Mar 25, 2011

Florist Known For Event Decor To Go Solo, Add Retail ShopBy Alice T. CarterPittsburghLive.Com

Flowers aren’t the only things that will blossom this spring.

On May 1, Bill Chisnell will open his own shop and flower design company, Bill Chisnell Productions, at 1111 Penn Ave. in the Strip District.

After three years creating floral designs and event decor for companies and private clients at the East End firm Designspace, Chisnell has gone solo.

“I think it’s time to get bigger and better,” Chisnell says.

Since returning from New York City in 2002, the Farmington native has built a loyal and adoring client list creating arrangements and transforming spaces for fundraising galas and special occasions that include Pittsburgh Opera’s New Year’s Eve galas and Diamond Horseshoe balls.

“He’s such a genius,” says Squirrel Hill resident Catherine Loevner, who worked with Chisnell when she was part of the decorations committee for the 84th and 85th Cinderella Balls. “He managed to put together two different scenarios that wowed everyone. … He reads your mind and knows what works well in a room and what flowers mean to each other in an arrangement.”

“He helped bring our vision to life,” says Squirrel Hill resident Amy Elias, who admired Chisnell’s ability to transform the hockey arena at Shady Side Academy’s senior school into a disco for an annual parents’ gala that Elias co-chaired. “He had a great vision.”

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