Backen & Backen

Backen & Backen was founded on a bold vision: to design legendary legacy buildings and spaces that transcend the ordinary, celebrating both nature and the human spirit. Co-founded by Howard and Ann Backen, our journey is rooted in passion and has been crafted over decades into an extraordinary legacy that we proudly continue today with a team 54 strong. As we honor the past, our team forges ahead. Under the guidance of Creative Director and CEO Ann Backen, along with longtime partners John Taft, Tony Selko, and Tom Spoja—who together bring over 75 years of experience at the firm—we are driven to create with purpose. Every design tells a story and holds a sense of place, where the land itself becomes an inspiration and foundation for something extraordinary. A place where luxury is whispered in an elegant yet approachable way, and where the highest level of regenerative practices are seamlessly incorporated. At Backen & Backen, we integrate Architecture, Lifestyle, and Well-Being. We don’t just design buildings; we create enduring, life-enriching experiences that breathe with nature—grounded in sustainable practices that honor both today and tomorrow. We invite you to join us in shaping this legacy. With strength in numbers, decades of experience, and the unmistakable “secret sauce” that defines our work, we continue to craft spaces that leave a lasting legacy.