This project included the design of the gift shop within the new entry project for the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, CA. COAR Design Group (formerly Jeff Katz Architecture) designed and managed the project from start to finish including design, drawings, bid, fabrication, and installation. Services included interior design and finishes, retail fixture design, furniture and fixture selections, sourcing and procurement of fixtures, and coordination of fabrication and installation.

The gift shop seamlessly transitions the surrounding architecture and is consistent with the Zoo’s mission of sustainable design through the use of recycled materials, natural textures, and conservation of the variety of plants and animals in worldwide ecosystems. This project provides a mix of indoor and outdoor retail spaces seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor spaces with material and color choices.

The bulk of the storefront is designed as a folding glass wall to provide a seamless connection to the exterior allowing the retail floor space to literally spill-out of the store footprint and provide unique opportunities for feature tables, merchandising (like potted plants), and store messaging. The angular shape and volume of the space created a unique challenge in laying out the store along with large expanses of glazing leaving limited wall space for merchandising.

Custom fixtures, signage, and accessories were all designed and selected to complement the surrounding architecture in form, proportion and detailing. This attention to detail creates a cohesive experience and backdrop for the unique merchandising and product collections. This project won a 2019 Shop! Design Award for Storefront/Exterior Design.