Whether or not a florist can design depends on his or her skill levels to create those floral designs. Do they have any qualifications or training in floristry? Or do they have years of experience that have equipped them with the skills to design? Will they be able to come up with ideas that meet the needs and style of the client? Are they able to fully execute the client’s desired design?
Usually if a florist has qualifications in floristry, they are equipped with the skills to execute a variety of arrangements.
For example, when I studied my Certificate III in Floristry in Sydney, I learned techniques in crafting a range of designs. For example, bouquets and arrangements, including constructing wired bouquets, corsages, flower crowns etc. Plus I took exams where I had to complete those designs within a set time.
So the qualification equips the student with the skills to re-produce designs. For example designs in a flower delivery network catalogue.
Consequently when I progressed onto the Certificate IV of Floristry, the focus was more on designing and the business side of things. Also I learned how to construct more complex designs.