Christa McCall, PLA, ASLA Founder & Design Principal (She/Her)
Prior to settling in Dallas, Christa worked throughout the Midwest on a variety of public and private project types. With a career that has spanned over 20 years, Christa's landscape practice utilizes her extensive background with native plants, construction and background in art to create purposeful landscape solutions. She responds to projects with unique designs and a controlled palette of materials that fit each distinct environment challenging our conventions of beauty.
Fun Fact: Christa talks to trees often, believing she can summon the rain spirits and has never smelled a candle she didn’t like.
Michael Kinler Senior Designer (He/Him)
After receiving his undergraduate degree, Michael took a job at a garden shop. The dynamic nature of plant material and it’s effect on a structured space was meaningful in ways he had not considered and lead him to study landscape architecture at University of Texas - Arlington. For over 20 years he has combined a love of plants, art and design to create many gardens both private and public. His focus is on composed environments that require fewer resources to maintain and are more beautiful because of it.
Fun Fact: Michael has a great sense of humor. He is the funniest designer we know and his taste in music rocks.
Gaby Gomez Project Assistant (She/Her)
Gaby has been with Paper Kites Studio since 2018. She plays a pivotal role in maintaining the seamless operation of the studio. In her multifaceted capacity as Project Assistant, she oversees critical aspects of the studio's functioning, including garden management, project coordination, client relations, and office administration.
Gaby's exceptional commitment and attention to detail have earned her a reputation as the linchpin that holds the studio together. Her hands-on approach to her responsibilities is underscored by an unwavering passion for the landscape and getting the details right.
Fun Fact: Gaby loves listening to the oldies music station and is our plant whisperer. She really digs native plants.
Ruth Kinler Ecological Landscape Consultant (She/Her)
Ruth Kinler brings decades of experience working with native plant systems, ecological landscapes, and regional horticulture. She is the founder and former president of Redenta’s Garden, a Dallas–Fort Worth nursery and landscape practice that helped introduce organic, regionally appropriate planting strategies to North Texas over 30 years ago. At Paper Kites Studio, Ruth serves as an advisor on native plant communities and ecological landscape practices, helping guide planting strategies that support habitat, long-term resilience, and landscapes rooted in place.
Fun Fact: Ruth’s Italian heritage shines in the kitchen, where her famous homemade Bolognese has earned a reputation nearly as strong as her plant knowledge.
Susan Linarez Studio Support (She/Her)
Susan has worked in the design industry for more than two decades and brings an upbeat spirit and can-do attitude to every project she touches. At Paper Kites Studio, Susan provides occasional studio and event support, helping organize community initiatives and hands-on gatherings such as the studio’s seed bomb events. Known for her positivity and creative problem-solving, Susan brings warmth, clarity, and steady support to the team whenever she’s called upon.
Fun Fact: Susan learned to make cakes like a pro from her aunt, a bakery legend. Now she brings that same sweet precision to every aspect of the office.
Lucy Human Resources (She/Her)
Lucy arrived at our studio doors in the Summer of 2017. She takes her job very seriously and makes sure that all team members take breaks to give her scratches and treats. She enjoys daily walks along the Trinity River Trails and spends countless hours protecting our test garden from squirrel invasions.
Fun Fact: Lucy will eat treats if you bring them to the office… big surprise.