Georgia Botanical Gardens Re-design

Our redesign of the Botanical Gardens Visitor Center, Gift Shop, and surrounding spaces is rooted in a mission to create a more immersive, story-driven experience reflecting the botanical gardens’ natural beauty and educational legacy. Spatially, our team reimagined circulation by integrating organic pathways that gently guide visitors through retail, educational, and lounge areas—mirroring the meandering flow of garden trails. Significant improvements include installing an ADA-compliant custom reception desk, adding a green room and self-serve bar, freshly renovated restrooms, and redesigned classrooms with ample storage and inspiring materials. We are also introducing sculptural ceiling installations, a rooftop garden visible through existing skylights, and moveable planters that promote intuitive wayfinding and allow for flexible programming throughout the seasons.
To enhance the gift shop’s function, we’ve proposed digital signage tied to product storytelling—featuring local artisans, sustainable sourcing, and the cultural narratives behind each item. In collaboration with the UGA Graphic Design Team, we implemented a color-coded signage system that continues throughout the park, enhancing cohesion and helping visitors easily navigate from retail to trails. In response to community input, we’ve included expandable donor recognition walls placed in areas of high foot traffic, as well as interactive QR-coded maps for self-guided educational tours. The design aesthetic blends reclaimed wood and soft finishes with select Deco-inspired details, creating an intentional conversation between past and present. Ultimately, the redesigned space aspires to be more than a shop—it’s a “living library” that cultivates curiosity, supports conservation, and invites every guest to feel rooted in both nature and narrative.

--Your Design Team,
Samuel Austin, Emily Lockett, Carrie Reese, Ella Richardson, Natalie Rojanets, Sophie Sims