There’s something transformative about walking into a room that breathes with life. At Ambius, we believe that biophilic design—integrating nature into our everyday environments—is the key to fostering true well-being. It’s with this passion for the human experience that we celebrate 11 of our expert designers and architects recently honored at the 2026 International Plantscape Awards by iPlants Magazine.

Held during the Tropical Plant International Expo (TPIE) in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, these awards aren't just about beautiful greenery; they recognize the "human-centric" impact of the interior landscape industry’s work. While Ambius has a long-standing history of excellence, these honors highlight our designers as strategic partners with a unique ability to turn sterile, commercial spaces into sensory-driven experiences.

By blending horticultural science with a creative, artistic vision, these individuals don't just "place plants"—they elevate the standard for environments that prioritize the human experience and celebrate the natural world. By turning sterile lobbies into lush sanctuaries and retail spaces into vibrant landmarks, these award-winning professionals are redefining what it means to step into a world-class business environment.

“At Ambius, our people are the heart of everything we do,” said Lorri MacHarg, President of Ambius. “Design and technical skills can be taught, but passion can not, and it’s their passion and excellence that proudly underpins our brand and high industry standards. We are incredibly proud of how these individuals serve our clients every day, using their talent to deliver unforgettable, seamless, easy experiences for our customers.”

Plantscape Honor Roll: Award-Winning Excellence

From South Carolina to Arizona, these 11 visionaries are redefining the pinnacle of professional design. In the world of commercial real estate and hospitality, "good enough" no longer cuts it. Today’s customers and employees crave environments that feel intentional, high-end, and deeply welcoming. The judges at the International Plantscape Awards recognized Ambius for more than just aesthetics. They celebrated the designer's ability to solve architectural challenges and create "Instagrammable" moments that drive foot traffic and brand loyalty. Whether it’s a luxury hotel or a corporate headquarters, these designs send a clear message: We care about your experience.

Artificial Trees Backyard Oasis

Lifelike artificial trees add to this residential client's exterior canopy.

Ambius Dallas, Dallas, TX
Gold Award for Replica and Hybrid

Designed as an "Outdoor Oasis," this project features 12-foot custom artificial trees that seamlessly conceal sterile patio columns. Meticulously color-matched to the surrounding oaks, the 15-foot canopies create a natural forest feel. This extraordinary craftsmanship transformed a concrete space into a warm, inviting retreat that perfectly blends with the property’s serene 12-acre grove.

Beazer Homes Showroom Branded Moss Art

A large, complex moss wall with a client logo on it in a business hub.

Kelly Walowski, Atlanta, GA
Silver Award in Moss Walls

This signature-designed moss wall serves as a high-impact signage centerpiece for Beazer’s Atlanta showroom, reflecting their commitment to quality and innovation. Custom-crafted with sustainably preserved moss, the artwork features an artistic flow of color and texture paired with the company logo. The team worked with unique surface challenges to deliver a stunning installation. The custom logo moss wall successfully translates Beazer’s brand ethos into a captivating, professional environment.

University Cancer Center Biophilic Healing Oasis 

Green planter beds staged throughout the lobby of a university's new cancer center.

Laura Von Dettum, New Brunswick, NJ
Gold Award in Plantscape Design

This state-of-the-art Cancer Center features an “Oasis of Healing” using over 2,400 real and premium replica plants. Strategically designed for patient well-being and stringent infection control, the installation fosters a calming, therapeutic atmosphere. This plantscape design approach reduces stress and enhances the healing journey for patients, staff, and visitors alike.

Dior-Inspired Clayco Headquarters

Built-in planters with short foliage and multiple 22-foot Ficus trees in a beautiful, glass lobby space.

St. Louis Branch, St. Louis, MO 
Platinum Award for Plantscape Installation

Inspired by the Dior Museum, this installation features five 22-foot-tall Ficus Nitida trees and 300 square feet of lush underplantings. Despite freezing temperatures and hurricane recovery, the team successfully installed this indoor forest within an active construction zone. The resulting therapeutic sanctuary blends modern art with nature, enhancing employee well-being and corporate culture.

Embassy Suites Lush Outdoor Lookout

A lush rooftop garden with exterior containers, beautiful plants overlooking the Smokey Mountains.

Ellie Whitesell, Pigeon Forge, TN
Silver Award in Plantscape Design

This high-end hotel transformation features luxurious plantscape designs from the grand lobby to a panoramic 7th-floor balcony. By combining planters custom-matched to the furniture style and diverse plant species, the design balances elegant indoor orchids with hardy, lush exterior greenery. The Ambius team was up to the challenge of complex logistics and delivered a seamless installation experience and plantscape design that complements the stunning Great Smoky Mountain backdrop.

