BETTY FORD ALPINE GARDENS CASE STUDY
Elevating brand identity for the world's highest botanical gardens
Challenge
The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, situated in Vail and distinguished as the world’s highest botanical gardens, needed a brand identity that would capture both their unique position and their commitment to alpine botanical education. The challenge was creating a visual system that would resonate with both local visitors and international tourists while honoring the presidential legacy attached to the institution.
Strategic Approach
Our approach delivered an identity system that encompassed not only a timeless logo still in use today, but also detailed brand guidelines ensuring consistent communication across all channels. We extended this system through carefully crafted print materials enhancing the visitor experience, while developing a digital presence that enabled robust event promotion and engagement. The addition of e-commerce capabilities further extended visitor interaction beyond the physical space of the gardens.
Solution
We developed a brand identity that balanced dignity with accessibility, creating a visual language that could speak to both the scientific community and casual garden enthusiasts. The approach needed to reflect the gardens’ elevated status – both literally and figuratively – while maintaining an inviting, discoverable presence.
Impact
The brand identity we created for Betty Ford Alpine Gardens has stood the test of time, continuing to serve as the garden’s visual ambassador more than a decade later. As the gardens grow in prominence and visitor numbers, our design system maintains its effectiveness, seamlessly adapting across evolving digital platforms while preserving the institution’s prestigious yet approachable character.
