This photograph is from the first workshop, where we dug deeply into the roots and needs of the project- and also the hopes, dreams, aspirations, and potential for outcomes to create positive evolution at the Desert Botanical Garden over the next 20 years.

Rather than an architect and/or engineers designing a building project in isolation, the IDP involves direct participation with the client and any other stakeholders deemed important to the process.

As the architect for this project, it was refreshing and inspiring to have all IDP participants co-creating the conceptual site plan and buildings together with the designers and engineers.

The IDP workshops are always lively, energetic, and productive. People in the IDP also really get to know each other, providing more care for each other’s stakes in the project.

It can also be a lot of fun. We had a great group of people and were able to add in humor when possible. Ex: Notice the note with arrow on the left of this image that says “A squirrelly path to knowledge,” which reminded us to be mindful of the various critters that roam the DBG’s campus as visitors to the campus learn about desert environments.

To find the best solutions, we break into groups that each contain a diverse set of experts/owners/designers/etc, to work on a ‘problem.’ Then, each group presents their discoveries and solutions for full-workshop discussion. In this case we had five different groups working, who learned from each group’s best ideas. We then focused in on the best possible design with everyone’s consent.

Each workshop gets progressively more detailed. We start with general alignment of goals, move to site design, then building design, phasing, etc.

In this case we began to look at building design.

Through the workshops, everyone learns to respect one another- to consider ‘crazy’ ideas, and ultimately agree on a direction.

Dynamic design sometimes take focused corrections. And, ultimately, the designers and engineers work out details.

The engineers found the process very helpful. Though the initial meetings/workshops seemed cumbersome, it sped up the design process in the end. Most IDP’s save between 10-20% of total time from start to permitting because of the early involvement by the design team.

Once construction was complete, and we waited a year to hear the results, the Desert Botanical Garden told us their plants and staff were thriving like never before.

The first phase of construction was completed in 2017. The second phase will be completed in 2025, and Phase three in 2027. The IDP process has been the backbone for all decisions made through all design, construction, and phases.

For more info on the DBG Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science campus, click here.