The leadership team of Hacin is thrilled to announce the promotion of a new principal this spring.

Christine Rankin, a multi-disciplinary designer who has been a part of Hacin’s team for more than two decades, has been promoted to the level of Principal within the firm. With a wealth of expertise in a broad spectrum of typologies including restaurant, retail, hotel, commercial, and private residential projects, she will be leading Hacin’s hospitality design practice as the firm continues to grow. As a contributor to some of Hacin’s most notable hospitality projects, she’s collaborated on the Sea Crest Beach Hotel Streetscape, Shore Leave and No Relation, Myers + Chang, and is currently leading the design team for Michelin-starred chef George Mendes’ upcoming dining concepts in Boston’s South End, due to open later in 2026.

“Christine Rankin has been an extraordinary partner in bringing the vision for our two upcoming restaurants to life. Her ability to translate narrative into space –  balancing beauty, function, and emotion – has made the design process both intentional and deeply collaborative.”

George and Suzanne Mendes, Agosto + Baby Sister Opening 2026

Christine joined Hacin in 2005 and has cultivated expertise in high-end design across a variety of project types, specializing in those that bridge the fields of architecture, interior design, and visual identity. Having been a part of the studio for more than twenty years, she is a fervent advocate of the firm’s collaborative approach and interdisciplinary process and is currently leading Hacin’s hospitality practice.

Christine received a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from Northeastern University and a Master of Interior Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design. While there, she focused on collaborative studies with various design departments, including digital media as well as industrial and furniture design. She also had the opportunity to study architectural history and design in both Italy and Denmark. She was promoted to Associate of the firm in 2022 and Senior Associate in 2024.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Christine into the role of Principal of our firm. Over the years, she has consistently demonstrated not only exceptional design talent, but also a deep understanding of how thoughtful spaces shape the experiences people have within them. Her creativity, leadership, and collaborative spirit have already had a profound impact on our work and I’m incredibly excited to see how she will continue to push our practice forward – expanding our vision for hospitality design and inspiring both our clients and our team in the years ahead.”

David Hacin, FAIA, Founding Principal + Creative Director, Hacin

Upon reflecting on her career thus far, Christine notes,

“For me, the most rewarding thing about working at Hacin is that the work is never static. Every project brings new constraints, new collaborators, and new ways of thinking. Curiosity isn’t just encouraged here, it’s essential, and the constant sense of discovery that comes with it is what keeps the work energizing and meaningful.”

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