early girl studio began as an interior design firm dedicated to creating modern and inspiring spaces that bring people joy. The practice was started by Kristin Murtagh in 2015 after working with many prominent San Francisco architects and interior designers. Her passion for designing residential spaces stemmed from the belief that good design–including clean lines, beautiful materials, and well-organized spaces–make for better living.
Kristin first earned an undergraduate degree in visual art, with a concentration in photography, from Rutgers University’s Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Jersey. During her art studies, she developed an interest in design, architecture, and urban planning. After moving to California and gaining professional experience as a photographer and graphic designer, she completed a masters of architecture degree from California College of the Arts in 2007. Kristin found her niche in residential architecture and excelled as a designer and project manager. In 2022, after multiple collaborations, Kristin’s focus (like many people during the pandemic years) moved outside to her kitchen garden. Through interior design, Kristin had sought a connection with herbaceous exterior landscapes especially in urban environments. This interest coupled with the joy of cultivating plants led to UCLA’s Horticulture program where she earned a certificate in 2023. She is a volunteer at a local community garden where she grows California native plants for beneficial insects and organic fruits and vegetables. She lives in San Francisco with her husband, son, cat, and many plants.