Floristry isn’t just about arranging flowers. For Tomasz Maksymilian Kuczyński, better known as 'Max', it’s an evolving art form—one where sculptural elements, space, and technique come together to create something extraordinary. From winning junior and senior championships to leading Poland’s top floral schools and now preparing for the World Cup Floral Art 2025, Max’s journey is a fascinating mix of talent, education, and relentless passion. Here's your chance to get to know him up close and personal before he comes to The Hague for this competition.
Floral Art Is More Than Just About Flowers
Max’s story in floristry began early. With an arts background, including studies in art history and interior design, his perspective on floral design goes beyond conventional techniques and working with mere flowers. “Art has always been close to me,” he shares. “I like returning to old techniques, mixing them with modern elements, and experimenting.” His signature? Sculptural forms and a strong sense of spatial design.
Having grown up immersed in fine arts, Max incorporates sculptural and architectural elements into his floral creations. He believes in strong foundational knowledge, something he now instills in his students. “To create coherent and complete works, you need good, solid foundations,” he says. And with the rise of fleeting floral trends, he emphasizes the importance of mastering classic techniques before pushing creative boundaries.
From Competitor to Mentor
Competing has been a driving force in Max’s career. As a two-time Polish Junior Champion and two-time Polish Champion, he has a deep understanding of what it takes to excel under pressure. His experience at the Europa Cup (predecessor of the World Cup) 2016 in Genoa in 2016, where he placed fourth, fueled his passion for international floristry. But after years of competing, he turned his focus to something different—education.
“The pandemic paused my travels, and that’s when the idea of opening a floral school was born,” he recalls. Today, he directs Poland’s two largest floral schools, shaping the next generation of florists with an emphasis on competition-level skills and technical precision. His training includes surprise tasks and rigorous judging exercises, preparing students for the intensity of the floral industry.
The Call of the World Championship
Despite stepping into a mentorship role, Max felt the pull of competition once again. “At some point, I decided it was time to do something for myself,” he says. Winning the Polish Championship gave him the ticket to the World Cup Floral Art 2025, a return to the global stage where he can showcase his style to a worldwide audience.
Sponsorships from Decorum and Marginpar add another exciting layer to the competition. Max is already familiar with their products, having used Decorum’s pot plants in an award-winning festival design in Poland. Marginpar, with its delicate Clematis varieties, aligns perfectly with his preference for lightness and airiness in floral work. “Both brands have supported events I’ve organized, and I’m grateful for their quality and innovation,” he notes.
Balancing Artistry and Commerce
Max’s love for artistic floristry doesn’t always align with commercial trends. “I try to sneak more artistic forms into the florist shop I co-own,” he admits. While there’s interest in innovative designs, commercial floristry often prioritizes mass appeal over artistic depth. And as for floral influencers pushing trends like colorful paper and foil? He’s not entirely convinced. “It’s part of the business, but it’s not my style,” he says with a shrug.
Max’s vision extends beyond his own creative journey. As General Director of the International Institute of Floral Design in Poland, he’s working to expand opportunities for florists worldwide. His dream? To open his school to international students, offering immersive courses with top industry professionals. “We have well-prepared buildings, hotel facilities, a greenhouse, and a palm house,” he shares. “Now, it’s about bringing more global perspectives into Polish floristry.”
He believes in diverse learning experiences and invites renowned florists like Klaus Wagener, Hanneke Frankema, Daniel Santamaria, and Ahti Lyra to inspire his students. “It’s important that the school isn’t taught by just one teacher,” he insists. “Students need to draw knowledge from multiple sources.”
A Competition With a Personal Touch
For Max, the upcoming World Cup Floral Art isn’t just about winning—it’s about expression. “I want to show my style and have fun doing it,” he says. Pressure and competition bring excitement rather than stress. “I try to focus on myself and my projects, not on what others are doing.”
Whether he’s sculpting with flowers, pushing the boundaries of education, or stepping back onto the global stage, one thing is certain: Max’s floristry isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s a thoughtful, artistic exploration of space, form, and the beauty of the craft. And as he prepares for the biggest competition in floristry, the floral world is watching, eager to see his next masterpiece unfold.
All photos courtesy of Tomasz 'Max' Kuczyński. Follow @max_kuczynski on his road to the World Cup Floral Art!
