In-N-Out has made some progress in their ongoing design negotiations with Palm Springs, but they still have some hurdles to clear before they can start serving burgers.
The fast-food chain has revised the plans for their upcoming location in Palm Springs, aiming to satisfy the city’s highly critical architectural review committee. New designs reveal significant alterations, including a transition from a bold red canopy trim to an aluminum silver, the elimination of glass blocks around windows, and flatter roofs.
This location, planned for the Smoke Tree Village shopping center, received initial approval from the Palm Springs Planning Commission back in July 2025. Since then, the project has undergone a thorough architectural review, facing no less than six evaluations from the city’s Architectural Review Committee.
During a recent meeting, it was noted that In-N-Out had managed to address only eight out of the 18 design stipulations set by the committee for approval, as reported by a local news source. These stipulations include simplifying the trash enclosure’s design, enhancing shade with more trees, and removing the keystone above the entrance doors.
Despite the adjustments, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the building’s aesthetics, arguing that its bright white hue and style seemed incongruous with Palm Springs’ character.
Committee members voiced their opinions quite candidly, describing the structure as standing out in an unflattering way and referring to it as a “sore thumb.” Some went further to say it might evoke laughter and might even seem more suited for a place like San Dimas.
Planning Commissioner David Murphy offered a colorful comparison, characterizing the updated design as “a Frankenstein monster designed by opposing committees.”
However, not everyone shared the committee’s critical view. Tracy Conrad, COO of Smoke Tree Ranch, framed the project as a potential boon for the shopping center. “Is it architecturally superlative?” she questioned. “I think everyone knows how the panel feels, but we see this as a development that could benefit the whole area.”
In-N-Out representatives defended their design. Peter Kulmaticki, speaking for the chain, stated, “The architectural review committee doesn’t have the final say on design. This project has evolved a lot since the original submission.” He emphasized the effort to create a design that maintains In-N-Out’s identity while reflecting the feedback from Palm Springs.
Ultimately, the committee voted 3-2 in favor of moving the project forward, though they stressed that all 18 conditions must be met. Public appeals against the approval are also permitted, according to the committee.
