Born in Puglia and shaped by experiences in Rome, London and Melbourne, Fausta Bonfrate took an unconventional path from industrial design and architecture to founding Blomour, a botanical design studio where nature and creativity converge. In this conversation, Fausta shares how she rediscovered purpose through plants, why introspection fuels her creativity, and how the decision to move back to a small town in Italy gave her the clarity to build a slower, more meaningful design practice.
Can you tell us a little about your first few steps in your career. Was there a moment or experience when you realised this was what you'd do as a career?
From a very young age, around six, I wrote “architect” as my answer to the classic school essay What do you want to be when you grow up? without fully understanding why. I had always been drawn to technical drawing and art history; they felt like native languages to me, subjects in which I felt naturally at ease.
At university, I chose to study Industrial Design, captivated by the many facets of the creative world. I was especially passionate about graphic design, interior design, and, of course, the history of art and architecture. Even then, I was in a phase of exploration. I’ve always needed to follow my own rhythm to reach professional clarity, something I now recognize as a defining part of my process.
After graduating, I worked with several architectural firms. It was during this time that I discovered the world of architectural visualization, the art of representing projects that do not yet exist. From 3D renderings to cohesive visual identities, I found myself shaping the entire visual narrative of architectural concepts.
I went on to contribute to major projects in Rome, London, and Melbourne. These were creatively rich and formative experiences. Yet, despite their scale and prestige where sustainability is often an afterthought, I felt a growing disconnect. The projects were remarkable, but they didn’t truly reflect who I was.
During my time in London, I had been quietly fascinated by the rise of beautifully curated plant shops, spaces where every element was placed with intention, creating harmonious, living compositions. I often found myself wondering, What if I left everything behind and opened a plant shop?
Still, the idea of setting aside years of design experience for a retail venture didn’t entirely convince me. It was only later, while living in Melbourne, that I discovered a studio called Loose Leaf, founded by architects who had transitioned into creating botanical installations. I came across the concept of botanical design and something clicked. I began to study with a renewed sense of purpose and passion, unlike anything I had felt in years.
For the first time, I felt deeply aligned with my creative path.
What lessons from your career have most shaped your style and approach?
The experience at Squint/Opera in London had a profound impact on my professional attitude. In that environment, I learned that passion can be the primary driving force behind any project. Teamwork was fueled by respect, care, and openness, creating a space where collaboration stemmed from the shared pleasure of creating together. The studio's organization and attention to detail taught me the value of a structured approach without ever losing sight of creative enthusiasm.
However, it was the leap into the unknown, opening a botanical design studio in a small town in Puglia, that shaped me more than any other experience. This choice pushed me to connect deeply with myself and to be honest about my desires and values. It was a process of introspection that gave me the serenity and courage to express my true essence. It felt as though a seed had always been within me, waiting for the right soil to finally bloom.
The freedom to follow what genuinely felt like mine has been the greatest lesson of all. That freedom, to be myself in my work, has defined my style and approach in an enduring and meaningful way.
Tell us about the core values or philosophies that guide your creative practice.
My creative practice is shaped by deep observation and respectful dialogue with the natural world. I perceive forms, textures, and hues in nature, drawing on what the planet provides spontaneously and generously. To me, collaborating with nature means honoring its cycles of growth and transformation and weaving those rhythms harmoniously into each project.
Every natural element has its own voice; my role is to listen and translate it into compositions that embody authentic balance and living beauty. I choose organic materials to create images and spaces that reflect nature’s intrinsic harmony, avoiding excess and celebrating what emerges naturally.
In this way, my designs become more than engaging aesthetic experiences, they invite a conscious relationship with the world around us.
What needs to change, so emerging and under-represented creative professionals have more opportunity, are seen and heard?
It is essential to create effective support networks that connect creatives with established professionals, offering them an environment for learning and collaboration. Another important step would be to integrate these networks early in the educational process, facilitating networking events, workshops, and mentorship opportunities that allow students to engage with the professional world and its opportunities.
