Focal Points: An AIFD Blog

Getting to Know Trish Nishikawa: NW Chapter 2025 Inspire & Empower Scholarship Recipient

Getting to Know Trish Nishikawa: NW Chapter 2025 Inspire & Empower Scholarship Recipient

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…

California State Florist Association Awards Scholarship to Marlene Hepner

California State Florist Association Awards Scholarship to Marlene Hepner

Congratulation to Marlene Hepner, recipient of a California State Florist Association scholarship to attend Reflections, Palm Springs.  Marlene is the oldest of four daughters.  Her parents, Peggy and Kirk Stout, taught their girls that education is powerful.  Marlene embraced this philosophy after experiencing life through Agriculture classes…

President’s Message: Strengthening and Modernizing

President’s Message: Strengthening and Modernizing

Dear AIFD Members, I hope this message finds you well and thriving in your creative and professional endeavors. As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthening and modernizing the foundation of our organization, I am pleased to inform you that the AIFD National Board has…

Spring Forward with Southern Chapter

Spring Forward with Southern Chapter

As spring brings new energy, we’re excited to celebrate the talent and passion of our Southern Chapter members—from scholarship honors to bold Art in Bloom designs and national recognition. Read on to explore the moments that make our chapter shine. Celebrating the Southern Chapter 2025…

A Tribute to Michi Burrell AIFD, that continues to S.H.I.N.E.

A Tribute to Michi Burrell AIFD, that continues to S.H.I.N.E.

Written by Charlie Groppetti AIFD When a floral designer that inspired you passes away, you are often at a loss at what to do. You carry so much of their influence and inspiration within you that you want to somehow continue their legacy after they…

Blooms Over Palm Springs: A Floral Legacy of Kindness

Blooms Over Palm Springs: A Floral Legacy of Kindness

By Nita Robertson AIFD As the floral world turns its eyes toward Palm Springs this summer for the 2025 American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) National Symposium, a beloved tradition will once again come to life in full bloom: the Blooms Over Program. This inspiring…

AIFD® at The First Lady’s Lunch

AIFD® at The First Lady’s Lunch

By Renee Tucci AIFD PFCI AAF In early April 2025, 1,600 people came together to attend the 112th First Lady’s Lunch in Washington DC. The Congressional Club Museum and Foundation has hosted this event since its inception. Considered one of Washington’s most exciting and historic…

AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry Recipient Richard Milteer Committed to Making a Difference

AIFD Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry Recipient Richard Milteer Committed to Making a Difference

Theophrastus, a student of Plato and later Aristotle said, “Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend.” When an hour or two becomes available, do we make the most of it or simply watch time go by? There is a member of AIFD who…

More New Terms Added to “The AIFD Guide to Floral Design”

More New Terms Added to “The AIFD Guide to Floral Design”

More new terms continue to be added to “The AIFD Guide to Floral Design.” Chenille Stem: A multifunctional mechanic, generally used as a corsage stem or to bind materials together.  The stem is generally 12 inches in length and consists of slender wires spun together…

Leanne Muenstermann Wins Reflection Scholarship

Leanne Muenstermann Wins Reflection Scholarship

The Illinois State Florists Association celebrated its 120th year by hosting an Immersive Design Retreat at Walkers Bluff Winery in southern Illinois. Our panel of design educators included Donald Yim AIFD, Robert Koene, Kelsey Thompson AIFD, Derek Woodruff AIFD, Sarah LoBue AIFD, Doug Bates AIFD…