Design Solutions
See Course Dates
Lead by Mark Pampling, Master Florist
An online course in five practical tasks and six online sessions
The purpose of Design Solutions is to narrow our focus on the principles of design and become better at using design principles as problem solving tools in our work.
When we constrain our material choices we become less reliant on adding more materials to create impact and more skilled in solving design problems using the principles of design as our tools.
Through this process we become more resourceful, confident and self-reliant designers.
In Design Solutions we apply this way of working to four hands-on exercises, working with guidance, mentorship and feedback from the course presenter, Mark Pampling.
The exercises we use to explore this way of working are an arrangement, a bridal design, a wreath and an overlapping design.
Typical Instructions from a Live Session
We are inclusive of people of all levels of experience and skill, from those just starting out to seasoned designers. Some of our material is aimed at a more advanced level. Most of it is theory-focused, supported by hands-on exercises and group feedback sessions, all with comprehensive notes delivered after each meeting, and online access to the group session recordings for six weeks after each course completes.
Past participants have come from fields as diverse as floral artist, designer, arranger, floristry judges and teachers.
While the aim of Design Solutions is to make us more independent practitioners, we can all sometimes feel "stuck" and need to reach out for help, guidance or just a fresh perspective.
Throughout the course, I am available by email to answer your questions or clarify aspects of the material. I usually manage to reply on the same day, sometimes a little longer if I'm on tour, and sometimes quicker.
Examples Designs from a Live Session
Feedback on our Feedback - from past Participants
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Sharon, New Zealand
I would highly recommend this type of online learning to others. I really enjoyed the assignments and it was great to have something specific to work on. Each assignment was clearly defined and the feedback provided on everyone's work was clear with exciting suggestions made by Mark on how to improve the design or how it could be developed to become a showstopper.
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Celéste, WA, Australia
I'm just amazed at how able you are to in a very positive way, give criticism, it's fantastic. You really have a skill there of not making people feel inadequate and yet you do make all the points that are important.
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David, NSW, Australia
Mark thank you for always pushing boundaries and encouraging us to all question why we design as we do. This course is further developing my thought processes in the application of the elements and principles of design. The group discussions provide amazing insights into all aspects of the tasks. Your feedback is considered and on point. Looking forward to the next submission.
Schedule & Participation Guide
Online Introduction
6:00pm, Wednesday 18 October
Subsequent Online Discussions
6:00pm, Wednesday 1 November
6:00pm, Wednesday 15 November
6:00pm, Wednesday 13 December
Recordings of discussions are released approx. 48 hours after the live sessions.
Participation Guide
More information about participation in Design Solutions can be found in the Participation Guide.
Design Learnings in the Real World
The learnings and insights gained from Design Solutions have wide applicability.
If you educate, judge, compete, design or create with flowers in any form, Design Solutions can make you a more confident practitioner of your craft.
Participation Guide
Mark Pampling has been designing, competing, teaching and judging for thirty years now and is as well known for his clear, linear design style as for his patient and inclusive way of sharing his knowledge.
- 2019 Beijing World Flower Art Contest – Champion
- 2015 Interflora World Cup, Berlin – Judge
- 2014 Fusion Flowers International Designer of the Year – 1st Place
- 9th China International Orchid Show (Sanya) – Best Creative Award
- 2014 International Flower Contest Japan – Best in Show, Gold Award and Design Innovation Award
- Asia Cup 2014 (Japan) – 1st Place – Surprise Table Display
- 2013 Fusion Flowers International Designer of the Year – 2 Silver Awards & 1 Bronze Award
- 2012 Fusion Flowers International Designer of the Year – 4th Place
- 2012 Interflora Australia Cup – Winner
- 2011 Interflora Australia Cup – Winner
- Australian Competitor 10th Interflora World Cup 2004 – 3rd Place
You can learn more about Mark here.
