The Desert Botanical Garden late in 2023 determined through self-reflection that the overall aesthetic quality across the property was inconsistent, varying greatly among areas. The last overarching design assessment occurred two decades or so in the past. Board of Trustees members and staff committed themselves to generating a new institutionalized paradigm and process for creating and maintaining its unique aesthetic and experiential qualities to a level of exceptional quality.

The Garden engaged Tres Fromme, Principal of 3. Fromme Design, to facilitate a collaboration to explore, develop, and articulate a process and criteria for assessing Collections, Exhibits, and Displays. DBG desires to maintain and advance the high quality of each’s unique visitor experience, plant palette, aesthetic identity, messaging, and operations. The intent is to integrate the Assessment as an ongoing operational activity across all the Garden’s departments, disciplines, and organizational levels.