Benz School of Floral Design
Advanced Classes
Advanced classes at the Benz School of Floral Design are designed for students who want to refine their floral design skills and deepen their understanding of complex techniques and industry standards. These courses build upon foundational knowledge to explore high-level concepts such as event and wedding design, large-scale installations, and advanced mechanics.
Students gain hands-on experience working with premium flowers and challenging design briefs, preparing them for professional roles in retail, event planning, or floral entrepreneurship. The curriculum emphasizes creativity, precision, and the ability to design with confidence under real-world conditions.
Registration and Tuition
To register online, visit the Benz School Market Place, click on the “Classes” folder, and select your desired course.
Tuition for each class is $600.00 which includes all class materials, supplies, and printed hand-out materials. Students will need to bring their own set of basic tools: a floral knife, stem cutters/snips, wire cutters and ribbon scissors.
- Requested refund two weeks prior to scheduled class = full refund less $50.00 admin fee.
- Requested refund one week prior to scheduled class = 50% refund.
- Requested refund less than one week prior to scheduled class = no refund.
Location, lodging and parking
- Classes are held in the floral design studio at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX (Horticulture/Forest Science Building, Room 108).
- The closest parking lot is Lot 74. Parking permits are not required for WEEKEND ONLY parking during summer break.
- There are many lodging options in the Bryan/College Station area from which to choose.
Advanced Class – Floral Jewelry
The Floral Jewelry class is intended to assist current professional florists and event planners in upgrading their personal flower design skills through the use of decorative wires.
Topics Covered
- Decorative wire techniques
- Floral necklaces
- Lapel art
- Creative wristlets
- Floral pendants
Textbook and Required Materials
The required textbook, Flowers: Creative Design by Johnson, McKinley, Benz, can be purchased at TAMU University Press. Students must bring their own set of basic tools: a floral knife, stem cutters/snips, wire cutters and ribbon scissors.
Credentials Earned
Upon completion of this 16 hour class, students receive a Certificate of Completion bearing the names of the Benz School and Texas A&M University.
Upon request, Texas A&M University will furnish a transcript of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) earned through class at the Benz School. The CEU is recognized by employers, associations, and organizations across the nation. The Benz School of Floral Design is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities, the agency that provides accreditation for Texas A&M University.
The Benz School also is approved by the National Vocational Rehabilitation Act, which makes financial benefits available to students who qualify.
For additional information, please contact Barbara Volk-Tunnell at [email protected] or (979) 845-1699.
Advanced Class – Parties and Events
This one-week class (40 hours) is designed to expand the participant’s use of design techniques for parties and events through the detailed study of the elements and principles of design.
Topics Covered
- Hands-on practice of advanced design styles and techniques useful for party and event centerpieces
- Using and making props
- Consultations with prospective clients
- Actual event preparation, set-up, and strike
Textbook and Required Materials
The required textbook, Flowers: Creative Design by Johnson, McKinley, Benz, can be purchased at Texas A&M University Press. Students must bring their own set of basic tools: a floral knife, stem cutters/snips, wire cutters and ribbon scissors.
Credentials Earned
This course qualifies for 4.0 Texas A&M CEUs (40 hours)
Advanced Class – Contemporary Techniques and Certification Prep Class
The Contemporary Techniques and Certification Prep Class will expand your knowledge and vocabulary, creativity, mechanics and understanding of European and Oriental Design.
Topics Covered
Participants will expand their use of design techniques through a detailed study of the elements and principles of design for possible participation in AIFD’s PFDE* evaluation. Learn the latest design styles such as formal linear, vegetative, interpretive, and parallel. You will also be introduced to the newest design techniques, such as basing, binding, facing, framing, faux finishes, pavë, plaiting, shadowing, sheltering and making armatures. Ample opportunity will be available to discuss application of these new concepts to your own daily work.
Textbook and Required Materials
The required textbook, Flowers: Creative Design by Johnson, McKinley, Benz, can be purchased at Texas A&M University Press. Students must bring their own set of basic tools: a floral knife, stem cutters/snips, wire cutters and ribbon scissors.
Credentials Earned
Upon completion of this 16 hour class, students receive a Certificate of Completion bearing the names of the Benz School and Texas A&M University.
(*PFDE – Professional Floral Design Evaluation, a two-part program through which candidates can earn the coveted Certified Floral Designer (CFD) designation through the American Institute of Floral Designers)
AIFD® Certified Floral Designer
Students who successfully complete the required Education Partner coursework, receive a hands-on evaluation deeming the student’s work at the level of a Certified Floral Designer (CFD®) and subsequent Educational Partner referral, will receive an invitation to become a Certified Floral Designer through the American Institute of Floral Designers® (AIFD®).