driveways. Structural systems account for seismic activity. Materials and insulation are selected to meet the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), which sets strict standards for energy performance.
This focus on resilience mirrors national priorities. The AIA survey highlights steady interest in energy-efficient design, smart home technology, and sustainable materials, proving that what might feel like local challenges are part of a bigger movement in residential architecture.
Design begins with quick sketches: concepts that respond to the land and client priorities. From there, architects iterate, refining ideas into plans that balance beauty, practicality, and compliance with local regulations.
The Bottom Line: Be Proactive with Design
The most consistent advice is to involve your architect early—even before purchasing land. By understanding the property’s constraints, sun exposure, environmental overlays, and permitting requirements ahead of time, you can avoid costly mistakes. “It’s critical to recognize the specifics of your land early to ensure the design will fit the location,” Jaubert says.
National data reinforces this takeaway; clients consistently rank architects as their most trusted resource during design. HDTS results show that the profession is evolving to meet new demands for wellness, sustainability, and smarter use of space. In other words, your architect isn’t just drawing plans; they’re your partner in making sure your home is built to thrive for years to come.
At A43, they know a great project takes more than a design team; it takes good clients, sharp contractors, and creative engineers. Their design process promotes the level of collaboration necessary for an excellent product. With the right team in place, your dream home can be designed to thrive in one of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes.
If you’re considering building or remodeling in Jackson Hole or Teton Valley, connect with a Keller Williams agent and a trusted architect early in the process. Together, you can bring your vision to life—down to the last detail.
