It’s wildflower season in California, and in my opinion, one of the best times to visit the state to be treated to its whimsical display of Desert Marigolds, Apricot Mallows, California Poppies, Desert Golds and Blue Lupines, amongst others. So I find it wonderfully serendipitous that I get to chat with Sophia Moreno-Bunge this week - owner of Los Angeles based ISA ISA floral design studio, tamer of wild flora, masterful forager, and artful arranger.

Influenced by her surrounding landscapes, Sophia seeks the unexpected, masterfully weaving her foraged finds into arrangements that have piqued the interest of design industry heavyweights such as Kelly Wearstler, The Santa Monica Proper Hotel, Vogue, GOOP and Chanel (to name but a few).

Sophia’s artful eye for arranging brings a sunny sensibility to homes and businesses all across L.A. Branches, pods, fruits, and flowers are all regulars in her designs, with an emphasis on seasonal, local and foraged materials. Talented is an understatement.

I was thrilled to sit down for a chat with Sophia to learn more about where she finds her inspiration and how she has shaped her career to be what it is today.

Please share with us a bit about your career evolution, and how ISA ISA came to be.

I studied art in college, with a focus on photography. I’ve always been very creative, and photography is an art form I loved since I was about 12 or 13 and took a film photography class. The last year of college I took a sculpture class and was very inspired to work 3 dimensionally; as a student I did not have a budget, so I would forage found materials around New York City - I ended up finding a lot of tree detritus, and got really into using natural materials. This was the start of it all!

I never really knew what I wanted my career to be post university, but I followed my curiosities- working for a sculptor, putting on some photo shows, and reading about art and craft. I came across an article in the New York Times about a sculptor turned florist, and ended up interning for her. The rest was history.

Learning about plants and flowers in New York, where I first worked as a florist, was really amazing-following the seasons with our work, excursions upstate and out east. It was a very magical time of my life.

Can you share with us what a typical ‘favourite’ workday might look like for you?

I like when my days start slow, but this is a rare occasion, as I often start at the flower market. The flower market is very fun - it’s a real community and I love the relationships we’ve built with our vendors. After the market we usually transport things to our studio, or we head to a location to arrange on site. I love working in our studio because it’s semi outdoors and you can hear the birds chirping. And I like finishing early so I can surf after work when it’s warmer out, or take a nature walk or hike.

Flower that you’re most fond of and why?

So many! I love orchids - I have a collection of them and they re-bloom every year in my garden. They seem to love the ocean air and being so close to the beach.

What would you say is your biggest career lesson?

This is a great question. I think not taking anything personally is really important, especially when your work is so tied to your creativity/soul. Trusting your instinct, and learning the tools to connect with your instinct in the first place, and then consciously practicing doing so. Taking the time to regroup and ground yourself when making a difficult decision or having a hard conversation, or even simply, when responding to an email.

I’ve been very curious lately about how your subconscious beliefs affect your life in every way, and I think really doing inner work is important in all of life - career being one of those facets of life that will be greatly influenced by your inner world and your work in that sphere. Also, creating a happy and inspired team that you really connect with is paramount.

What things do you always consider when bringing your designs to life?

So many elements: the season, what’s growing around us, the space , the palette and textures around you, the story of the client or the space.

What music are you listening to at the moment?

I’ve had more quiet days lately but I’ve also been devouring Rosalia and craving Roy Orbison.