Max Gill Design

My work is always influenced by nature. Plants that are fighting to find their place in the ecosystem fascinate me the most in nature. They produce beauty via adaptability as they struggle to overcome the challenges of space and light, frequently surprise us with their juxtaposition. Max Gill was inspired by more creative activities after getting his degree in Environmental Science from UC Berkeley. He eventually found floral design to be the right medium because it seemed to pull from all of his biggest passions: gardening, sculpting, painting, and art and theatrical history. Max is a native of upstate New York who has lived in the Bay Area for nearly 35 years. Max Gill Design, which he founded in 2005 and currently offers comprehensive floral services for weddings, special events, and private clients such as Alice Waters, Michael Pollan, and Lauren McIntosh, is perhaps best known for his work at Chez Panisse, where he has done the flowers for over a decade. Max's work is defined by his emphasis on unique flowers and botanical rarities sourced from local growers, his own substantial cut flower garden in North Berkeley, and a long list of bay area nurseries, all of which are informed by natural process.