Shawn has a very special connection with the plant kingdom, with a wild gift to transform spaces into living art. This interview is highlighting his talents when he use to work as a key accounts manager at Window Flowers in London, England, for over 12 years.
Engela: What was your main function as a key accounts manager for Window Flowers?
Shawn: “To generate new business, but more importantly, was to look after the existing customer base of prestigious banks, hotels and businesses within greater London. Providing floral and plant services from design to ongoing maintenance.”
Engela: What do you enjoy most about the creative process of working with flowers and design?
Shawn: “The joy that myself and others receive from the revived energy of dormant spaces, bringing life to bricks and mortar. Also, enjoying challenges of growing plants in difficult conditions.”
Engela: Did you find all the necessary flowers and plants in England or did you have to travel to find what you needed?
Shawn: “At Window Flowers, we had our own nursery growing thousands of bedding plants for our floral displays and especially for our hanging baskets which can be seen in any summer time images of London. But, a large portion of our feature plants required many visits to Belgium and Holland.”
Engela: Wow, what kind of plants and flowers did you find in Belgium and Holland?
Shawn: ” Belgium and Holland positioned themselves as a central hub for the international importation and storage of many plant varietals and almost any plant in existence can be found there from tropical orchids, to nordic pines.
Engela: “What was the most challenging design during the 12 year period at Window Flowers?
Shawn: “That was a circular atrium that could be viewed from all around, from 6 floors, bringing a very large feature, Beaucarnea Recurvata (Ponytail palm) into the basement of a solicitor’s building on Fleet Street, London. The overall design from above gave the appearance of a spiral leading away from the central feature done in different color aggregates offering a beautiful pattern to be viewed from each floor. With the exception of the feature plants, very few other materials were needed because I salvaged from existing displays within their estate.”
Engela: Did you study flower and plant design, and if so, where did you study and for how long?
Shawn: “Raised on farms, most of my life was spend working with plants. I was thrown into the deep end with Window Flowers, having to move from food to decoration.
Engela: When designing a new space for a client, what does your creative process entail to visualize the outcome?
Shawn: “The process requires understanding of the client’s image, needs and expectations, whilst balancing the client’s budget with plants that will thrive within the space. Once these factors have been established, quite often, the flavor of the design comes more and more apparent. Having a sound knowledge of plant varieties, habits and especially weaknesses, are key to a successful design.”
Engela: What was the most exciting design you created from scratch?
Shawn: “The facade of a three storey home in Chester Square, Belgravia, England. The balcony of each floor was festooned with lead planters, featuring extremely large Ilex Crenata (Japanese Holly) topiaries, shaped like giant Bonsai Trees. Accompanying beautiful features was a bed of low cut Geranium flowers. The design made this home really shine.”
Engela: In conclusion, what was the most important lesson you learned during your time at Window Flowers?
Shawn: “The five P’s: Prior planning prevents poor performance! When closing off a busy road in London, one needs to be absolutely certain that everything required for the installation is on hand, and that all of the necessary paperwork and permits are in place. Failure to do so, will be extensive and dangerous.”
Engela: This was an amazing interview with a special person who creates magical spaces for others to enjoy.
Enjoy your day.
Engela xx
Leave a Reply