AIFD History

In the mid 1960’s there was a designer who envisioned a professional organization whose purpose was to showcase floral design, to offer recognition to accomplished designers, to make the public aware of good design, and to proceed to do this through education. Her name is Bea Frambach AIFD and at that time she was on the Board of Directors of the California State Florist Association. She approached that Board with the idea of an organization of designers, not for shops, that would have a rating system perhaps licensing and offer recognition to floral design. The Board felt there was no need for such an organization and argued they had no money for establishing the organization. Bea shared her idea about this organization with Art McKee AIFD. He became enthused and suggested they start it now on their own. The spark was rekindled and they shared the idea with Wayne Andrade AIFD. He was also very enthusiastic. Bea and Art shared the idea from the podium at a florist meeting and 11 people responded with their support and their money and they began meeting at Art and Wayne’s to formulate plans for an organization that emerged as the American Institute of Floral Designers.

The organization actually became incorporated in 1965. At that time charter membership was opened across the United States, the code of ethics and by-laws were in place and the College of Fellows was in the making. Honorary membership and Associate memberships soon followed. In 1966 Charter Membership was closed and the organization set up membership in three categories. Active members, Associate members, and Student members. The founding group had elections and established the first Board and officers.