Pearson Design Group offers a broad range of design aesthetics, which is reflective of our inventive and creative spirit. Focused on originality, we approach every project with a well-managed, collaborative process, which explores the opportunities and assesses the constraints in order to craft an architectural experience that evolves into an integrated and original story––a whole, a home, a legacy.
While architecture may begin with something sublime––an attraction to site, a quality of light, or a dream of space, it quickly proceeds to innumerable choices. In all projects, large or small, we work hard to develop a dynamic response to the site and to the client. By listening to our clients, we have honed the conception process to the highest degree; ensuring a building experience replete with integrity and a focused delivery.
Our projects range from large multi-structure ranch and family camps to intimate, highly detailed retreats, all of which are defined by a true sensitivity to scale, attention to detail, obsession with light - ultimately forging a symbiotic relationship between architecture and nature.
Larry Pearson is a storyteller; distinct narratives are revealed in his designs. Each tale begins with an individual client, and then is born of the landscape, reflecting the subtle historical context of character and space. Larry’s dwellings chronicle the balance between inherent knowledge of surrounding and the technology allowing for a contemporary lifestyle in a modern home.
Closely aligned with his professional practice, Larry’s personal history has been shaped by the setting of his youth, summers hiking in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, and travels to Europe and Asia. After receiving his degree in Architecture from the University of California at Santa Cruz, Larry launched the Pearson Design Group in 1997, creating a unique design niche inspired by regional materials and exceptional landscapes, reinforcing the storied relationship between structure and surroundings.
With the introduction of his three partners as principals in 2010, the Pearson Design Group now offers, not only Larry’s personal vision, but also the collective depth of his partners. Even so, Larry’s perfect day starts and ends at the drafting table: the story still emanates from pen on paper.
Working with the Pearson Design Group since 2002, Josh is driven by the tradition and practice of architecture through the collaboration of client and architect. Involved in multiple aspects of the firm from office and project management to the development of construction documents and design, Josh has helped influence the creative use of traditional regional materials to create modern, unique, livable, and aesthetically contextual spaces.
A principal at Pearson Design Group, Josh is a licensed architect in Montana, Utah, and Colorado. Originally from Dubois, Wyoming, Josh received his Master of Architecture from Montana State University.
As a principal at Pearson Design Group, Greg Matthews serves as Project Manager and Co-Designer, developing and managing project deliveries from conception to completion. Greg’s professional objective is to create unique architecture in a collective team process focused on developing interior and exterior spaces that enhances the experience of the organic environment.
Upon graduating from ITT Technical Institute in Computer Science, Greg was immediately recruited to work as a Draftsman for Pearson. After six years of working directly with Larry, Greg was made partner and decided to pursue his Masters in Architecture. While working full time, Greg attended Montana State University, receiving his degree in 2012. Continually honing his architectural and aesthetic sense, Greg gathers design inspiration from Montana, by discovering new ways to interpret historical craft traditions in today’s modern society.
An integral part of the Pearson Design Group since 2004, Justin Tollefson collaborates in all aspects of the firm, from design, to office and project management. Growing up with an architect father, Justin inherently appreciates the value not only of creativity, but how to manage creativity. Inspired by the simultaneous pursuit of tradition and modernity in design, Justin embraces a holistic practice and process of architecture, ensuring quality, integrity, and professionalism.
A licensed architect in Montana, Colorado, Utah and Wisconsin, Justin received his Bachelors of Arts in Sociology from the University of Colorado and a Masters of Architecture from the University of Minnesota. As part of the Pearson Design Group, Justin enjoys working on projects throughout the country, experiencing these diverse locations instills an appreciation of the subtleties of regional architecture and its unique sense of place.
Adding to PDG’s impressive design resume for the past eight years, Patrick Johanson draws his inspiration from Montana’s unique personality and environs. Always cultivating his passion for good design, art, and photography, Patrick, ever since he was a child, is never without a pencil and sketchpad. Patrick received his Masters of Architecture from Montana State University. A native of southwest Washington, Patrick takes full advantage of Bozeman’s generous geography by skiing, camping and hiking.
