On January 31 Andy Hopper (AIFD, CFD) offered an in-depth presentation and floral demonstration called “Bringing Out the Designer in You. He constructed and shared several designs that reflected the wide range of work he does with Blooms Design Studio by H-E-B in Texas and as a professional consultant worldwide.
Always one to adapt and use the materials on hand creatively, Andy used several vases from the Garden Club and even trimmed a beautiful, blooming branch from our Japanese magnolia outside which he added to one of his designs. Other designs were a “bento box”, and a series of roses in small glass bottles. His beautiful designs were raffled off to excited guests. After the program, guests enjoyed a three-course catered lunch by Catering by Chriss.
From the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena to a fashionable high-profile wedding in Bogota, Columbia, to State dinners for four presidents to the Philadelphia Flower Show, Andy Hopper has achieved great heights in the event design world.
A passion for design and creativity sparked at an early age for Andy when he was a young child creating tablescapes in his grandmother’s backyard. Andy’s formative years were immersed in art lessons and travels, propelling him onto the University of Montevallo in Alabama, where he began working towards his interior design degree. While in college, he pursued his love of design through art history classes and rigorous interiors courses. From Montevallo to Milan was where Andy spent time and creative energy working for such international companies as Hugo Boss, where he was a makeup artist for glossy magazine shoots and glamorous photography catalogs.
Andy returned home to Alabama in the early 2000s and quickly began creating a brand for himself. Countless hours and networking helped him expand a loyal clientele base that trusted him with major life events. In 2006, Andy received his national certification in floral design with AIFD (American Institute of Floral Design) due to his never-ending desire to solidify his knowledge and experience in the ever-changing world of event design and the art of floral. Under Andy’s leadership, he grew KG Designs from a small design company into a national powerhouse by staying ahead of trends while going above and beyond for his clients.
In 2016, H-E-B reached out to him to start a new concept for the company in Houston. Andy fostered the Blooms Design Studio by H-E-B concept and made it synonymous with great customer service and beautiful designs. In 2019, he was installed as an executive in San Antonio in the Blooms Department of H-E-B; his role encompasses product design/development, floral education, and new business development.
The Designer of Distinction is an annual fundraising event that presents an expert in the field of floral design demonstrating and discussing their work.
Special Thanks
The Garden Club of Jacksonville thanks the Late Bloomers Club for decorating with handmade table centerpieces, Catering by Chriss for providing a delicious three course lunch to guests, and to Ortega Forest members for selling beautiful tile designs and helping with extra pecan sales.
Resources
- Visit the Blooms Design Studio by H-E-B Institute here.
- Register for other programs on our events page.
- Read about the Garden Club’s virtual programs here.