From Plant to Platform: Bringing Agave Culture Online
The Agave Lab is a farm and cultural project in San Diego County growing more than 20 species of agave, using them as a platform for education, creativity, and community connection. The mission is rooted in resilience: agave thrives in arid climates where other crops fail, and the people behind the project see it as a model for sustainability and innovation.
The website translates the sensory world of agave, sun, soil, texture, ritual, into a digital environment and reflects the richness of agave culture while being practical enough to handle the everyday needs of a growing organization.
Color Palette
Color was the first and most important design decision. The brand palette of forest green, light lime green, and black strikes a balance between organic and modern, much like Southern California itself.
Graphics
The visual language of the site moves between two modes: photography and illustration, creating a layered look.
Images from the farm anchor the site in real soil. They show not just agave plants, but the landscapes, hands-on practices, and gatherings that embody The Agave Lab’s mission. They remind visitors that this is a real place doing real work.
A branded agave plant drawing adds a sense of playfulness and makes the site feel approachable.
Structure
A subtle but impactful design choice was the use of both straight and wavy lines. Straight lines lend a professional quality, while wavy lines add a softness and organic energy.
Powerhouse Functionality
Design isn’t just about what a site looks like; it’s also about what it can do. The Agave Lab’s site needed to handle a range of functions to support its mission.
Store: Visitors can purchase limited-edition collections of handmade, foraged, and upcycled goods.
Blog: The blog serves as a storytelling hub, providing updates, insights, and cultural context for The Agave Lab’s work.
Events: Hosting immersive experiences is one of The Agave Lab’s core offerings, from farm dinners to agave tastings to workshops. The events page is designed to invite people into the experience.
Donations: Community support is key to the project’s sustainability. The donation function feels like a natural extension of engagement with the site.
