We’re thrilled to share that we had the honor of supporting the design of the Purdy Welcome Center and Conservatory Gardens at Brookgreen Gardens — and that this exciting milestone was recently featured in The Coastal Observer.
On a brisk January morning, community members, project supporters, and Brookgreen leadership gathered to celebrate the grand opening of this long-anticipated facility. The coverage by Madison Sharrock for The Coastal Observer highlights not only the beauty and function of the new center, but also the deep community commitment behind bringing this vision to life.
The Purdy Welcome Center has been part of Brookgreen’s master plan since the 1980s and represents decades of planning, fundraising, and community support. The comprehensive capital campaign raised $25.8 million in total, with the welcome center itself estimated at $18 million — a testament to the collective effort of donors large and small who believe in Brookgreen’s mission.
Brookgreen donors, staff, and supporters celebrate the opening of the Purdy Welcome Center.
Designed to provide year-round comfort and accessibility, the new facility features an indoor, climate-controlled garden space with tropical plantings, mobile botanical displays, and an orchid wall. It offers visitors from all backgrounds a place to gather, reflect, and enjoy the collections regardless of weather — something that the recent chilly conditions brought into sharp focus.
The new Purdy Welcome Center features a model of Brookgreen Gardens
The Center also features a tropical garden wall, mobile botanical displays and a wrought iron orchid wall.
We’re proud to have worked alongside Brookgreen Gardens as the architecture partner bringing this vision to reality. Our associate principal, Adam Berry, shared that the design challenge was to create a building that feels as though it has always belonged within the gardens’ historic context — a goal we believe was achieved beautifully through careful integration with the landscape and respect for Brookgreen’s legacy.
The Purdy Welcome Center also marks a meaningful moment for our team: it was the final project led by Ed Zeigler at Craig Gaulden Davis | PBK, a milestone that reflects both his enduring design leadership and the collaborative spirit that defines our practice.
We invite you to read the full story on The Coastal Observer website and to visit the Purdy Welcome Center in person. Congratulations to Brookgreen Gardens and everyone who contributed to this remarkable project!
Coverage by Madison Sharrock for the Coastal Observer.
