Meet the Designer: Jessica Griffin Pfluegl
The “Meet the Designer” series continues! This time we’re sitting down with the fabulous Jessica Griffin Pfluegl as she nears her ten-year anniversary with HMR this summer. Both a floral and wedding designer, with a recent expansion into corporate design, this power-house shares how she got her start in the industry and recalls her very first wedding (hint: it involved a lot of hands-on foraging…) Read the full interview below to get to know more about Jessica and her plans for the exciting year ahead.
When did you start at HMR Designs?
August 2010, it will be 10 years this August!
How did you end up at HMR/in the event industry?
When I was in school for interior design, I knew that I wanted to do more than just design spaces, I wanted to design events! So I started working as a freelance floral designer. I learned everything about floral design, from production to the different varieties and care, and of course, how to design incredible floral arrangements! That’s how Natalie Walsh and I started working together, at her event design company, Hello Darling. At that time, I was freelancing for a couple of companies and building my client base until I landed a job at HMR on my 30th birthday! Full circle, it’s been almost 10 years to that day.
Behind the scenes shot by Stoffer Photography
What kind of events do you design?
Most of my career has been spent designing weddings, and while I still do weddings and love to work my wedding clients, I really enjoy corporate event design as well! Corporate events allow me to think outside of the box and incorporate non-conventional design elements.
What’s the first thing you do when beginning to design an event?
Create the floorplan! I look at the event’s design from the room as a whole. First, I determine where everything should be placed, then I get into the more detailed elements of the design. Form follows function!
What is your philosophy?
Design to Delight and Edit.
Where do you source decor inspiration from?
Everywhere! Fashion, interiors, the outdoors.
Photography by Fandl Photography
What is your most memorable event to date?
While attending college in the UK, I helped with the floral for a friend’s sister’s wedding. Her mother and I foraged for ivy in the fields of Formby, England, and brought it home to soak in the bathtub. We then created all of the centerpieces and bouquets using ivy and beautiful white lilies. It was the epitome of a British wedding. It was also my first time attending a British wedding and loved being able to wear a fascinator.
What event are you most proud of?
A large corporate event in New York that was planned in less than a month. It was so memorable for the over 700 guests in attendance. And next year, we plan to make it even better! To see more about this event, check out this video!
What is your biggest decor challenge?
Overthinking things!
What is your favorite design element?
Flowers!
What is your favorite thing about working at HMR Designs?
I have the incredible opportunity to work with a team that is not only talented but also works extremely well together.
Can you offer readers any every-day decor advice?
Keep things simple, but also don’t be afraid to mix textures, patterns, and add color.
Photography by: Katie Kett
How do you spend your free time?
I love to cook, entertain, and treasure hunt at resale stores and estate sales!
What is your favorite way to relax?
Reading and stretching… and sometimes (actually often) a glass of red wine!
What are your biggest vices?
Coffee and red wine.
What are your favorite books?
Fiction: The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Non-fiction: The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
What’s the last band/performer you saw live?
Thomas Rhett (I see a lot of shows because of my husband’s job).
What’s the first thing you do when you get home after a long day at work/on-site?
Hug my kids.
What’s the thing you are looking forward to most about 2020?
Turning 40!