2-Day Advanced Design Series

The Advanced Design Series builds upon the Introduction and Intermediate Series programs teaching students more advanced techniques, such as color theory, recipe building and, ultimately, developing personal style in floral design. This course gives students the confidence to take their skills to the next level, pushing them to become true floral designers. Students will be taught advanced level techniques and will learn how to differentiate, and create, design styles including organic, classic and modern style. In this series, each student will be responsible for creating a design concept, creating their own color palette for each technique, and selecting flowers to best fit their concept. Guidance is given based on color, texture and scale appropriateness, and new designer mechanic techniques are featured. 

In this program, students can expect to {1} build arrangements in new vessels like compotes, {2} designing modern designs aimed at corporate clients, {3} elevating arrangements through vessels, and {4} further their exploration into shape by playing with asymmetrical designs. This Advanced Series program will also give students a chance to begin building their own recipes and delve into learning how to price arrangements.

The prerequisites to this class are 101: Introduction to Design Series & 102: Intermediate Design.

About the Instructor: Calvert Crary, Executive Director of FlowerSchool NY & LA

An internationally recognized instructor and mentor, Calvert has taught programs across the United States, Holland, Mexico and Australia. He hasbeen invited to design tables at the prestigious Orchid Dinner at The Plaza Hotel, spoken to Garden Clubs across America, and served as a judge at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. Calvert has trained and coached thousands of students on how to work in the floral industry with top designers, start new businesses, or reorganize existing floral businesses into thriving careers.

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In addition to his teaching and leadership roles, he is the author of influential books on floral design, including Flower School: A Practical Guide to the Art of Flower Arranging, and has co-authored The Encyclopedia of Cut Flowers. He was featured in The New York Times “Sunday Routine” section this past July 2025.

Explore More Classes with Calvert Crary

What you can expect:

• 2 Days of Class, split over 4 sessions (allowing 1 hour lunch break each day)

• Hands-On lessons, all taught by a Floral Design Expert

• Open Studio time to work on projects with more independence

• A variety of four  arrangements created using premium season flowers

• Floral aprons, tools, and other supplies will be provided for use during this program. Please note that personal sets of supplies to take home are only included with enrollment in our 2-Day Introduction to Design Series.

What you will learn:

• Advanced industry skills for floral care and arranging styles

• High-end design styles using untraditional vases, like compotes and urns

• Working with added elements like fruits, vegetables, and unique flowers

• Arranging techniques focused on color theory and recipe building

Program Schedule:

• Day 1: 10:30 am - 4:00 pm

• Day 2: 10:30 am - 4:00 pm