John joined Backen & Backen in 1998 and has had a lead role in winery, restaurant, residential, and resort projects. In collaboration with Howard Backen, John has worked on the design of many of the firm’s winery projects, including Dana Estates, Davis Estates, Larkmead, Lokoya, Marciano, Charles Krug, Continuum, Knights Bridge Winery, and many more.  Some of the notable accolades for projects John was the lead on include Cyrus Restaurant, which won the Michelin Guide’s two-star award. Dana Estates and Davis Estates were published in the New Architecture of Wine: 25 Spectacular California Wineries. The Restaurant at Phantom Creek Estates was lauded as the best place to eat “anywhere-this year” in 2021 by The Globe and Mail.  

With over 35 years of architecture experience, John worked on commercial, institutional, and residential projects for firms in Los Angeles and San Diego, including several years with Charles Moore, prior to joining Backen & Backen. John holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California, is NCARB certified, and is a licensed architect in the states of Arizona, California, Florida, Montana, Nevada, and New York.