With eight years at Pearson Design Group under his belt, Josh Burden deftly handles PDG’s construction administration, tending to design and construction documents. Josh exhibited an early interest in the planning and building of structures, so when he attended California Polytechnic State Institute he double majored with a B.S. in Construction Management and a Bachelors of Architecture to complement his chosen career. A native Californian, Josh now enjoys a typical Montana routine, a bit of hunting and fishing, mixed in with caring for two ugly dogs.
More than just a project manager, Jed Thomas has been working at Pearson Design Group for nine years. Jed preps planning applications and documentation, produces detailed working drawings and specifications, helps coordinate the work of contractors, and resolves issues that may arise during construction. With a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Masters of Architecture from Montana State University, Jed is currently pursuing his professional license. Hailing from Great Falls, MT, Jed is naturally one with the water, spending his time outside the office kayaking and rafting.
Currently pursuing professional licensure, Brady Ernst joins Pearson Design Group providing skilled drafting and documentation coordination, along with adept computer graphics contributions. Originally from Lewistown, MT, Brady received his Masters of Architecture from Montana State University and worked in Alaska before returning to the splendor of his home state. When not occupied by drawing, photographing, and writing about all things architecture, Brady enjoys playing with his cat when the weather doesn’t cooperate for a nice game of tennis, or a snowy stint on Alpine skis.
Brent Holzer skillfully handles his drafting, rendering and graphic responsibilities with the efficiency of a long term associate. Brent recently received his Masters of Architecture in 2012 from Montana State University.
Jonathan moved from Colorado to Bozeman specifically for the architecture program at MSU and earned both BA and MA degrees, completing the latter in 2014. At PDG, he relishes the opportunity to exercise his creativity in a variety of ways. For Jon, who thrived in art classes from elementary school onward, the creative process is the key to what makes architecture so compelling. When he’s not at PDG, he can be found building cabinets and more in his home woodshop or spending time outdoors with his two young daughters.
Thomas earned a Masters of Architecture from the University of Massachusetts, his home state, then designed for two landscape architecture firms in DC. Here at PDG, he assists with construction documentation, graphic presentations (including 3D models/renderings), and design development, as well as cabinetry and millwork drawings in CAD. He’s inspired by the prospect of developing something unique on paper and then experiencing that space in the built environment, while also creating architecture that responds entirely to its surroundings. His other passions include overlanding, camping, and taking photographs in and around Montana.
As a PDG intern en route to licensure, Derek melds his lifelong passion for creating with the built environment. A Montana native who couldn’t tear himself away from the outdoor lifestyle, he earned his Masters of Architecture from MSU, graduating in 2014. When he’s not snowboarding, Derek is happily lost in Montana’s vast wilderness, whether on foot and motorcycle or in a campervan. He’s continually on the go, and photography has become a creative outlet that challenges the way he sees the world and keeps him motivated.
After stints in such far-flung locales as California, Australia, and Illinois, Zyg moved to Bozeman and earned a Masters of Architecture from MSU in 2015. He’s excited to participate in many PDG projects in multiple stages to ensure a comprehensive experience. Diversity in design inspires him, and he relishes the chance to create something new as well as to learn traditional techniques. A lover of the outdoors, Zyg also has a passion for building things, whether a coffee table for his house or a tree fort in the woods.
Andy came to PDG with over a decade of experience in a range of residential, commercial, and civic projects. These days he synthesizes his passion for integrating technology into the design and performance of buildings with his traditional arts background. Following his education in Visual Art & Architectural Studies at Brown & RISD, and his MA in City & Regional Planning at The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture, he earned his Masters of Architecture here at MSU, where the landscape continues to inspire him in all manner of outdoor activities, from camping and fishing to herding his three children and commuting to work on a bike or skis.
In her own words, Christi Bradbury is often the friendly voice on the other end of the phone at Pearson Design Group. After 12 years working in a public accounting firm, Christi was selected by PDG for her knowledge and familiarity with the business of architecture firms. Christi’s responsibilities range from budgeting and projections, cash flow management, tax planning, and implementing policies to increase efficiencies. A true Montana gal and Bobcat fan, Christi grew up in Havre, MT, and received her Bachelor of Science and a Masters of Professional Accountancy from Montana State University.
