International Master Florist Education (IMF)

The highest level within International Floral Design

The International Master Florist Education (IMF) is the highest-level professional floral design program offered by the Boerma Instituut and ranks among the most advanced floral education programmes in the world.

This prestigious programme has been specially developed for experienced florists who wish to further refine their technical skills, design knowledge, creativity, and personal artistic vision.
Throughout two intensive modules, you will learn to create highly complex floral designs, master innovative techniques, and develop a stronger artistic identity.

The program is taught by a team of internationally award-winning Master Florists and leads to the exclusive International Master Florist Diploma (IMF), an internationally respected qualification within the professional floral industry.

The IMF Diploma is certified according to the quality standards established by Gregor Lersch and represents a level of craftsmanship that is recognised worldwide.

The Next Step After DFD and ADFD

While the Professional Dutch Floral Design Course (DFD) focuses on building a solid foundation and the Advanced Dutch Floral Design Course (ADFD) further develops technical expertise and creativity, the International Master Florist Education represents the very highest level within the Boerma Institute’s educational programm.

During this program, the focus is on:

• Strengthening creative and conceptual thinking through internal design logic.
• Achieving technical excellence, where craftsmanship and manual skills are the highest priority. You will learn to create strong, durable floral designs that demonstrate exceptional workmanship.
• Mastering innovative design techniques. The floral industry is constantly evolving, and international Master Florists continually explore new ways of creating.
• Working at an international master level. You will be taught by internationally award-winning floral artists who will personally coach and guide you to elevate your skills.
• Flower placement based on the Golden Ratio. There is nothing more important than placing the right flower in exactly the right position.
• Creating floral designs with a strong personal identity. You will learn the design principles that ensure your work communicates clearly and powerfully.
• Developing your own design philosophy. By learning from several internationally renowned designers, you will discover how to integrate different influences into your own distinctive style.

The program challenges you to look beyond traditional floral design and teaches you to create work that is both technically outstanding and artistically distinctive.

What makes the IMF program unique?

There are many aspects that make the International Master Florist Education unique.

The way the program is taught

It is an exceptionally intensive program that combines in-depth theory with hands-on practical experience.
Each day has a different theme and is designed to help you learn as much as possible about that subject.
Every morning begins with a theory lesson, during which several floral arrangements are demonstrated, giving you a wide range of practical examples and design possibilities.
Afterwards, it is time for practical work, where you have ample time to create your own designs. At the beginning of the program you will have more time, but as the course progresses you will naturally become faster and more efficient.
At the end of each day there is always a group review session. Every student’s work is discussed individually in the presence of the entire class. You will hear what works well and what can be improved.

The teachers also make this program unique

You will be guided by a team of award-winning international florists.
You will be taught by World Champion Bart Hassam, Mark Pampling (winner of the Asia Cup, Australia Cup, and World Flower Art Contest), Frédéric Dupré (3rd place World Cup, Best Craftsman of France), Duc Thuan Bui (winner of the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show), and Mike Boerma (winner of Flower Cup 2025 and 2nd place Dutch Floral Art Championship).
Although some classes are taught by different instructors, they are always coordinated with floral design mentor Mike Boerma, providing a consistent guiding figure who keeps your personal development at the centre of the programme.

Wide range of botanical and technical materials

The Boerma Instituut is located in the heart of the flower industry, ensuring that the best materials are always available.
We also collaborate with exceptional growers such as Marginpar, Morning Glory, and Ayoba.
Floral Design Supplies provides materials together with Smithers-Oasis and H&R the Wireman.

Easy to reach and plenty of accommodation nearby

The school is located just 20 minutes from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, and there is a wide range of accommodation options for every budget.
Options include hotels, Airbnb accommodation, and the possibility of sharing a chalet with fellow students in the Amsterdamse Bos. All of these options are within 15 minutes of the school.

In-depth study

The IMF program goes far beyond simply creating floral arrangements.
You will not only learn how to make a master-level arrangement, but more importantly how to develop, justify, and present your design.

During the program you will work on:

• Creative concept development
• Advanced composition theory
• Form and line studies
• Flower placement and rhythm
• Botanical knowledge
• Design analysis
• Innovative construction techniques
• Personal style development
• Presentation techniques

You will also learn to evaluate your own work critically and receive extensive feedback from both teachers and fellow students.

