Kenneth Francis

About Kenneth Francis

Kenneth Francis is a founding principal of Surroundings, a New Mexico based landscape architecture and planning studio. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from The Cooper Union in New York City and a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. While studying at Harvard, he was awarded a travel grant to research the historic and cultural landscape of the acequias in Northern New Mexico. His dedication to complex dialogue and deep exploration around issues of water and its integration into innovative design responses has resulted in an exceptional body of work that is celebrated and studied both regionally and nationally. Highlights of his work and achievements include: ASLA Design Excellence Awards for exemplary projects throughout the Southwest, national, regional and local publication of his work in prestigious venues such as Landscape Architecture Magazine, World Landscape Architecture, and work with the public through interviews and media to elevate the public’s understanding of the challenges and practice of landscape architecture in the Southwest. https://surroundings.studio

Experience

1. Founding Principal

   Surroundings Studio

   Apr 2008 — Present · Santa Fe, NM, US

   Surroundings is a multidisciplinary design studio focused on transforming the built environment through innovative landscape architecture, urban design and planning. We are a highly experienced, collaborative team of landscape architects, architects, and planners who create engaging, sustainable, and operationally smart designs for projects throughout New Mexico, Texas, and North America.

Education

• The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

  Bachelor of Architecture - BArch

• Harvard University Graduate School of Design

  MLA

• SCI-Arc

  Architecture