The Guide: Napa Valley
September 1, 2007
Howard Backen (Backen Gillam Architects, St. Helena,
707.967.1920, www.bgarch.com). Napa Valley’s most famous architect, Backen is
responsible for many wineries, restaurants and private homes. His work is
defined by large, barnlike rooms that are almost completely open to the
outdoors. "You know where you are in reference to the outside surroundings,"
Backen says. His exteriors reference many styles—farmhouses, stone,
contemporary, even Tuscan—and are then adapted to the Napa climate. "True
Tuscan homes have no large openings," Backen offers. "And they don’t fit the
lifestyle we lead here in California." Backen Gillam also has an interior design
department.
Jon Lail (Lail Design Group, St. Helena, 707.963.1565,
www.laildesign.com). Architect Jon Lail and his wife, Robin—daughter of John
Daniel Jr., the owner of Inglenook in its heyday—have their own winery, Lail
Vineyards. Lail notes that many of the projects he’s working on are for people
who want privacy and choose inconspicuous sites. "My clients have learned that
they can’t keep up with the Joneses, and we have a lot of Joneses here," he
says. "They just do their own thing." Lail says that 60 percent of the homes he
designs are second residences for people coming from many different places.
"We’re in a very fortunate position," he admits. "People want to live here."
Thomas Faherty and William Bylund (Valley
Architects, St. Helena, 707.963.1466, www.valleyarchitects.com) have been in
business since 1984. "We’ve done everything from kitchen remodeling to luxury
homes," Faherty says. They have created designs in many styles—California
Mission, farmhouses, contemporary homes and the inevitable Tuscan villa. "I
don’t know if that will ever go out of style," he says. Faherty adds that he has
recently done a number of combination homes and wineries.
Juliana Inman (Napa, 707.226.5304) is a member of the Napa
city council and was a member of the planning commission. "My work tends to be
pretty low profile—mostly residential and commercial restoration or
rehabilitation projects," she says.
DESIGNERS
Erin Martin (Erin Martin Design, St. Helena,
707.963.4141) is ubiquitous for her wine country interiors. "I’m best known
for bringing unusual elements to the home—unexpected but classic touches," she
says. "It’s all about the clients. I get to know them and how they live, and try
to create a home that works for their life." Martin also has a showroom.
Thomas Bartlett
(Thomas Bartlett Interiors, Napa,
707.259.1234, www.thomasbartlettinteriors.com) is another popular designer,
whose work ranges from elegant to simple.
BUILDERS/CONSULTANTS
Mark Grassi (Grassi Construction, Napa, 707.255.3232,
www.grassiconstruction.com) is known for his high-end residential
construction.
Bob Alton
(Ryan Associates, St. Helena, 707.967.1938,
www.ryanassociates.com). Ryan Associates started 28 years ago in San Francisco,
and opened a satellite office in Napa almost a decade ago. One current project
is a 10,000-square-foot Tuscan-style home in Soda Canyon. "Everyone wants
Tuscan. They rarely want contemporary," says Alton.
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