The HDG Team
CHRIS HERMANN, PLA/ASLA
CEO & President
Chris is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, In his over 40 years of design experience, he has worked coast-to-coast with the majority of his tenure occurring in Southern California. As a resident of the Coachella Valley for the last 30 years, his focus has been on the Inland Empire and the desert environment. Chris is a CLARB Certified Landscape Architect and is licensed in California, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, and Texas. By virtue of his licensure, Hermann Design Group projects can be found throughout the western United States. Chris is the lead designer on all projects and our client relationship manager. He provides a great depth of experience on a large variety of public and private projects.
JOSE ESTRADA
Vice President and Lead Irrigation Designer
Jose is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in landscape architecture and a career focus on irrigation design. He has been an integral part of Hermann Design Group since 1999 as an established expert in irrigation design and water auditing. His extensive experience in the preparation of construction documents and field work experience allows for a complete design process from the schematic level to final design. Jose is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish, making him invaluable in the field, as well as instrumental in translating during public input workshops or community meetings.
KRISTIN HERMANN
CFO and Managing Director
Kristin is in charge of our contract and accounting administration, and she leads our quality assurance program. Kristin served as the construction administrator on the Rancho Mirage Community Park Expansion, acting as a liaison between the client and the contractor from bid opening to final walk through. Currently, she is working with the City of Indio on the construction management for Indio Sports Park. Kristin provides plan checking, specification writing, and bid document preparation.
ARMANDO “OPUS” GARZA
Associate and Senior Designer
In his tenure at Hermann Design Group, Opus has become a key designer and indispensable leader with project management skills. Opus is a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate who combines his understanding of plant material, maintenance, horticulture experience, and natural artistic talent with invaluable technical skill. He has comprehensive experience designing streetscapes, parks, and trailheads, in addition to residential/commercial landscapes. Opus is responsible for HDG CAD operations and systems management, providing guidance and mentorship to emerging designers.
MICHAEL LYTAR, PE
Senior Civil Engineer / Construction Manager
Michael started working with Hermann Design Group in July 2024 to oversee our construction management and inspecton projects on a project-by-project basis. Michael is a public works/municipal engineering professional with more than 25 years of experience in all facets of public project development, management and inspection. As part of various teams, he has worked to successfully deliver hundreds of public projects including pavement rehabilitations, parks, traffic signals, storm drains, sewers, facility remodels, and much more. Capable of providing turn-key public works construction and engineering services
FRANCISCO SANCHEZ
Senior Designer
Joining as a designer in 2020, Francisco has quickly proven to be a vital asset to Hermann Design Group. With a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona and a demonstrated proficiency in 3D, color, and perspective renderings, Francisco has contributed to a diverse range of projects at HDG. While focusing primarily on residential design, he also plays a role in supporting project managers and senior designers. Fluent in both Spanish and English, Francisco has enhanced the ability to communicate effectively with Spanish-speaking communities in the Southern California region. Francisco is also a member of The City of Palm Desert Architectural Review Committee.
CESAR DELGADO
Designer
Based in the Riverside office, Cesar joined Hermann Design Group as a designer in 2021. Upon graduating from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture, Cesar has exhibited a natural inclination toward producing hand graphics, employing graphic design tools, and developing renderings. With a strong aptitude for artistry and bringing a project’s vision to life, Cesar has made meaningful contributions to the master plan community and multiple housing developments at HDG. Additionally, he is bilingual in Spanish and English.
JUAN LEON
Designer
Juan originally joined the HDG team in the summer of 2023 as an intern. He officially joined the team full time after graduating From Cal Poly Pomona in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture. Juan also has an Associates in Environmental Horticulture from the College of the Desert. Juan’s passion and understanding for plant material and maintenance stems from his years of experience in the field working for his families landscape company. This experience has helped Juan contribute to design work and site plans for various HDG projects. Juan’s fluency in both Spanish and English has assisted the HDG team in communicating and connecting with Spanish-Speaking communities.
PAMELA FONSECA
Designer/Draftsperson
Pamela joined the HDG team as a designer in the beginning of 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona. Upon graduating she had experience as a designer for a pool contractor, where she gained a deep understanding about hardscape materials and custom pool design. Pamela was able to get experience in preparing construction document plans for engineering and city submittals. She has skills in drafting programs such as AutoCAD and has developed 3D software skills in programs such as Sketchup, Rhino, and render programs like Lumion & Enscape. Pamela have also gained experience in 3D Video Making. At HDG, Pamela has opportunities to work on production drawings, color renderings, commercial plans, and housing development. Pamela is also bilingual being proficient in Spanish & English.
ANGELA MITCHELL
Office Manager
Angela joined the HDG team in February 2025. She provides essential administrative and operational support to the firm and works closely with the Chief Financial Officer on billing and related accounting functions. Her role is integral to maintaining accurate financial processes, supporting internal controls, and ensuring the smooth day-to-day operation of the office. Angela also coordinates continuing education programs and plans firm activities and events that promote collaboration, morale, and a positive workplace culture.