Backen & Backen Architecture Lifestyle Wellbeing

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Backen & Backen Architecture Lifestyle Wellbeing

Architecture | Lifestyle | Wellness The bestselling architecture and design book, From the Land, published by Rizzoli, illustrates many of the firm’s projects.

Backen & Backen (formerly known as Backen & Gillam Architects) is an internationally recognized design firm known for spaces such as Sundance Mountain Resort, Esperanza Resort, Promontory Winery, the Restoration Hardware Gallery stores (created within iconic buildings in Boston, Chicago, & New York City) and numerous celebrity and high-profile client residences (as recently featured in the June 20

21 issue of Architectural Digest.) B&B has offices in Sausalito, St. Helena, Los Angeles, and Montecito, California.

07/22/2025

Two jewel boxes, lakefront in Tahoe.

Principals: Kevin Casey - .m.casey & Stephanie Gerwin
Rendering: .studio

07/15/2025

Simplicity elevated.

Partner: Backen & Backen
Interiors: Clements Design -
Photography: William Abranowicz -

07/08/2025

Timeless brickwork, anchoring the view for generations to come.

Partner: Backen & Backen
Photography: Olaf Beckmann

06/30/2025

Natural materials with intentional restraint.

Architect: Backen & Backen
Contractor: LDL General Contractor
Interior Design: Clements Design -
Photography: John Merkl -

06/23/2025

Built to frame the view, not take away from it.

Partner: John Taft -
Principal: Michael Boes
Construction: JMA Builders -
Interior Design: Leslie Hemmings -
Photography: Adam Potts -

06/16/2025

We are proud to be one of the 40 visionary architectural firms participating in Case Study 2.0, a revival of the historic Case Study House Program. We’re providing aesthetically refined, fire resilient architectural plans to empower communities impacted by the fires to rebuild beautifully, resiliently, and affordably.

Designed for a changing world and the future of living. This is the remaking of home.

06/10/2025

Described by Vogue as “a transition from the everyday world into this other place,” this Holmby Hills home invites reflection and ease.

Partner: Tony Selko -
Landscape: Miranda Brooks .brooks.gardens
Interior Design: Atelier AM -
Photography: Francois Halard -

06/02/2025

We are so grateful to be recognized by SF Design Week with an Innovation Award in Hospitality Architecture for The Miller House at Frank Family Vineyards. Thank you for honoring the intention and care that went into every detail and for all who worked with us to make it happen.

Partner: John Taft -
Principal: Michael Boes
Winery: Frank Family Vineyards -
Interiors: Julie Hawkins -
Doors & Windows: Jada Windows -
Photography: John Merkl -

05/24/2025

This Carneros home sits gently across 400 acres, designed in quiet conversation with the land.

Partner: Tom Spoja -
Landscape Design: Claudia Schmidt
Photography: Adrian Gregorutti

04/19/2025

As featured in the Wall Street Journal, this Napa Valley–inspired estate in Beverly Hills recently sold for $51.75M - making it the city’s highest sale of the year. We are deeply grateful for our incredible clients and the talented team who helped bring this vision to life. Howard would be proud.

Featured in
Architect:
Builder: Rick Holz Inc.
Interior Design:
Landscape Architecture:
Photography:

04/15/2025

As one of Xala’s approved architects, Backen & Backen is proud to help shape this rare coastal community. This Rancho Estates concept reflects a design approach rooted in place — where materials endure, and spaces unfold with ease. Set lightly on the land, the home is designed for stillness, connection, and a life attuned to nature. Learn more
at .mx

Architect:
Partner: Tony Selko -
Principal: Dusan Motolik�Dusan Motolik

04/12/2025

We’re honored to share that our Sun Valley Residence will be featured in the May/June issue of Mountain Living magazine.

Led by Partner Tony Selko and Principal Dusan Motolik, this mountain retreat reflects the spirit of Howard’s design legacy — a seamless connection to the site, light-filled spaces, and a deep respect for the natural landscape.

Grateful to our incredible clients and team for bringing this vision to life.

Read the full story at the link in our bio.

Featured In: Mountain Living Magazine -
Architect: Backen & Backen -
Partner: Tony Selko -
Principal: Dusan Motolik Dusan Motolik
Interior Design: Hemmings Design -
Lighting: Vita Pehar - Vita Pehar Design Lighting Design and Consultation
Construction: Lee Gilman Builders -
Photographer: John Merkl -

Address

Saint Helena, CA

Website

http://www.backenarch.com/

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