Best Startup
Vert Plantworks is a forward-thinking leader in the areas of biophilic living, offering services including design, installation and maintenance of green walls and moss walls, as well as plantscaping services for residential and commercial clients.
At Vert Plantworks, we pride ourselves on being a leading provider of biophilic services, dedicated to bringing nature-inspired solutions into the built environment. Our team of experts is committed to transforming any space into a captivating oasis of greenery, enhancing well-being, productivity, and overall quality of life. With our in-depth understanding of biophilic design principles, we seamlessly blend nature and architecture, creating harmonious environments that evoke a sense of calm and connection with the natural world. From stunning living plant walls and vertical gardens to meticulously crafted plant installations, we create unique biophilic experiences tailored to the needs and aesthetics of each client.
The mission of Vert Plantworks is to bring people closer to nature through environmentally responsible green wall and plantscape experiences. As a company we work to further the principles of biophilic design, which aims to promote the connection to nature in our built environments.
Vert Plantworks is committed to doing business in a way that is environmentally friendly, socially responsible, and supports a vibrant local economy in our community. Our commitment to sustainability is evident in every project we undertake, as we utilize eco-friendly practices and innovative technologies to ensure the longevity and vitality of our biophilic creations.
Tell us about yourself?
I grew up with a love of helping plants to grow, and I’ve spent my career immersed in the business of plants. I’ve worked on some of the largest and most luxurious plant installations in the country, including the new terminal at LaGuardia Airport, as well as Google, Etsy and Facebook headquarters. I founded Vert Plantworks after moving back to my home state of Arizona in 2020 from New York City. My aim for Vert Plantworks is to help elevate the role of biophilic design in Phoenix and beyond, through our work on custom green walls and plant installations.
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
I would have advised my past self to make it more of a priority to network with other business owners from the start – don’t wait until the business is up and running to join local business groups. I’ve gotten so many great insights and referrals from my fellow local business owners.
What problem does your business solve?
We bring plants and greenery to spaces where people need to be reminded of our connection to nature. With both interior and exterior living plant walls and plantscapes, they are often placed in environments (such as offices) with less than ideal conditions for plants. As professionals, we design living plant installations that can sustain and grow plants where they may not otherwise thrive, by designing systems that supplement natural light and water. Then we provide maintenance by professional horticulturists which is really what makes the magic, makes the plants truly thrive.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
We want people to be able to enjoy plants everywhere. Whether you live in a city, in an apartment, or spend most of your days in an office, you should be able to experience nature and feel connected to the natural environment on a regular basis. That’s the mission of biophilic design, and it informs everything we do.
What is your magic sauce?
Our magic sauce is really our people. Our team are all true plant lovers – all of them, from our trained horticulturists to our installation technicians. Many of our team members sought us out and joined the team because they love plants, want to work with plants and want to learn more about green walls. Plants really do thrive better when they’re cared for with love.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
Our plan is to expand our services regionally, while developing our own product line. We are working on products that help make living with plants more accessible for urban dwellers, both for indoors and outdoors.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
The biggest challenge we’ve faced has been the extraordinarily harsh natural environment of Phoenix. Many of the practices and products that are developed in more temperate climates simply don’t work here. We changed course somewhat by adding products and services that are more durable in desert weather conditions: preserved moss walls and faux green walls. We fabricate the moss walls ourselves so that we can ensure the use of environmentally friendly materials, and we work with a super-premium faux green wall system that supports sustainability goals. Meanwhile, we’ve made adaptations to our living plant wall practice that help ameliorate these conditions, whether through plant selection, shade control, irrigation, etc.
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
Our services are highly scalable, so we work with both homeowners and commercial clients. We service the Southwester US region and consult worldwide. Reach out to us online at https://vertplantworks.com/contact or Instagram DM us @vertplantworks.
