Press
2020
What new ideas have you opened yourself to that stimulate your creativity?
Working with other people really stimulates me, especially through collaborations. When I do a show, I listen to other’s ideas while still having my voice heard, and that synergy helps to make things come together harmoniously. Collaboration makes me think and create totally differently than I would on my own. It pushes me outside my comfort zone and propels me to be more creative and do something I would not normally do on a day-to-day basis.
2019
This gorgeous rose arbor was designed to frame the ocean view and ceremony for the guests. How many flowers did it take? How did the designers accomplish this task, along with all of the other wedding flowers required, in a short period of time?
Pricing Tips To Ensure Event Profitability
When designing florals for your clients’ events, you need to understand their needs in regard to color preferences, sizes and types of arrangements. Discuss event budgets, and suggest a venue walk- through with each client. During the walk-throughs, mention all the floral possibilities available within their budgets. Explain that they will get better value if they trust you, as the expert, to choose the types of florals to be utilized at their events. Choosing the florals yourself will ensure your profit increases for the events.
“There is so much that goes into designing weddings internationally,” explains Adam.
Island logistics. Stormy weather. Procurement. Flower freshness. How can you meet island design challenges?
Adam offers these tropical tips.
When did you start developing these amazing flower designs and where do you get your inspiration?
I began my flower journey 20 years ago in a family-owned flower shop. Early on I realized that I wanted to be a floral designer, I just had to find a way to achieve it. So, I studied with the lead designers at the shop, read every floral magazine available, and took any class I could. Later in my career I was fortunate to start working in downtown Chicago in a design building. This was the moment my life changed as a designer. I was surrounded by amazing interior and fashion design and I couldn’t wait to express it with floral. My vision to design was opened up in a whole new way.
2018
When Adam came out at the end of the first set, all of which fit this theme, with chains, a staff and more; he explained the night. It was a story of sorts about the journey of his life. The burlesque theme was the first he chose for convention when he was President of the Illinois Florists Association. It was a stunning array of color, sensuality and of course flowers. Then, as he spoke, the models went back stage and changed to prepare for the next set, a Wedding set, but not like any you have ever seen. Now the soft music begins and model number one emerges dressed head to toe in white, but now, with a more romantic hair style. The flower tones have changed to blushes, peaches and creams with hints of grey, romantic ribbons, lights and even glitter. One model wore a garland, embellished with ribbon and flowers and what a great idea for a unique bridal bouquet. Even the guys carried bouquets and looked so totally comfortable doing so.
“I knew that I wanted to shake [the convention] up by doing a runway show,” said Edleman of her decision to bring in Havrilla and give him creative carte blanche. “I felt we needed to let the public know that retail florists are alive and well in our state and able to help them express their feelings with flowers.”
For his part, Havrilla said his idea to tie the event to a topical social issue was welcomed. “I couldn’t be more thrilled at the support I got from Ann, from others in the association, and from the sponsor, Koehler & Dramm,” he said.
The 2018 PFCI inductees are: Adam Havrilla, AIFD, ICPF, PFCI, of Artistic Blooms LLC, in Chicago; Kathy Jones, AIFD, PFCI, SDCF, of Spring Creek Designs LLC, in Gillette, Wyoming; Louisa Lam, AIFD, CPFD, PFCI, of Langara College in Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada; Klair McDermott, AIFD,PFCI, of Sunshine Bouquet Company in Miami; Carolyn Minutillo, AIFD, EMC, PFCI, of Lavender Hill LLC, in Jeffersonville, Indiana; Renato Sogueco, PFCI, of BloomNet/Floriology Institute in Jacksonville, Florida; and Renee Tucci AIFD, CFD, PFCI, in Chalfont, Pennsylvania.
The International Floriculture Expo wrapped up last month at McCormick Place and brought more than 1,500 floral industry professionals from around the globe to the Chicago area. The most anticipated event was the Iron Designer Competition, which takes place live in front of a cheering audience, where Adam Havrilla of Artistic Blooms in Chicago earned the title of this year’s champion designer – for the second time! He previously won the title in 2016, becoming one of only two champions to ever bring home the title twice.
flowersandcents.com, “Adam Havrilla of Artistic Blooms named the 108 Iron Designer at IFE,” 6/27/18
Congratulations again to Adam Havrilla of Artistic Blooms for being named the 2018 Iron Designer.
Adam has been elected as President of the Illinois State Florists’ Association. His goal is to continue working with the Board of Directors and membership to create new educational and business opportunities for the floral industry in Illinois and surrounding states. Adam has received numerous awards for excellence in design including 2016 IFE Iron Designer!
2016
“You’ve got to plan, plan, plan,” he says. “ You need to find a way to shift the room, and figure out how you’re going to flip it in 35 minutes. Whenver I’m doing a wedding that takes place all in the same room, I think about how I can repurpose every aspect so that it looks diffferent, but can still be redesigned in a good time and manner.”
“It was an amazing experience to share the stage with the other designers during a very quick paced competition. It was truly an honor to have won the 2016 Iron Designer Competition!” said champion Adam Havrilla.