Jeff Lusin, AIA, MBA, LFA

Principal + Owner | LEED BD+C

Superpower | Optimism Spinner // Jeff sees the bright side, able to interpret the needs of a conversation for its positive spin.

Jeff Lusin is a Principal and Co-Owner of 45 Architecture & Interiors. As the firm’s Visionary, Jeff focuses on shaping the long-term direction of the practice—guiding brand development, cultivating strategic relationships, and identifying opportunities where design can elevate communities and the Montana lifestyle.

A third-generation business owner, Jeff’s entrepreneurial instincts were formed early. His curiosity about how things are built began while exploring the remnants of his grandfather’s shoe shop—an experience that sparked a fascination with craftsmanship, storytelling, and the relationship between objects and the people who use them. That curiosity expanded into an interest in how places are represented and experienced, blending influences from art, design, and advertising. Jeff began oil painting as a teenager and still believes architecture should make an impression that extends beyond its function—creating spaces that resonate emotionally and culturally.

At 45 Architecture & Interiors, Jeff helps guide the firm’s strategy, culture, and growth as the practice continues to expand its reach nationally while remaining rooted in Montana. The firm’s work spans civic buildings, libraries, hospitality environments, cultural institutions, and custom homes throughout the region and across the country. Jeff has helped position the practice around the idea of “Montana Living, Thoughtfully Crafted,” bringing the values of craft, authenticity, and connection to projects nationwide.

Jeff is particularly focused on brand storytelling, business development, and building strong collaborations that bring together the right expertise for each project. He works closely with clients, consultants, developers, and community leaders to shape projects that balance design ambition with long-term stewardship.

A natural community builder, Jeff is drawn to projects where architecture becomes a catalyst for connection—whether it is a civic library that anchors a growing town, a cultural institution that celebrates regional heritage, or a custom home rooted in the landscape of the Rocky Mountain West. His approach embraces the productive tensions present in both design and business: form and function, tradition and innovation, urban growth and rural identity.

Jeff believes architecture succeeds when it supports the people who inhabit it and the communities that surround it. Through both design and leadership, he continues to focus on building a firm—and a body of work—that reflects the spirit of Montana while contributing to communities across the country.

Project Experience | Jeff worked for firms in Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Big Sky, and Bozeman with project types ranging from high end residential, hospitality, civic, commercial, and sports and recreation.

Design Inspiration | Bates Masi Architecture, OK, and John Wardle Architects

Architectural Style | Jeff’s main goal is allowing the architecture to be subtle in the function of the space. “It’s important to bring to life the vision the client has and meet it with great architecture that doesn’t overpower the space. Refining the details is the most important so the design style stays consistent throughout. “ Current Read | Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

Podcast Guest |

Outlaw Beat | Building by the Book

EntreArchitect | Balancing Business, Art, and a Commitment to Community Growth

Awards |

2025 8th Annual Gray Awards Finalist | Wildlands Development

2024 Gold Nugget Award of Merit | Big Sky Arena

2024 AIA Montana Citation Award | Wildlands Development

2023 AIA New England Merit Award | Lambert Field Project

2021 Bozeman Beautification Award | This is Home | MT Nest Residence

2021 Bozeman Beautification Award | Active Spaces | Van Winkle Stadium

2021 Bozeman Daily Chronicle 20 Under 40 Award

2021 Building Design + Construction 20 Under 40 Award