International group

Your classmates come from all over the world, creating a unique mix of cultures and backgrounds.
As a result, you learn not only from your teachers, but also from your fellow students.
A small selection of countries represented by IMF alumni includes:
United States, Australia, Belgium, China, Dubai, Estonia, France, India, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and Taiwan.
Many former students stay in contact with their classmates for years, building a strong international professional network.

Topics covered during the program

The exact content of the IMF programme varies by edition, but includes:

Theory classes

• Design methodologies: the design scheme
• Concept development: from start to finish
• Creative processes: where does inspiration come from?
• Form and line studies
• Asymmetry and tension
• Composition studies
• Texture – what is it and how do you use it?

Creating designs using Gregor Lersch’s design scheme

During the programme we use the design scheme developed by Gregor Lersch.
This scheme can be used both to analyse existing work and as a step-by-step framework for creating new designs.

• Vegetative design – imitating nature
• Form-linear design – focusing on forms and lines, creating maximum impact with minimal materials.
• Decorative design – the majority of floral arrangements fall into this category.

Wide variety of subjects

• Complex bridal bouquets – designs that go far beyond standard handtied bridal bouquets.
• 100% Organic Design – creating exclusively with organic materials.
  Alternative techniques for creating without wire or plastic.
• Displacement – a style in which the focal point is moved away from the container or central standing position.
• Event floristry – creating large-scale installations in teams.
• Advanced table arrangements – combining artistic craftsmanship with floral design.
• Emotions in floral art – learning how floral work can communicate emotion.
• Standing Bouquets (also known as mechanical bouquets) – a modern combination of bouquet work and construction techniques that opens up an entirely new world of possibilities.

Constructions & techniques

• Frame constructions – from simple to highly complex.
• Wire techniques – you will learn a wide range of advanced wire methods. This includes variations of the spider-web technique, handmade chicken-wire techniques, tatami structures, and much more.
• Special materials such as wax, plexiglass, and clay.

Learning from internationally renowned teachers

The classes are taught by experienced International Master Florists and internationally recognised floral designers.
Thanks to the small-group format, you receive personal guidance throughout the entire programme.
The teachers do not only coach you technically; they also help you develop your own signature as a designer.
This creates a learning environment where creativity, innovation, and craftsmanship come together.

Meet your award-winning teachers

Mike Boerma IMF – Program Leader and Floral Design Mentor

Mike originally developed the IMF program together with his mentor Gregor Lersch, creating the curriculum and refining its content over the years.
He is a fifth-generation florist and a third-generation floral design teacher. Teaching is in his blood, and he is driven to bring out the best in every student.
Mike grew up at the Boerma Institute and, after studying graphic design, art, and design, began his professional floral education.
He completed the DFD, ADFD, Master in Dutch Floral Design, and International Master Florist programmes and has been teaching floral design since the age of 23.
Like the other instructors, he teaches internationally and also works as a freelance florist.
Achievements:
Winner – Flower Cup 2025
2nd Place – Dutch Floral Art Championship 2026
Mike is also a floral photographer, content creator, and social media marketer.

Bart Hassam – World Champion Florist 2019

Bart won the World Championship Floral Art 2019 in 2019 and previously won the Asia Cup in 2011.
He studied extensively with Gregor Lersch and lived and worked in Japan for many years.
Today he runs several successful flower shops in Australia and teaches floral design around the world.
Among his many achievements, he was named Australian Florist of the Year seven times.
His floral style is exceptionally elegant, achieved through a minimalist approach that requires a profound understanding of design principles.

Frédéric Dupré

Frédéric recently achieved 3rd place at the 2025 World Championship Floral Art.
He is known for a highly detailed personal style with great complexity and depth.
His work is characterised by exceptional craftsmanship and often requires extensive manual skill.
In 2011 he received the prestigious MOF (Meilleur Ouvrier de France) title, France’s national recognition for outstanding craftsmanship.
He is also a former French Champion and winner of numerous other awards.

