Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Skaff.
Hi michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
MICHAEL J. SKAFF AIFD, AAF, PFCI
We had a successful interior plant design business for several year in Massachusetts and sold the company in 2002. Upon moving to Savannah we opened a new interior landscape design business in 2018 and susequently sold it in 2021 in order to retire. As a true entrepreneur I realized retirement was not for me. As luck would have it many of our former Savannah clients wanted us to come out of retirement to service their accounts. We opened our new company March 2, 2025 as Savannah Design & Decor, LLC . Our tag line “Where Beauty Come to Life” reflects everything about the company. We focus on interior/exterior plant design, installation and weekly maintenance. are My degree and background is in Horticulture and Floral design. As an AIFD floral designer we also provide holiday decor, silk and permanent botanicals as well as weekly fresh flowers.
Michael J. Skaff earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts-
Amherst, and has taught Advanced Design Courses at his alma mater.
As a business owner with over thirty five years experience in the floral industry, Skaff helps his
clients integrate visual design and color principles with their marketing objectives. In addition,
as a member of the Color Marketing Group, many of his clients utilize his knowledge of the
color trends not only in creating floral arrangements but also in forecasting marketing trends. As
evidence of his artistry, Skaff has been chosen as floral designer for both the 1993 Clinton and
the 2001 and 2005 Bush Presidential Inaugurations. In 2003, he was a member of the design
team for the 75th Annual Academy Awards Presentation (Oscars). Skaff has continued to
freelance at the Whitehouse for special events throughout the year.
Currently Michael works as a freelance designer providing trend forecasting, product
development and color trend specialist for such companies at The Magnolia Company,
Trendspot, Fiftyflowers , USA Bouquet and The International Floral Distributors (IFD).
Previously as Vice President of Design for FTD, Michael has worked on product development
initiatives with top name designers Todd Oldham, Vera Wang, Better Homes and Gardens and
The Smithsonian Institute. He has been instrumental in the development of the high-end floral
catalog for FTD.COM called Butterfield Blooms. Michael also has extensive experience as a
stylist and in visual merchandising; working as consultant for such companies as Polaroid and
AGFA Film. Michael was previously a Design Director and product development consultant for
Smithers Oasis Company.
Michael Skaff has been featured in a number of magazines. Among those are Modern Bride;
Floral Management; FTD Magazine and The Boston Globe. He was also the featured designer in
the premier issue of In Bloom, one of FTD’s magazines. Skaff was also publisher of At Home
with Michael Skaff, a seasonal magazine with the editorial focus on flowers in the home.
Michael J. Skaff is a member of the Society of American Florists and was inducted into the
American Academy of Floriculture (AAF) in 1991; the American Institute of Floral
Designers (AIFD) in 1992 and in 1999 became a member of the Color Marketing Group and
the Professional Floral Commentators Institute (PFCI) in 2000.
110 Early St Savannah, GA 31405 • (508) 801-6015 • [email protected]
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was relatively smooth as both myself and my business partner have had several start up companies throughout the years. Among those have been several in the horticulture. Being dedicated in business we continually strive for excellence in service, freshest product and creative designs.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As previous mentioned I have a degree is Horticulture and floral design. Of note is my induction into the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD) which is recognized as a higher designation of floral design. When working with plants capes my background as a member of the Color Marketing Group allows me to also bring the latest color marketing trends, in addition to scale, form, color, texture and balance to the project at hand.
We work with corporate as well as residential clients. Bringing live plants into professional office spaces or residences is a welcoming touch providing warmth and creating healthy environments. In addition to the above, our strength that sets us apart from others is that we not only have a strong horticultural background but also being an experienced floral designer allows us to bring a creative and individualized design to each installation.
What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is using my talent, imagination and creative ideas in interpreting the client’s lifestyle and enhancing their initial vision of the project.
In essence, what makes me happy is seeing the final product – the end result – a happy and satisfied client.
Pricing:
- Hard to say. Every project is unique upon itself.. Pricing is based on product availabilily (seasonality), quality and hours of labor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://savannahdesigndecor.com