A Festive, Immersive Pine Cove Holiday

Multiple festive holiday decorations in a large hotel lobby surrounding a large 20-foot tall centerpiece Christmas tree.

Esteysi Serrato, Cedar Creek, TX
Gold Award for Special Event and Holiday

This design immersed families in a festive "Pine Cove" holiday scene that featured a magnificent 20-foot centerpiece tree with coordinating greenery integrated throughout the entire property. With safety and guest flow a priority, the decor was strategically designed with this in mind. Elegant decor includes matching pinecone accents and lakeside displays, creating a cohesive, magical experience that culminated with a grand tree-lighting ceremony.

Litchfield Inn’s Oceanfront Exterior Oasis

A beautiful and upscale exterior plantscape oasis that welcomes guests with stunning colors.

Amy Queralt, Pawleys Island, SC
Silver Award in Hotel Pool and Resort

Ambius transformed this hotel’s conventional outdoor space into a tropical paradise reflective of its South Carolina island surroundings using exotic flora and local materials like reclaimed pier pilings. Designed for coastal resilience, the landscape features smart irrigation and custom water elements. The result is a sustainable, stunning, and upscale oasis that offers guests an immersive and colorful landscape journey on the island.

A Nature-Inspired Winter Wonderland

A nature-inspired, holiday winter wonderland in an Orlando office.

Beth Vasquez, Orlando, FL
Gold Award for Special Event and Holiday

The Ambius team transformed a high-traffic lobby into an elegant, non-denominational Winter Wonderland. Using an icy palette of flocked trees, white birch, and crystalline textures. The design created a sophisticated and inclusive seasonal experience for guests of all backgrounds. Challenged with a tight timeline, the Ambius team delivered a flawless installation that prioritized safety with minimal disruption to daily business, turning a professional workspace into a magical, nature-inspired winter wonderland.

Nespresso Cafe’s Nature-Inspired Sanctuary

A hybrid green wall in a cafe surrounded by wooden elements creating a biophilic oasis.

Matt Hills, Austin, TX
Gold Award for Replica and Hybrid

Aligning with Nespresso’s commitment to sustainability, this project features a stunning artificial green wall designed with preserved ferns that integrates nature into an urban space. Carefully treated to retain vibrant color without irrigation, the low-maintenance installation offers a lush, eco-conscious focal point. This serene sanctuary seamlessly blends modern design with a tranquil, nature-inspired atmosphere to welcome patrons.

The “Heart” of George Oliver Workplace

High-end interior landscape design throughout a hospitality-inspired workspace.

Holly Tovar, Phoenix, AZ
Platinum Award for Interior Atrium and Garden Plantings

This thoughtfully designed workplace  creates an upscale, hospitality-inspired environment through the strategic integration of over 700 living plants. Featuring ZZ plants, Pothos, and Dracaenas set in custom millwork with elegant uplighting, the design emphasizes luxury and wellness. The lush, meticulously maintained greenery serves as a sophisticated backdrop, seamlessly blending modern workspace with natural beauty.

University of Wisconsin-Madison Atrium Plantscape

A new planter bed with multiple varieties of plants in the center of a univerisity atrium.

Ingrid Plekhanov, Madison, WI
Silver Award in Interior Atrium and Garden Plantings

Reflecting Wisconsin’s landscape, this project transforms the Madison Hall atrium into a vibrant hub with 1,900 square feet of planters and two-story living walls. Featuring lush tropical greenery and cascading stairwell installations, the design integrates seamlessly with university branding. A custom automatic irrigation system ensures plant health across the entire living green wall. The atrium plantscape design received accolades for creating a serene environment that fosters student collaboration.

The Ambius Difference: Turning Vision into Reality

What does it take to win at this level? It requires a deep understanding of how a space impacts the end-user. Whether it’s the award-winning Nespresso Green Wall in Austin using hyper-realistic replica materials to create a maintenance-free brand statement, or the interior atrium landscape oasis in Phoenix, the focus remains on the human experience.

How award-winning plantscape design elevates your Brand:

  • Instant Connection: A striking entryway (like St. Louis’s work at ClayCo) sets an immediate tone of excellence.
  • Extended Dwell Time: People stay longer in spaces that feel fresh and alive, leading to higher engagement and satisfaction.
  • Memorable Environments: Thoughtful holiday and special event décor (like the winning projects in Orlando and Cedar Creek) creates the emotional "wow" factor that keeps guests coming back.

Elevate Your Space with Ambius

The 2026 International Plantscape Awards are a testament to the fact that great plantscape design is a powerful tool for commercial success. Ambius is proud to house some of the industry's most talented designers who continue to innovate, inspire, and set the standard for excellence.

If you are looking to enhance your environment with award-winning plantscape design, our team is ready to bring your vision to life. Ready to experience the Ambius difference? Contact us for a free consultation and let's transform your space together.