textField=American Institute of Floral Designers

The American Institute of Floral Designers was established in 1965 by a small group of leading floral designers dedicated to recognizing and promoting the art of floral design as a professional career. Today, it is the floral industry's leading nonprofit organization committed to establishing and maintaining higher standards in professional floral design. With nearly 1,000 members worldwide, AIFD and its members are in the forefront of the industry in presenting educational and design programs.

Membership in AIFD is selective. To be accepted, a candidate must fulfill rigid qualifications and demonstrate advanced professional ability. Applicants must successfully complete a two-part process in which they prove their design abilities - - first, through a portfolio of photographs, and then, through actual on-site demonstrations.

Each July, successful candidates are inducted into membership during ceremonies at AIFD's acclaimed National Symposium. Considered the most important design event in the floral industry, National Symposium attracts designers, educators and interested individuals from all comers of the world.

During the rest of the year, members may participate in numerous activities sponsored by AIFD's six Regional Chapters. These activities include local educational programs for both the industry and the consumer market. In addition, AIFD supports student chapters located on the campuses of major colleges and universities. Through its Foundation, the Institute also offers scholarships to students so that talented young designers may attend National symposium and be exposed to those on the cutting edge of floral design. AIFD's Associate Members, manufacturers and distributors of products and services to the floral industry, are also an important part of the Institute as they help to fund numerous design education programs including Artists In Residence.

Members of the American Institute of Floral Designers are distinguished by the letters " AIFD " used as an addenda to their name. From diverse backgrounds and interests, from small-town florists to large-scale party designers, from college professors to Rose Parade consultants, from nationally known corporate advisors in product development to winners in international design competition, AIFD members are found in virtually every aspect of floriculture.

Code of Ethics and Professional Practice

Members of the American Institute of Floral Designers assume the following obligations:

TO THE PROFESSION:

No Member of the American Institute of Floral Designers shall defame any other members, or non-members, by falsely making statements which will unjustifiably injure his or her reputation or personal integrity. He or she will refrain from misrepresentation of false accusations as to the other's contracts and agreements.

TO THE PUBLIC:

Each member of the American Institute of Floral Designers will produce and complete with integrity his or her highest quality of design with the materials specified. No members of the American Institute of Floral Designers shall advertise in any nature in a false or inaccurate manner in order to misrepresent merchandise or services as to its grade, quality, quantity, origin or materials. No member of the American Institute of Floral Designers shall withhold or falsify any invoices of accounts.

TO THE ALLIED PROFESSION:

Every member of the American Institute of Floral Designers will strive for the greatest cooperation and understanding of the mutual problems for the benefit and furtherance of trade relations. He or she will further maintain a satisfactory credit rating with all allied members of the floral industry.

TO THE STUDENT:

Every member of the American Institute of Floral Designers will give sincere encouragement and assistance to novices wishing to enter into the field of floral design. He or she will give voluntary assistance and supervision to those entering the field toward acquiring a full understanding of the functions, duties and responsibilities of a floral designer.