The North West Chapter of AIFD proudly announces Trish Nishikawa AIFD, CFD, owner of Project Fleur in San Jose, CA, as the Chapter’s recipient of the 2025 Inspire & Empower Scholarship for the upcoming AIFD Symposium Reflection. Trish earned her scholarship through participation in the Chapter’s annual “Foraged & Found” online design competition. Though relatively new to the professional floral world with eight years under her belt, Trish was inducted into AIFD in 2024 and is already carving out a distinctive aesthetic deeply rooted in her Japanese American heritage. “I’m still developing my style,” Trish shares, “but my cultural heritage influences my gravitation toward the minimalism of Ikebana and Haiku, the celebration of simplicity, and negative space. I’m a firm believer in ‘less is more’ and leaving space for the eye to breathe.”
Trish’s passion extends to her materials. She cherishes the fragrant delicacy of homegrown sweet peas and the versatility of passion fruit vines. Inspired by many, including Gregor Lersch, Hitomi Gilliam, and Mark Pampling, Trish likes to explore diverse design directions, moving beyond the traditional to celebrate a more modern aesthetic. In addition to AIFD, active participation in florist Facebook groups and local organizations like Floral Artists of the Bay Area provides her with invaluable education and networking opportunities. Trish finds inspiration in the uninhibited creativity of her children, reminding her of the importance of experimentation in her own artistic practice.
A testament to her client connection, Trish once crafted a floral Cessna 170 airplane for a NASA engineer’s tribute, highlighting the trust families place in florists to honor loved ones. “Listening might be the most valuable florist skill,” she emphasizes. Her design process begins there, followed by digital renderings and detailed “design decks” for her team, ensuring everyone is on the same page. This allows her to create designs that transcend typical Pinterest inspirations.
Trish likes to incorporate current trends and diverse perspectives into her work, as seen in her 2025 Fleur des Villes Lunaire exhibit, where she prioritized collaboration with designers from relevant cultural backgrounds. She’s also a fan of sustainability in design, favoring eco-friendly mechanics like Oasis Fibre Floral, and reusable chicken wire and water tubes.
The North West Chapter is excited to support Trish as she attends the AIFD Symposium Reflection. Her unique blend of cultural influence, innovative spirit, and dedication to her craft make her a truly inspiring member. We eagerly anticipate her continued growth and contributions to the floral industry.
