When sitting down for a conversation with Dusty Eaton, one immediately senses his deep love for Billings and his unwavering desire to transform it into a more vibrant and thriving community. Dusty is a prominent figure in Billings, serving on numerous boards, designing beautiful buildings, and being a passionate advocate for trails and recreation.
Dusty’s journey in the construction industry began during his youth when he worked for Eaton & Yost, a company founded by his great grandfather in 1954. His early job involved cleaning homes during the construction process, which provided him with a firsthand experience of the importance of excellence in design and construction.
After completing his master’s degree in architecture, Dusty returned to Billings with his wife, driven by a desire to start a family and make a meaningful difference in his community.
Upon returning, Dusty joined A & E Design, a firm which has been instrumental in designing stunning buildings that enhance the city’s aesthetic. The rapidly growing firm founded in Billings is led by Dusty, the youngest partner in the organization’s 50-year history. Eaton was named CEO in 2017 and has overseen unprecedented growth and expansion for the firm, including shifting from an architectural focus to a multidisciplinary design practice serving Montana and the Northwest and quadrupling staff to more than 90 professionals with offices in Billings, Bozeman, Kalispell, and Missoula.
The firm recently received a significant commission to design a multigenerational recreation center for Billings. This state-of-the-art facility will host a range of sports tournaments, including hockey, swimming, and basketball, with the aim of attracting visitors from far and wide.
Recognizing the importance of this project, Dusty embarked on a research trip, visiting recreation facilities in other cities across the country, to gain inspiration and insights for creating a truly exceptional space in Billings.
During our conversation, Dusty emphasized his deep-rooted connection to Billings and his determination to leave a lasting legacy for future generations. His family’s construction heritage, dating back to his great grandfather’s establishment of Eaton & Yost, imbued in him a strong appreciation for craftsmanship, quality, and doing things right. He believes that investing time and effort in every endeavor is crucial for creating a lasting impact.
One of Dusty’s key priorities is promoting connectedness within the community. He envisions a city where people can easily access gathering spaces and where the proximity of residential, work, and recreational areas fosters a sense of community. Dusty recognizes that increased density, rather than urban sprawl, generates more energy and encourages people to actively participate in the city’s growth. Furthermore, he emphasizes the significance of interconnected trails, which serve as conduits for bringing people together and defining the identity of a community.
When discussing his involvement in the Billings multigenerational center project, Dusty exudes passion and excitement. He highlights the numerous benefits the center will bring to residents and youth, providing a balanced range of recreational opportunities. The facility aims to accommodate families and address the lack of suitable facilities for youth, while also attracting visitors from the region, thus contributing to economic growth through tourism.
Dusty believes in the power of creating synergy between generations, enabling children to learn and seniors to engage with the younger population, ultimately strengthening the fabric of the community.
Dusty believes that Billings’ reputation as a destination for recreation is of paramount importance. By supporting an active lifestyle and providing ample opportunities for health, fitness, and mental well-being, the community can attract individuals who value recreation and prioritize their overall well-being. Investing in youth activities and creating safe spaces for them helps prevent delinquency and fosters a sense of responsibility and productivity.
As an organization, Dusty sees A&E Design’s role as a community leader, and they are committed to giving back to the community that has contributed to their success. By fundamentally changing Billings’ infrastructure in a positive way, they aim to create a lasting impact and propel the city forward. Dusty expresses his immense pride in being associated with this momentum and expresses his unwavering dedication to making Billings a better place for all.
