Kishwaukee College Horticulture students learned about that tatami floral design technique during a hands-on demonstration provided by guest instructor William (Bill) McKinley. The demonstration was part of the Artist in Residence (AIR) program offered by the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).
McKinley AIFD, Certified Floral Designer (CFD), Illinois Certified Professional Florist (ICPF), showcased the tatami technique, a Japanese method of binding materials such as grass, straw, reeds, and more in a parallel orientation. While Kish’s Horticulture program teaches numerous design styles, this method was brand new for the students.
“It was amazing to see a new approach to abilities we have been working on. It really inspired me,” said horticulture student Pearl Carpenter. “I have already been looking on Pinterest to explore ideas on how I can use these new skills.”
The AIR program is offered through the AIFD to bring together industry professionals and floral design students at colleges, like Kish, that host student AIFD chapters. Kish’s Horticulture program offers many unique real-world learning opportunities, providing students with a well-rounded picture of the current horticulture industry.
McKinley is a former Kishwaukee College floral design instructor and associate dean, working at the College for 17 years. After Kish, he taught at Texas A&M’s Benz School of Floral Design, retiring in 2025. He now serves as the Benz School’s emeritus endowed chair and as an emeritus instructional professor. McKinley is a member of the AIFD, serving in multiple leadership roles and on various committees. McKinley earned the AIFD’s Award of Distinguished Service to the Floral Industry in 2010 and the Award of Distinguished Service to AIFD in 2022. He was inducted into the Illinois State Florists’ Association Hall of Fame in 2009. As an instructor, he coordinated AIFD’s online education courses and chaired the revisions task force for the AIFD Guide to Floral Design. McKinley is the author of “The Cut Flower Companion” and coauthor of “Shopkeeper” and “Flowers: Creative Design.”
Learn more about Kish’s Horticulture program at kish.edu/horticulture.