The Art and Science of Orchid Exhibition & Spatial Design
Featured Speaker: Santiago Hernández
- Location: Pinecrest Gardens
- Doors Open & Plant Registration: 7:00 PM
- Meeting & Presentation: 8:00 PM
Santiago Hernandez
The South Florida Orchid Society is thrilled to welcome Santiago Hernández, an accomplished spatial designer, master exhibition builder, and orchid judge joining us to explore the intersection of
botanical artistry, staging architecture, and plant culture.
A native of Medellín, Colombia, Santiago holds a degree in Interior and Spatial Design from Colegiatura Colombiana. Growing orchids since the age of six, his childhood passion evolved directly into his design philosophy. Since 2011, he has served as a principal designer for Florecer (formerly Orquídeas, Pájaros y Flores), Colombia’s iconic international orchid exhibition, conceptualizing and executing monumental multi-tiered installations. His exhibition staging work spans major shows across the United States, Colombia, and Africa, pioneering displays that elevate orchids beyond mere show plants into living elements of architectural spaces.
Alongside his design practice, Santiago is an Accredited Colombian Orchid Judge with the Colombian Orchidology Association and an Associate Judge with the American Orchid Society (AOS). His dual perspective as both an accredited judge and an interior architect informs his core philosophy: successful orchid displays must strike a seamless balance between dramatic aesthetics, spatial geometry, and the biological and environmental needs of each species.
Join us at Pinecrest Gardens for an inspiring evening as Santiago shares trade secrets on spatial composition, lighting, mechanics, and techniques for creating world-class exhibition displays that respect the natural habitat and beauty of our plants.
Martin A. Rivas, Ph.D.
Program Director
South Florida Orchid Society
