The newly renovated Bigfork ImagineIF Library is more than a space for books — it is a cornerstone for the 5,000 residents of this rural Montana town. Designed by Cushing Terrell, the library fosters a deep sense of community and belonging while prioritizing sustainable and ethically sourced materials – who says you can’t have it all.
Designing for Connection
Cushing Terrell envisioned the 6,000 sq. ft. library as a bridge — between people, generations, technology and learning. Nestled near Flathead Lake and the Swan River, the design echoes the natural landscape, making it a welcoming hub for all ages.
“Libraries serve as bridges in their communities — connecting people and ideas. It was exciting to use architectural and interior design elements to bring that metaphor to life,” said Cushing Terrell Interior Designer, Jessica Murray.
To reinforce that connection, the design team selected organic, textural patterns that reflect the natural surroundings while offering durability for a high-traffic public space. Cushing Terrel did not stop with just the public space; the break room features Pivot, a new PVC-free resilient flooring chosen for its high durability and low embodied carbon feature.
Sustainability Goals Without Sacrifice
The flooring and finishes selections were not just about aesthetics — they were a conscious decision to utilize ethical material sourcing principles as a Grace Farms Foundation, Design for Freedom pilot project.
“Taking a look at the human cost of building materials is the next step in sustainable design,” Murray said. “Architects and designers have driven major change in areas like carbon footprint reduction and non-toxic materials. Now, we’re pushing for transparency in labor practices, too.”
EcoWorx® carpet tile and PVC-Free EcoWorx™ Resilient flooring are Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver, ensuring they are safe, circular and responsibly made. Both can be reclaimed and recycled through Shaw Contract’s reclamation program, reinforcing a closed-loop approach to sustainability.
A Collaborative Approach to Ethical Design
The success of this project was built on collaboration between Cushing Terrell and its manufacturing partners.
“It felt great for our research team to be met with a response from a manufacturer that wanted to engage in this topic,” Murray said, regarding the partnership with Shaw Contract. “It was clear that we were on the same team, working together towards a better, more ethical, future for the built environment.”
The designers worked closely with Shaw Contract to ensure transparency and gather documentation on material sourcing, a common roadblock when reporting.
Bringing the Vision to Life
Cushing Terrell partnered with Shaw Contract’s free in-house interior design studio, StudioONE™, to create a curated flooring layout that enhances the library’s flexibility. Since all the furniture and bookshelves are mobile, this design partnership developed a gradual transition between carpet tile patterns, representing a river flowing beneath an architectural bridge.
“The flooring on this project might be my favorite install ever,” Murray said. “StudioONE helped me bring the vision to life, saving the client time and costs while making the space adaptable and engaging.”
A Model for Future Projects
By combining ethical sourcing, sustainability and thoughtful design, the Bigfork ImagineIF Library sets a precedent for future projects. It proves that creating a space centered on community and belonging doesn’t require compromising on sustainability — it strengthens it.
- Lead Project Designer | Jessica Murray
- Pilot Project Research Team | Jill Lee, Elna Albano, Jessica Earp and Jessica Murray Architecture, MEP Engineering, Civil Engineering & Landscape Architecture | Cushing Terrell
- Acoustic Consultant | Big Sky Acoustics
- Client & Owner | ImagineIf Library Foundation & Flathead County Libraries
- Photography | Chuck Collier Schmidt
Learn more at ShawContract.com