Lily Mustelier
We recently discovered plant artist Lily Mustelier, a Miami native who specializes in biophilia and sustainable design. After receiving certification in Florida Friendly Landscaping from University of Florida, Lily carved out a career for herself back home in Miami focused on planters and biophilic installations. On top of being wildly creative, Lily also has a passion for sustainability and design with purpose. Meet Lily.
Lily with her medium of choice.
DS: Hello, Lily! Welcome to Design Storytellers. You career is so different from anyone we have encountered so far. Tell us about the training you went through to learn about landscape design.
LM: Hi, thank you! Sure. I’ve been doing work that I really love as a landscape designer and artist. I began professionally pursuing it as a career in 2020, with several years of hands-on experience in plant design, sustainable landscaping, and some fabrication with natural materials. I studied Florida-Friendly Landscaping through the University of Florida, with extensive practical knowledge in sustainable materials and horticulture, specifically adapted to urban and coastal environments. I also design a collection of sculptural planters.
DS: Wow, that is so interesting. So, you work primarily with nature as your medium—what is your specific area of expertise within that niche?
LM: Well, my expertise lies in designing with natural materials like hempcrete and coral rock, incorporating Florida-friendly principles, and creating resilient, aesthetically integrated spaces for both private and commercial projects. I typically work on hospitality landscaping and public art installations.
DS: Tell us about the hospitality and retail projects you’ve worked on, what is that creative process like?
LM: For hospitality and retail projects, my creative process begins with am understanding of each space's unique purpose, the client’s vision, and any historical or brand influences that shape the experience. For instance, in a recent hotel landscape project on Collins Avenue in Miami Beach—where one of the villas was built by the same architect who designed Versace's mansion—I aimed to create an ambiance that reflects the timeless elegance of its history both while transporting guests into a grounding, immersive experience. We curated terracotta planters and selected a blend of resilient, shade-tolerant, Florida-friendly plants inspired by a subtropical Mediterranean palette, which enhances the natural beauty of the space with ease of maintenance.
Collaboration and customization are vital in both hospitality and retail projects. I work closely with designers and, at times, the end clients to ensure each project remains cohesive and true to the intended vision. I create models and presentations to visualize and explore how materials, plants, and spatial layout interact. This approach allows for real-time adjustments and feedback, making the design process both flexible and responsive. The collaborative, iterative process brings fresh insights to each project, enabling the final design to evolve into a fully realized space that embodies its unique spirit.
DS: Sounds like you really put so much of yourself into the process. What do you love most about your job?
LM: What I love most about my job is the ability to create living art that connects people to nature. Designing with plants and sustainable materials gives me a sense of purpose, knowing that each project contributes to both the environment and the spaces people inhabit. Another aspect I enjoy is the creative challenge of blending art with function—especially in designing custom planters, installations, or landscapes that serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. There’s something incredibly fulfilling about bringing a concept to life that feels as if it naturally belongs in its environment. Lastly, collaborating with other creative minds—from horticulturalists to fabricators—fuels my passion. Working with a team to build something meaningful that combines diverse skills and ideas makes the process feel endlessly inspiring and rewarding.
DS: Beautiful. You have truly found your niche! Where do you find inspiration?
LM: Well, given that my work is so intertwined with nature, I’d have to start with nature’s adaptability. I’m deeply inspired by the ways plants and natural landscapes adapt to different climates and environments, like the resilience of mangroves in coastal ecosystems. This inspires my work in creating designs that integrate seamlessly into the environment, prioritizing sustainability and natural aesthetics. Also, historical architecture and craftsmanship. Structures like Coral Castle and ancient building practices like Moroccan tadelakt finishing techniques provide me with both structural and artistic inspiration. The artistry and intention behind these designs motivate me to merge historical methods with modern sustainability practices in my own work, like using lime-based plaster and eco-friendly materials in planters and installations. And, of course, biophilic design philosophy. The concept of biophilia, or our innate connection to nature, is foundational to my approach. I draw inspiration from the ways indoor and outdoor spaces can bring people closer to nature, whether through lush landscapes in urban settings or interactive installations that respond to their surroundings. This inspires me to create designs that feel like an extension of nature itself, aiming to improve both aesthetic and mental well-being.
DS: What is your favorite material to work with and why?
LM: My favorite material to work with is hempcrete because of its sustainability, versatility, and unique aesthetic qualities. Hempcrete allows me to bring eco-friendly practices into my designs—it’s a natural, carbon-negative material that not only looks beautiful but also supports my commitment to sustainable design. I love how hempcrete can be molded and layered, making it perfect for creating custom planters, sculptural elements, and even architectural installations that harmonize with their environment. The texture and earthy tones of hempcrete add an organic, grounding quality to any space, whether indoors or outdoors. It also works well with natural finishes like lime plaster or tadelakt, which lets me refine and waterproof surfaces without compromising the material’s integrity. Overall, hempcrete embodies the blend of art, nature, and sustainability that I strive for in my work. It’s a material that evolves with the space, aging gracefully while contributing to an eco-conscious design philosophy.
