2025 Class Schedule
July 19th – 20th, 2025
Saturday & Sunday
9:00 am – 5:00 pm 
The Contemporary Techniques & Certification Prep Class will expand your knowledge and vocabulary, creativity, mechanics and understanding of European and Oriental Design. Participants will expand their use of design techniques through a detailed study of the elements and principles of design for possible participation in AIFD’s PFDE* evaluation. Learn the latest design styles such as formal linear, vegetative, interpretive, and parallel. You will also be introduced to the newest design techniques, such as basing, binding, facing, framing, faux finishes, pavë, plaiting, shadowing, sheltering and making armatures. Ample opportunity will be available to discuss application of these new concepts to your own daily work.
Upon completion of this 16 hour class, students receive a Certificate of Completion bearing the names of the Benz School and Texas A&M University.
(*PFDE – Professional Floral Design Evaluation, a two-part program through which candidates can earn the coveted Certified Floral Designer (CFD) designation through the American Institute of Floral Designers)
AIFD® Certified Floral Designer
Students who successfully complete the required Education Partner coursework, receive a hands-on evaluation deeming the student’s work at the level of a Certified Floral Designer (CFD®) and subsequent Educational Partner referral, will receive an invitation to become a Certified Floral Designer through the American Institute of Floral Designers® (AIFD®). For full information about the CFD® certification, please visit: https://aifd.org/membership/becoming-a-cfd/
LOCATION and FEES
Classes are held in the floral design studio at Texas A&M University in College Station, TX (Horticulture/Forest Science Building, Room 108) or via Zoom video meetings. Choose your method of instruction during registration. The tuition is $600.00 which includes all class materials, supplies, and printed hand-out materials.
For more information or for questions about these classes, please contact:
Barbara Volk-Tunnell, Benz program assistant at 979-845-1699 or
bvolktunnell@tamu.edu
Requested refund two weeks prior to scheduled class = full refund less $50.00 admin fee
Requested refund one week prior to scheduled class = 50% refund
Requested refund less than one week prior to scheduled class = no refund
PARKING
Parking permits are not required for WEEKEND ONLY parking in Lot 74 (which is the closest parking lot) during summer break.
Students must have their own set of basic tools that should include a floral knife, stem cutters/snips, wire cutters and ribbon scissors.
Registration Instructions – click on Benz School MarketPlace then click on the “Classes” folder and select the course that you would like to register for.
Lodging
There are many motels/hotels in the Bryan/College Station area from which to choose. Please click the following link for a list from the B/CS Visitors Bureau:
Lodging List from B/CS Visitor Bureau
Additional Information
This course qualifies for 1.6 TAMU CEUs (16 hours)
For additional information, please contact Barbara Volk-Tunnell at 979.845.1699 or bvolktunnell@tamu.edu