Mark Pampling

Mark is a passionate teacher at heart. His work is distinguished by a deep understanding of the Golden Ratio.
He is constantly searching for the right answer and the most creative solution in floral design.
Like Bart, he can create powerful work with relatively few materials thanks to his strong theoretical foundation.
Where Bart often prefers monochrome designs, Mark works more frequently with colour and decorative elements.
Achievements include:
Bronze Medal – World Championship Floral Art 2004
Champion – Beijing World Flower Art Contest 2019
Best in Show – International Flower Contest Japan
Interflora Australia Champion

Duc Thuan Bui IMF

In 2025 he earned his own International Master Florist Diploma with summa cum laude distinction, becoming the first student in five years to achieve such a high score.
He has taught for many years at the in Australia and, together with colleague Jeff Smith, won first prize at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show in 2026.
Duc’s style is characterised by strong craftsmanship and a high decorative value. He frequently uses vibrant colour palettes and consistently surprises audiences with lush, expressive compositions.

The IMF examination

The program culminates in an extensive practical and theoretical examination.
Before the exam, students receive two preparation days at the school so that everyone can start the examination under equal conditions.

During the practical examination, students complete four different design assignments, which are assessed for both technical skill and creativity.
There are six hours in total to complete all four assignments.

The jury consists of four Master Florists, one of whom has not taught the group in order to ensure impartiality.

Homework assignments (assignment books) and botanical knowledge are also included in the final assessment. After successful completion, you will receive the official International Master Florist Diploma.

Admission requirements

Because the IMF programme represents the highest educational level within the Boerma Institute, admission requirements apply.
Participants must have at least:

• A completed DFD program and ADFD program, or an equivalent level from another recognised floral education program.

In addition, each candidate is asked to submit a portfolio and curriculum vitae in advance.

The portfolio should demonstrate a wide variety of work. Examples of what we like to see include:

• Classical designs demonstrating standard silhouettes such as teardrop, cascade, and Biedermeier.
• Linear designs and parallel arrangements.
• Work using tubes and constructions.
• Symmetrical and asymmetrical designs.
• Handtied bouquets of varying complexity using different techniques such as sheaf binding, parallel binding, and point binding, with or without frames.
• Larger-scale floral installations.
• Personal work that you are proud to present.

This allows us to determine whether your level matches the demands of the programme.

This allows us to determine whether your level matches the demands of the program.

Homework and self-study

Between the two modules, participants are expected to complete independent assignments.

These may include:

• Design sketches
• Practical assignments
• Research assignments
• Assignment books
• Learning botanical names

These assignments form an important part of both the learning process and the final assessment.

Practical information

Dates 2026–2027

Module 1
9–20 November 2026

Online sessions
January & February 2027

Module 2
April 2027

Class hours

09:00 – 17:30

Mornings consist of theory, demonstrations, and design discussions. Afternoons are dedicated to independent practical work. At the end of each day, all completed work is evaluated together as a group.

Course fee

The investment for the complete program is:

€ 7.500,-

Registration is only possible for the full program including both modules.

All-inclusive

The course fee includes:

• All flowers and botanical materials
• Construction and teaching materials
• Basic florist tool set
• Theory books and educational materials
• Examination fees
• Certificate or diploma
• Coffee, tea, and daily lunch buffet
• Dinner during evening activities

Not included:

• Materials for home assignments
• Personal tools for home use
• Travel and accommodation costs
• Any additional examination materials beyond the allocated budget. We recommend bringing your favourite personal tools. We also advise bringing your own drill as a precaution.

Why Choose the Boerma Instituut?

For more than 40 years, Boerma Instituut has been recognised as one of the world’s leading floral design schools.

Students from over 40 countries have attended programmes in Aalsmeer.

Professionals choose the Boerma Instituut because of:

• The highest educational level within the school
• Internationally recognised IMF diploma
• Experienced and award-winning teachers
• Practical, hands-on education
• Personal guidance
• Worldwide alumni network
• An International Learning Environment
• Location next to Royal FloraHolland in Aalsmeer
• More than 40 years of experience in floral education

Limited places available

To ensure personal guidance and maximum development, we work with a limited number of participants.

Early registration is therefore strongly recommended.

Questions?

Do you have questions about the programme, admission requirements, or the application process?

Please feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help and advise you on the possibilities of progressing toward the level of International Master Florist.