collective of makers
Behind every project lies a business
that is different.
From land planning and development to design and operations, we have built a multidisciplinary team to improve outcomes across the entire development lifecycle. Building on Denton House Design Studio’s 26-year track record, Areté Collective comprises seasoned property development executives, distinguished land planners, world-renowned architects and designers, and leaders in real estate development and hospitality. Our vertically integrated model ensures efficient and synchronized work across all teams.
Our Company
Rebecca Buchan
CO-FOUNDER & CEO
Founder of Denton House Design Studio. Seasoned architectural and development executive with 25+ years of experience in destination resort and second-home real estate development. Oversaw planning, architecture, and design at Discovery Land Company for nearly a decade.
Joey Buchan
CO-FOUNDER
Versed comprehension of the design process and operations and enhancing the client experience are solid pillars that Joey brings with his decades of experience as a founding Denton House Design Studio member. He continues directing day-to-day operations and business development for Areté Collective projects.
Tom Hogan
CO-FOUNDER & CFO
Hospitality and development finance expert with 25+ years of experience, including within Marriott International (primarily The Ritz-Carlton brand), as CFO of Augusta National, and as CFO of Discovery Land Company.
TYLER MILLS
CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Skilled transactional attorney with experience representing companies of all stages across multiple industries. With a background in emerging companies and private equity practices, in addition to managing the legal needs, Tyler also focuses on the growth and management of our developments, translating strategy into action and creating the groundwork for success.
RYAN BUTTERS
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Dynamic lead with diverse experience and operational acumen, expertise lies in growth strategy, operations, venture capital, and sales. As the former Vice President of Strategy at Discovery Land Company, he drove scalable growth and profitability enhancements. Notably, Ryan spearheaded the seamless integration of development, design, and construction efforts.
BRANDON WIG
SVP, FINANCE
Senior financial professional with proven leadership and oversight of global financial operations (North America, Caribbean, Europe, Latin America) in luxury hospitality, real estate development, and private residential club communities.
EMILY MAYER
SVP, MARKETING
For more than 15 years, Emily has partnered with clients to shape and execute brand strategies that drive growth for some of the world’s leading companies across luxury, design, real estate, and development.
DAVE RASMUSSEN
SVP, ARCHITECTURE
Tenured luxury residential development executive overseeing the design and community development of multiple luxury destinations, most notably Chileno Bay Club in Los Cabos, Mexico, and Gozzer Ranch in Harrison, Idaho.
NATALIE ELLIS
SVP, INTERIOR DESIGN
Globally recognized interior designer with specialized experience in the luxury design of custom residential homes, private amenity spaces, and other large-scale projects for high-profile clients.
KRIS KVARFORDT
SVP, PLANNING & LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Experienced landscape architect and land planner with decades of expertise in U.S. and international projects, including master planning for resorts, trails, open spaces, and detailed site design and construction.
JOE RENTFRO
MANAGING DIRECTOR, THOMAS RANCH
Experienced leader with 25 years in real estate, brand development, finance, marketing, and sales across diverse industries including master-planned communities, home-building, resorts, marinas, golf courses, retail, F&B, industrial parks, and higher education.
DARREN FLANAGAN
COO, HAWAII
A seasoned executive with over 25 years of luxury community experience, Darren manages construction, operations, and golf course operations in Hawaii, leveraging expertise from roles at Discovery Land Company and international leadership positions.
SCOTT MCCORMACK
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, HAWAII
With 40 years of experience developing master planned communities in Hawaii and the continental US, Scott was the founding Chairman of the Urban Land Institute in Hawaii and has served on the Board of Directors for the Global Hope Network, a community relief organization.
Our Services
LAND ACQUISITION
A strategic and ethical endeavor, we see ourselves as stewards of every piece of land we acquire, ensuring that the development process respects and enhances the land’s intrinsic value for generations to come.
DEVELOPMENT
A force for positive change, development goes far beyond bricks and mortar, aiming to uplift communities, cultivate sustainable ecosystems, and forge a resilient connection between people and their evolving landscapes.
MASTERPLANNING
With sustainability as a foundational pillar, our communities are thoughtfully planned with public realm and open green spaces at their core, while embodying low-impact principles at every step.
DESIGN
Our designs are crafted to not only fulfill their functional purpose but to collectively orchestrate an immersive narrative that enrich the lives of individuals and the broader community.
SALES & MARKETING
A platform for storytelling and an invitation for individuals to be not just homeowners, but active participants in a community where their aspirations and the development's ethos converge.
OPERATIONS
Far beyond merely maintenance, as long-term owners, operations is a strategic function that seeks to maximize the well-being of our residents and value of our communities.
Our Services
"Areté Collective comprises industry leaders who have helped shape community placemaking over the last two decades. Our vertically integrated model allows us to unlock greater value for the people, places, and communities we serve." Tom Hogan, Co-Founder & CFO
Merging Local Authenticity with Global Experience
Strategic Partners
DENTON HOUSE DESIGN STUDIO
Denton House Design Studio has appointed the world’s most glamorous residences and resort destinations, forging brand loyalty, and lasting value for our clients. We inspire awe with fine design but also with our meticulous teamwork, planning, and communication. We call on a full range of in-house talent including architecture, interior design, planning, and landscape as well as global connections to deliver stunning results.
DAVID MCLAY KIDD
David McLay Kidd, a renowned golf course architect, combines his golf heritage and landscape design expertise to develop top-tier golf courses that marry classic beauty with ecological innovation. Rooted in honoring the sport's history and committed to sustainability, his projects range from Scottish locales to global landmarks, such as Bandon Dunes, highlighting his talent for creating revered golf experiences that balance tradition with forward-thinking stewardship.
WASATCH GROUP
Wasatch Global Investors is 100% employee-owned and 100% focused on active investment management. They bring unparalleled experience—and a global perspective—to micro-, small- and mid-cap investing. From the very beginning of Wasatch in 1975, their approach has emphasized collaboration and intellectual curiosity—and an unrelenting focus on the pursuit of superior risk-adjusted returns for our clients.
ERA-CO
ERA-co is a global place consultancy that harnesses the power of data and analytics to unlock the true potential of neighborhoods, towns, and cities. Operating in the space between urbanism, business, and creativity, we explore the dynamic interactions between people and place to design truly human-centric experiences.