Keith Stanley Sculptural Botanical Design

06/07/2026

On Saturday, June 6, designers completed Task 3. Check back for more from the Gateway to the Americas Cup with coverage throughout the event.

06/07/2026

On Friday, June 5, designers completed Task 1. Check back for more from the Gateway to the Americas Cup with coverage from Florists' Review throughout the event.

06/07/2026

On June 5, designers completed Task 2. Check back for more from the Gateway to the Americas Cup with coverage throughout the event.

06/07/2026

11/22/2025

Day 10 | IMF with Gregor Lersch
The final day of our first session, and we spent it exploring organic design and the many ways to bring these forms to life. I chose to embrace the season – it’s already the holiday season here in Europe – and let that spirit guide my work. I also enjoyed working with bamboo, a material that is so sustainable and versatile.
Today I head home to DC with my head full of ideas, my hands eager to practice new skills, and my heart committed to being a conscious creative.
The break until our second session in April gives me time to integrate, experiment, and grow. The real work begins now.

International Master Florist | Boerma Institute | The Netherlands

11/21/2025

Day 9: Displacement Designs
Today we explored displacement—a design approach that’s captivated contemporary floral artists for good reason. These designs challenge our understanding of visual balance and push the boundaries of asymmetry in compelling ways.
The fundamental principle: work away from the container. The focal point and main materials are deliberately separated from the vessel or base foundation, creating dynamic tension between what we expect and what we see.
Gregor’s demonstration was masterful—showing us how to maintain structural integrity while creating designs that seem to defy their own foundations. Watching him work through the mechanics of displacement reminded me why this technique requires both technical precision and artistic vision.
The real treasure of today was seeing how each designer in the class interpreted the displacement theme differently. From subtle separations to dramatic extensions, every piece offered a unique perspective. The critiques that followed became a masterclass in themselves—learning not just from our own work, but from understanding the choices, challenges, and solutions of our colleagues.
This is the value of being in a room full of talented designers: the collective learning amplifies what any one of us could discover alone.