Cristin Franklin
Cristin Franklin has over twenty years of experience as a Landscape Architect. Early in her career she moved to Hawaii for an opportunity to work on local and international resort and hospitality projects. She remained focused on these markets for over fifteen years. Her work expanded to residential design after being asked by a client to provide landscape architectural services for their residences as well as their resort hotel. With her expertise in resort amenities, guest experiences, and true indoor / outdoor relationships, she brings a unique perspective to the development of beautiful residential environments. Now focused on private gardens she brings a deep understanding of proportion and scale, design styles verses trends, environmental considerations and sensibilities, and the different uses and service needs that must be properly planned for any project to be successful. Not just preserving the natural environment, but understanding the natural qualities of each individual property and inviting those elements to help define and enhance each garden. She is passionate about creating spaces that people won’t just use, but places where people will relax, play and celebrate life’s small and big moments for years to come.
Cris attended California Polytechnic State University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture. She began her career with Belt Collins and Associates and Projects International where she was a Project Manager for many hospitality projects in Hawaii and South East Asia. From there she founded InSite Landscape Architecture and Planning, a recognized Landscape Architectural firm based in Berkeley, California. For sixteen years, InSite created award winning and financially successful resort and hospitality destinations in the United States and internationally under her leadership. In addition, InSite also created many beautiful estate gardens. After her partner passed away, she founded CSB Studios.
Included in Cris’ work are: The Calistoga Ranch, an Auberge Resort, Calistoga, CA; The Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand; Hyatt Grand Champions Resort, Indian Wells, CA; Four Seasons University Circle, Palo Alto, CA; The Taman Dayu Resort, Surabaya, Indonesia; Hyatt Regency Mission Bay, San Diego, California; Park La Brea, Los Angeles, CA; The Seven Canyons Resort Community, Sedona, AZ; Montagna Estate and Winery, St. Helena, CA; and many residential estate gardens in California and abroad. She has won numerous awards for both her residential and resort work. Garden Design Magazine, Travel & Leisure, Hospitality Design magazine, Elle Decor magazine, Town & Country Travel, Contractors Associations and Mayor Awards are some of the organizations that have recognized her work and awarded her projects with excellence in both design and execution.