Tom Spoja
PRINCIPAL, PARTNER
Tom Spoja is a Principal with Backen & Backen and one of the firms longest serving employees since joining the company as an intern in 1999. He has worked in every design role in the firm successfully supporting projects and clients at each step along the way.
He enjoys deeply understanding the needs of his clients and crafting a shared vision for a project that will support them and their legacies in the future. Thoughtfully considering each site and clients unique conditions while integrating beauty, sustainability, lifestyle, and wellbeing into the design with a grounded respect for the land.
During his time with Backen & Backen Tom has managed the development of some of the firm’s largest residential projects for select private clients on both the East and West Coasts of the country.
More recently, Tom has been guiding the progress of The Kenwood Ranch Resort and Winery development in Kenwood, California through a complicated entitlement journey to successfully start construction after 20 years in process.
Looking forward, Tom is leading a collaboration with an international private membership group to develop unique, destination properties melding wellness, agriculture, food, community, and design into the guest experience.
Outside of the office, Tom and his wife Sarah juggle keeping up with their young twin boys, traveling, and coming together around good food and wine.
NOTABLE PROJECTS
THE KENWOOD RANCH RESORT AND WINERY
Kenwood, California
Ann Ernish-Backen
FOUNDING PARTNER
John Taft
AIA, NCARB
PARTNER
Tom Spoja
PARTNER
Tony Selko
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
PARTNER
Stephanie Gerwin
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
PRINCIPAL
Dusan Motolik
PRINCIPAL
Michael Boes
PRINCIPAL
Kevin Casey
NCARB, LEED AP
PRINCIPAL
Patti Baker
AIA
PRINCIPAL