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 2021 issue of Architectural Digest.) B&B has offices in Sausalito, St. Helena, Los Angeles, and Montecito, California.

12/04/2025

Dramatic details with a bold presence.
Healdsburg, CA.

Interiors: Sheldon Harte -
Contractor: JMA Builders -
Photographer: John Merkl -

12/03/2025

Rustic tones balanced by a touch of elegance.
RH Yountville.

Landscape: Landesign Construction & Maintenance -
Contractor: Trainor Commercial Construction Inc.
Lighting: Sean O’Connor Lighting -
Photographer: Mark Hug

11/12/2025

Honored to be included in Forbes’ list of America’s Top Hospitality Architects & Designers for 2026. We’re grateful to be recognized alongside so many incredible firms creating spaces that bring people together.

See the full list through the link in our bio.

Partner: John Taft -
Photographer: Adam Potts -

11/01/2025

We’re thrilled to be included in the latest issue of . A beautiful article featuring a beautiful project, led by one of our principals, Stephanie Gerwin.

Read the full story through the link in our bio.

Principal: Stephanie Gerwin
Photography: Manolo Langis -

10/21/2025

Designed by our partner John Taft, Phantom Creek Winery reveals itself beautifully from every perspective.
Oliver, BC

To see more images from the Bench Site Design Award and watch the full video of John’s design story, visit the link in our bio.

Partner: John Taft -
Contractor: Ledcor
Landscape: Bench Site Design Inc. -
Photography: CSLA AAPC 2024 Award Images
Photographer: Benjamin Walker -

10/14/2025

When Diane Keaton wrote the foreword to our book From the Land, she captured something deeper than design.

“There’s a word for Howard’s work. Magic. Magic, with an open-door policy.”

She understood that openness, in architecture and in life, creates space for connection and clarity.

Thank you, Diane, for seeing us so clearly.

Photography: Ehard Pfeiffer - (1)

09/29/2025

Join us for a panel discussion at exploring how the act of building can be
regenerative, for the land, the body, and our shared future.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
1–2 PM
Harmon House, Healdsburg
Hosted by Backen & Backen and .bayarea , this conversation brings together voices in architecture, landscape, and design to share projects and philosophies that prioritize human and ecological well-being, and explores how we can build together for a better, more sustainable future.
Moderator
Heather Sandy Hebert – Author & Founder, True North Creative Studio,
Panelists
Carson Howell Costa –
Lucas Dexter –
Johnson Bullard –
Kathryn Soter –
Find more info & tickets at the link in our bio.

Photographer: Patrik Argast

09/18/2025

A glimpse into the gratitude between two visionaries. Robert Redford and Howard Backen created something extraordinary together. Their legacy lives on.

Photography: Erhard Pfeiffer - (1-2)
Sketch of Howard by Robert Redford

09/12/2025

Promontory Winery
Oakville, CA.

Partner: Backen & Backen
Contractor: Andrews & Thornlev Construction
Photography: Olaf Beckmann -

09/03/2025

Thank you for the feature in “Design Without Borders: How Global Influences Shape Architecture at Home.” Featuring insights from our talented principal, Dusan Motolik. Full article in our bio.

Partner: Tony Selko -
Principal: Dusan Motolik
Lighting Designer: Vita Pehar -
Contractor: Lee Gilman Builders -
Photography: John Merkl -

Address

1421 Main Street, St Helena
Saint Helena, CA
94574

Website

http://www.backenarch.com/

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