Backen & Backen Named to Forbes Lists of America’s Top Residential Architects and America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects

The recognition marks a major milestone after longtime partners John Taft, Tom Spoja, and Tony Selko have assumed full ownership of the firm earlier this year.

SAUSALITO, CA (September 22, 2026) — Backen & Backen, the renowned architecture and design firm synonymous with California living, regenerative design, and a deep connection to land and place, today was recognized as both one of America’s Top Residential Architects and America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects by Forbes. 

These distinctions recognize firms that exhibit exceptional architectural design, deep mastery of residential practice, and meaningful contributions to shaping communities and landscapes. Backen & Backen was recognized last year on Forbes’ America’s Top Hospitality Architects and Designers. 

In 2026, longtime Partners John Taft, Tom Spoja, and Tony Selko assumed full ownership of the firm. Honoring founders Howard and Ann Backen and Jim Gillam, Backen & Backen will continue its focus on contextual architecture, regenerative practices, and integrating wellness and longevity into its residential projects to create homes designed to stay with families for generations. 

As Backen & Backen continues to grow, the firm is pleased to welcome three new Architectural Staff I to its team, joining both the Sausalito and Los Angeles offices. The addition of these three emerging designers reflects the firm's ongoing commitment to cultivating talent and advancing design excellence as it enters its next chapter under new ownership.

About Backen & Backen:

Backen & Backen is a multifaceted design firm offering holistic design services, master planning, full architectural services, programming, farm design, and land planning through a regenerative lens. Led by partners John Taft, Tom Spoja, and Tony Selko, the firm continues a global legacy of architecture deeply connected to land, lifestyle, and environmental stewardship.

Known for its distinctive approach to California lifestyle, Backen & Backen creates buildings that are expressive of place and grounded in long-term thinking around sustainability, human wellbeing, and ecological responsibility. The firm’s work spans high-profile residential, winery, hospitality, and commercial projects across the United States and internationally.

Recent recognition includes placement on Forbes’ America’s Top Hospitality Architects and Designers (2026) and Mountain Living’s Top Architects (2026) lists, as well as honors from the Architecture MasterPrize for the O’Rourke Family Estate. The firm has also received numerous accolades, including Architectural Digest’s AD100, Hospitality Design’s Best “Green” Design, and First Honor Awards from AIA/Housing Magazine. Founder Howard Backen was inducted into the AD100 Hall of Fame in 2023, received the Presidential Award for Design Excellence, and was recognized as a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA). For more information, please visit www.backenarch.com.

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