An inclusive and diverse system enriches the creative landscape, allowing new ideas to emerge and be heard. Opportunities for connection between emerging and established professionals not only promote inclusivity but also stimulate innovation, creating a more dynamic and fertile environment for the professional growth of all.
How important is it that creative professionals find their unique voice?
I don’t believe true creativity can exist without first listening to an authentic inner voice. The creative process is deeply entwined with the personal journey: to grow as an individual is also to define your creative and professional identity.
We live in a world constantly bombarded by stimuli, especially on social media, where it often seems that only grand projects and spectacular successes matter. I felt this acutely in London. Surrounded by extraordinarily talented people, I found myself frozen by the fear of not measuring up. I was more afraid to reveal who I truly was than eager to express myself.
Paradoxically, it was isolation, being alone in a quieter, more intimate setting, that gave me the space to truly listen to myself. There, I began to build not only my creative practice but also a more authentic version of myself.
I am still on this journey, very much in the process of becoming. But I feel I am on the right path, the path of creative freedom. To me, that is the only path that truly makes sense.
Looking ahead, what do you think are the key factors that will influence change for creative professionals?
I am confident that, in the future, inner work, cultivating our minds and our authenticity, will become ever more crucial. We live in an age dominated by artificial intelligence and social media, which often impose ready‑made templates and push us toward conformity. Yet I believe that from self‑awareness and the pursuit of authenticity will emerge new “white crows”, creative professionals capable of expressing something unique and original, far removed from repetitions of what has already been seen.
It will become increasingly rare to find creatives who simply follow the flow of imposed fashions and trends, and that rarity will be enormously valuable. Authenticity, in fact, will be prized like never before. In a world ever more saturated with content and people who can all do the same things, true creativity will reside in the courage to be different, to explore new horizons, and to listen to one’s inner voice.
We are all a little weary of superficiality and repetition. Looking ahead, I believe there will be a strong demand for something deeper and more meaningful. In that context, the artists and creative professionals who have the courage to remain true to themselves will be the ones who truly stand out.
How much does your city influence your work?
How much does your culture influence your work?
Tell us some of your favourite, creative professionals and inspiring places in your city!
When I begin a new project, I have an almost obsessive need to study, analyze, and fully understand the theme. My love for botanical design was sparked by the teachings of people like Wagner, Emily Thompson, and the project This Humid House. They showed me that there is a profound and fascinating language that connects nature and design.
The Sogetsu School, with its unique philosophy of ikebana, has also had a strong influence on me. It taught me how nature and art can be fused into a language that is both aesthetic and functional, helping me see botanical composition as a dynamic and ever-evolving art form.
Here in Puglia, I’ve come across several unique places that have become powerful sources of inspiration for me, such as Burro Caffè, Masseria Moroseta, Casa Soleto, Casa Flash Art, Villa Colucci, Casa Maiora, Palazzo San Vito e Daniele Corsaro Studio.
What should emerging creative professionals keep in mind as they begin their design career?
Starting a design career requires maintaining deep inner freedom: the exploratory phase should remain a boundless space where every idea, however unusual, can find its voice. It's through the free exploration of materials, forms, and colors that personal insights emerge.
But this freedom needs to be supported by study: understanding design history, color theory, construction techniques, and even the biology of a seed or the behavior of natural light gives context for transforming ideas into tangible solutions. Without this foundation, even the most original concepts can remain mere stunts.
Equally important is respecting your own growth. Just like a flower needs time, soil, water, and light to bloom, you will need practice, reflection, setbacks, and small wins before revealing your talent. It’s in this “blooming time” that a designer’s true strength develops.
Lastly, build confidence in yourself: each completed project and every challenge overcome strengthens your sense of security. This confidence nurtures your unique creative voice. Taking care of yourself, your space, and your ideas creates the conditions for that inner seed to blossom into something distinct and recognizable.