DS: What about travel, do you have any cities that awaken your creative energy?
LM: Sure. Well, first off, Miami. It’s where I live and work, so it has a special place in my heart. Its vibrant mix of cultures, lush subtropical landscapes, and Art Deco architecture provide endless inspiration. The city is a dynamic canvas where tropical nature meets urban life, which fuels my passion for biophilic design. I also love Miami’s strong connection to Latin American art and design, which feels like home. And London. I’ve developed a newfound love for London—it’s like a cold rainforest. The minimal sunlight and frequent rain give the plants an almost surreal, pristine quality; their leaves look so perfect, they almost appear artificial. London’s misty atmosphere (a break from Miami’s scorching sun), historic architecture, and green spaces create a charismatic urban environment that feels like a movie set. Beyond its aesthetics, London is at the forefront of design, tech, and art, especially in bio-design, attracting some of the best minds from around the world who are pushing the field forward. Exploring the city’s botanical gardens, making a stop at Beigel Bake for a salt beef bagel, and visiting educational institutions fills me with inspiration to level up and bring fresh influences back to Miami. Also Tel Aviv, it’s the only place I’ve ever visited where I felt a strong sense of belonging even before I landed. It’s like a Middle Eastern Miami with a vibrant mix of cultures, energy, and a deep-rooted history as a crossroads of early human civilization. I love the people’s straightforward, direct communication style, which makes me feel at home. The quality of the food is exceptional—I didn’t have a single bad meal, even as a critic, and I fell in love with vegan malabi. Tel Aviv’s communal approach to religion and freedom of expression make it a uniquely inspiring city that feels both ancient and forward-looking. Tel Aviv is also a global leader in agricultural technology, pioneering innovations that push sustainability and food security forward. This blend of cultural diversity, vibrant city life, rich history, and cutting-edge advancements creates a dynamic, progressive atmosphere that’s as forward-thinking as it is grounded in tradition.
Each of these cities has a unique relationship with nature, culture, and community, inspiring my work in ways that reflect their distinctive energies and values.
DS: Who are some creative people that you find inspiring?
LM: Anya Freeman, the founder and CEO of Kind Designs, she’s pioneering the use of 3D-printed living seawalls that protect coastal cities from rising sea levels while restoring marine ecosystems through her initiative The Invading Sea. Her innovative approach to biophilic design on an architectural level brings to life concepts I once thought were distant dreams! Freeman's work exemplifies how technology and nature can harmoniously coexist to create sustainable solutions for urban environments. Also Neri Oxman, a pioneer in bio-design, Oxman's work at the intersection of biology, technology, and architecture is revolutionary. She's one of the leading voices pushing sustainable design forward, developing materials and structures inspired by nature that could reshape how we think about built environments. Her work motivates me to explore sustainable materials and integrate nature into functional spaces. Salvador Dali’s surrealist techniques and dreamlike imagery captivate me. His ability to blend reality with the bizarre opens up endless possibilities for imagination and creative expression. I love how his work challenges perceptions and invites viewers to question reality, pushing the boundaries of what art can represent. Tess Morley, her artistry with shells and her intricate shell grottos inspire me to live out my best mermaid life aesthetic to the fullest, with patience and dedication of course. Her work captures the natural beauty of shells in a timeless, decorative form, reminding me of the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into creating these unique ocean-inspired spaces. The artistry and meditative quality of shell work motivate me to explore new textures and forms in my own designs.
DS: You have such a beautiful way to explain your work. Before we wrap, what final pieces of advice or guidance would you like to offer to aspiring creatives and artisans?
LM: Embrace experimentation and failure! Don’t be afraid to try new techniques and materials, even if you’re unsure of the outcome. Some of my most meaningful projects came from unexpected discoveries and learning through mistakes. Failure is part of the creative process—it teaches resilience and helps refine your craft. Also, stay true to your values and vision. In the world of art and design, it’s easy to get swept up in trends or what others expect. Remember why you started and stay connected to the values that drive you. For me, it’s sustainability and biophilic design. Grounding your work in a purpose creates meaning and helps you connect with others who resonate with your vision. Related to that, I highly recommend that creatives invest in collaboration and building a community. Creativity thrives when you connect with other artists, fabricators, and mentors. Find people who inspire you and can challenge your ideas. Collaboration not only expands your skillset but can lead to unique opportunities you wouldn’t have imagined alone. A creative community is invaluable for support, growth, and inspiration along your journey.
And remember, Each piece you create is part of your story, so embrace every step of the journey and let your work evolve with you.
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