Dusan has been a Principal at Backen & Backen since 2021. He joined the firm in 2014 as a Project Manager. During his time with the firm, he has proven to be well versed in various aspects of projects, including the entitlements phase, design phase as well as construction phase. He has displayed his leadership qualities, as well as a deep understanding for needs of the clients and other project stakeholders. He has also been mentoring younger architectural staff in various construction techniques and building typology.

Dusan has managed multiple commercial, resort and winery projects. In addition, he also completed several residential projects, including a 9,000 sq. ft. residence in the authentic mountain town of Ketchum, ID. Previously, he has led Backen & Backen’s design and documentation team for The Guenoc Valley Project in Middletown, CA, which included a village with multiple commercial resort buildings, as well as most recent projects at the Rudd Winery in Oakville, CA.

Currently, he leads and manages master planning and design for a brand-new residential community and resort, The Reserve at Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas, NV; as well as other residential projects in Napa, CA and the Rancho Residence project at the Xala Community in the Costalegre region of Mexico. In addition, he is also working on several improvement projects at The Napa Valley Reserve in St. Helena, CA, Oakville Grocery in Oakville, CA, as well as remodel at high-end residence in Napa Valley. 

Dusan has more than 20 years of architectural experience. Prior to joining Backen & Backen he worked on various size commercial, retail, restaurant, historic restoration/addition, urban redevelopment, and high-end residential projects located throughout San Francisco Bay Area, Napa Valley, The Sea Ranch and other parts of United States of America.

Dusan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Design, and Master’s degree in Architecture from The Slovak University of Technology STU, Faculty of Architecture and Design in Bratislava, Slovakia.

During his leisure time, Dusan spends time with his wife and two children. He loves the outdoors, ice hockey, skiing and travelling. He also volunteers as a coach at his local ice hockey team for youth.